Criminal (2004, USA) C-87m. **½ D: Gregory Jacobs. Starring John C. Reilly, Diego Luna, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Peter Mullan, Zitto Kazann, Jonathan Tucker, Ellen Geer, Brandon Keener. Remake of the acclaimed NINE QUEENS / NUEVE REINAS (2000) about professional con artist Reilly, who takes a young Mexican under his wing, offering to take part in a lucrative deal. Is there a double-cross involved? Gyllenhaal is wasted as Reilly's sister. Interesting to watch, but apart from the fine performances, there is little to defend this film. Its conclusion seems half-baked. Photographed by Chris Menges. Produced by George Clooney and Steven Soderbergh.



© Ron Altman