 | ON: Content is age-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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Criminal
- Review Date: November 9, 2006
- R
- Genre: Drama
- 2004
Common Sense Media says
This con man movie is best for older teens and up.
Parents say
Kids say
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.
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?
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.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
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?
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| Studio: | Warner Bros. |
| Director: | Gregory Jacobs |
| Cast: | Diego Luna, John C. Reilly, Maggie Gyllenhaal |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 87 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | September 10, 2004 |
| DVD release date: | April 12, 2005 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | language |
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