[yasr_overall_rating]
In a last-ditch effort to stop a diabolical plot, a dead CIA operative’s memories, secrets, and skills are implanted into a death-row inmate in hopes the he will complete the operative’s mission.
Not even Wonder Woman could save this one. “Criminal,” with an all-star cast and capable director, ends up stumbling over one plot hole after another. The premise itself, psychopath Jericho (Kevin Costner) gets his brain infused with the memories of CIA agent Bill Pope (Ryan Reynolds) in order to try and save the world from anarchist Heimdahl (Jordi Molla) who’s about to get his hands on software from hacker Jan “The Dutchman” Stroop (Michael Pitt) which will give the evil Spaniard the ability to control all the US military’s weaponry so he can destroy all the governments in the world, sounds ripped off of some really bad James Bond fan fiction. Tommy Lee Jones makes an appearance as the kind-hearted, sort of, Dr. Franks. Gal Gadot steps in as a grieving widow. Rounding out what should be a stellar cast of performers is Gary Oldman, playing the short-sighted CIA station chief, Quaker Wells.
For the most part the acting is not a problem. In fact, Costner gives Jericho real depth and creates sympathy for a man whose life transforms, even though he remains dangerous to the end. His performance elevates the film considerably, showing he still has command of the screen. If only he would pick better projects in which to ply his trade, he’d still be at the top of the A-List. Jones gives his best attempt at compassion, though his character works hand in hand with a CIA which clearly has no use for any individual who can’t help solve its problems. Gadot’s character is about as far away from Wonder Woman as you can get. She seems placed in the action solely to show Jericho is not such a bad guy after all. When you see the film, you’ll realize how little sense that makes. The biggest disappointment is Oldman, who overplays Wells as a spy with a short fuse who’s completely incapable of planning ahead.
Probably best known for 2012s “The Iceman” with Michael Shannon, director Avriel Vromen misses badly. I’m sure he was trying to make a point of some sort about the dangers of the American military industrial complex, but the story makes so little sense any real messaging gets lost in all the mind boggling plot turns. He’s demonstrated much more confidence, and competence before, which makes “Criminal” even more of a puzzle. Technically, everything is in place, from lighting to locations, set and costume design to a brilliant cast. It all fell apart with a script that could almost double as a set of Monty Python sketches. Except the writers for “Criminal” (Douglas Cook and David Weisberg) are serious.
It’s a classic case where the film starts with a bad script, but does nothing to improve on it. It’s a lot easier for a bad director to mess up a good script, but Vromen is a good director who just didn’t find a way to make lemonade out this batch of lemons. While the dialogue itself is fine, the premise is so far-fetched, along with virtually every other plot point after the initial 10-15 minutes, I kept asking myself questions like “Why are they doing this thing that so obviously doesn’t make sense?” or “Why does this remind me of a bad Michael Bay film?” and “Why don’t I have a watch so I can check and see how much longer I have to sit through this?” Unfortunately, all this makes it feel as if everyone involved just did it for the paycheck. Except Costner, he was pretty damn good.
I admit I had much higher expectations for this film, mostly because of the talented group attached to it. So, I have to mention that, as disappointed as I was, there were moments of real emotion that almost worked. I wanted Jericho to get his measure of redemption, but the surrounding milieu didn’t allow me to care that much despite Costner’s excellent work.
In theaters April 15th
