Criminal
This con man movie is best for older teens and up.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
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.
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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 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.
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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
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?
Movie Details
- In theaters: September 10, 2004
- On DVD or streaming: April 12, 2005
- Cast: Diego Luna, John C. Reilly, Maggie Gyllenhaal
- Director: Gregory Jacobs
- Studio: Warner Bros.
- Genre: Drama
- Run time: 87 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: language
- Last updated: March 14, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
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Confidence
Con man meets the mob. Violent, grown-up tale.
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Matchstick Men
This is a movie about con games at every level.
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