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Criminal (R, 2004)

common sense media says

This con man movie is best for older teens and up.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie includes strong language, sexual references (including brokering of a family member for financial gain), drinking, smoking, tension, and peril. The characters in the movie are crooks who cheat other people out of money.

Positive messages: The characters in the movie are crooks who cheat other people out of money.
Violence: Tense emotional scenes, some violence.
Sex: Sexual references and non-explicit situations.
Language: Very strong language -- many f-words.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Drinking, smoking.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Criminal

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the decision Richard has to make when his mark adds an extra condition to the deal. Why is it worth it to him to agree? How do people who make a living being untrustworthy decide who to trust?

What's the story?

What's the story?
CRIMINAL begins with Richard (John C. Reilly), a professional con man rescuing novice con artist Rodrigo (Diego Luna), and offering to take him on as a partner. But first they have to show each other what they can do. Then they begin the big con -- they plan to sell a forgery to a zillionaire who is staying at a luxury hotel where Richard's estranged sister is a manager. The rich guy has to leave the country soon, but he collects rare currency and if Richard's bill can be verified, he wants to buy it.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
The con man's greatest asset is not the gullibility of the mark, but the greed. It's much easier to persuade someone that you are dishonest than honest, especially if he is intrigued by the chance to be just a little dishonest for once, too. And it is our own slightly crooked impulses that make films about con men so much fun to watch, as long as we can avoid sympathy for the mark.

The nicely twisty script of Criminal was first filmed as the Argentinean film, Nine Queens. This American remake has a strong cast and some nice surprises, but misses the sparkle of the original.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Warner Bros.
Director: Gregory Jacobs
Cast: Diego Luna, John C. Reilly, Maggie Gyllenhaal
Genre: Drama
Run time: 87 minutes
Theatrical release: September 10, 2004
DVD release: April 12, 2005
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: language
This review was written by Nell Minow
 
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines