2008 Woodie Awards
Criminal Behavior
Director Gregory Jacobs remakes a classic with as much intrigue and suspense as the original.
Claudia Lozano
Issue date: 9/29/04 Section: Valley Life
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If you're bored with superheroes, deafening explosions and relentless car pursuits, then "Criminal" is the film to see. A remake of the Fabiån Bielinsky's Argentine film "Nueve Reinas," "Criminal" s a cinematic masterpiece.
Except for minor changes, "Criminal" is like watching "Nueve Reinas" without subtitles.
Director Gregory Jacobs shrewdly delivers a remake true to form, even incorporating the original language.
Diego Luna ("Havana Nights", "Y tù Mama Tambien") and John C. Reilly ("The Hours"), star as slick con artists who team up for 24 hours to swindle a rare currency collector. The cards turn when everyone gets in on this duo's scam of a lifetime.
Unraveling a long thread of cons, the film focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of Richard (Reilly) and Rodrigo (Luna) . The two engage in a match-up, testing their ability to con people and scam each other.
The culprits are likeable characters working in opposite sides of town. Richard's only goal is never to be "handcuffed with his face on the ground," and Rodrigo hopes to retire from his line of work before he turns into his counterpart.
Both men deal with "family issues" in a distinctive way. Richard cheats his siblings, Valerie and Michael (Maggie Gyllenhaal and Jonathan Tucker) whereas Rodrigo is only trying to save his father.
"Criminal" not only has what it takes to capture an audience, but also offers more. Despite being an import, the film's social message resonates to all and should not be dismissed as "foreign affairs." "Criminal" will entertain and appeal to anyone in need for some plausible human excitement.
Except for minor changes, "Criminal" is like watching "Nueve Reinas" without subtitles.
Director Gregory Jacobs shrewdly delivers a remake true to form, even incorporating the original language.
Diego Luna ("Havana Nights", "Y tù Mama Tambien") and John C. Reilly ("The Hours"), star as slick con artists who team up for 24 hours to swindle a rare currency collector. The cards turn when everyone gets in on this duo's scam of a lifetime.
Unraveling a long thread of cons, the film focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of Richard (Reilly) and Rodrigo (Luna) . The two engage in a match-up, testing their ability to con people and scam each other.
The culprits are likeable characters working in opposite sides of town. Richard's only goal is never to be "handcuffed with his face on the ground," and Rodrigo hopes to retire from his line of work before he turns into his counterpart.
Both men deal with "family issues" in a distinctive way. Richard cheats his siblings, Valerie and Michael (Maggie Gyllenhaal and Jonathan Tucker) whereas Rodrigo is only trying to save his father.
"Criminal" not only has what it takes to capture an audience, but also offers more. Despite being an import, the film's social message resonates to all and should not be dismissed as "foreign affairs." "Criminal" will entertain and appeal to anyone in need for some plausible human excitement.
