By Warren Gordon
Staff Writer
Ryan Reynolds and Kevin Costner swap bodies in this action-packed science fiction thriller.
“Criminal”, by Ariel Vromen, has multiple unbelievable scenes, but switches up the playing field with its unique plot and talented cast.
CIA agent Billy Pope (Ryan Reynolds) dies on a mission, but contains world saving knowledge that only he knows. In a quick response, the CIA finds a neurosurgeon who can transfer memories from a dead animal to a live one. Never human tested, they select Jerico Stewart (Kevin Costner) to be the guinea pig as the first human trial.
After obtaining Pope’s memories, skills, and knowledge, Stewart is in a race against time to find someone who has the power to explode the world, before his intelligence gets into the wrong hands.
The film’s scenes were at many times unbelievable. For example, when Stewart obtained all of the knowledge that Pope had, he immediately went to Pope’s house. With very little persuasion, he is able to convince Pope’s wife to believe him about everything, as she gave up top secret stuff within seconds. This aspect of the film took away suspense and attentiveness out of the audience since it was too unbelievable.
Although the film has its blemishes, Vromen does a great job of making the most of his talented cast. Costner is known to play many types of roles as he has in “Draft Day” and “Dancing with Wolves”. Due to his talent, he is able to play a fairly new type of role, being a death-row prison inmate, turned to a caring CIA agent. Coster is able to keep the audience’s attention due to his talent and unpredictability, making the film more intriguing.
Along with Costner, Reynolds contributes in creating the film’s success. Playing his usual role of a violent but passionate character, as he did in “X-Men” and “Green Lantern”, Reynolds’ attributes along with his tone of voice is able to make him excel in this type of role. As a CIA agent Reynolds fit the role perfectly, and due was able to create tension and suspense from the start of the film, even with his limited time on screen.
Contributing to the excellent acting, the unique plot helps in the making of the film’s success. Vromen and his coworkers, do a good job of coming up with a plot that is unused and up to date with a possibility for modern technology. The use of mind swapping, is able to keep the audience attached, as the audience is constantly curious about how Pope’s memories and skills will help improve or hurt Stewart.
Overall, the film overcomes the unbelievability of the film, and succeeds with the talented acting and unique plot. “Criminal” is one of the better science fiction films, and is a must see if you are looking for a sci-fi movie.
“Criminal” is playing nationwide and is rated R.
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