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CRIMINAL (15)
CRIMINAL (15)
Run time: 113mins
Director: Ariel Vromen
Cast: Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Alice Eve, Gal Gadot, Tommy Lee Jones, Ryan Reynolds
Synopsis: The film follows a CIA operative, whose memories and skills are implanted into an unpredictable and dangerous death-row inmate in a last-ditch effort to stop an international terrorist plot.
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From Ariel Vromen (The Iceman, 2012) this extremely violent, action sci-fi thriller returns Kevin Costner to a major lead role, backed by a formidable acting ensemble that includes Gary Oldman, Alice Eve, Gal Gadot, Tommy Lee Jones and Ryan Reynolds.
The over-long and complex plot revolves round a ground-breaking medical procedure whereby a dead man’s memories are transplanted into the body of a dangerous Death Row inmate – a shadowy dangerous hacker who threatens to launch intercontinental ballistic missiles and start World War 3.
Jericho Stewart (Kevin Costner) is a dangerous ex-con serving a life sentence on Death Row. However, he may unwittingly be the CIA’s only hope of foiling a deadly terrorist plot, one that has already claimed the life of agent Bill Pope (Ryan Reynolds). Stewart is chosen as the guinea pig for an experimental procedure whereby Pope’s memories, secrets and skills are implanted into his body, allowing the criminal to use the dead man’s knowledge and complete the mission. Soon the lines between Stewart and Pope become increasingly blurred, especially when the former makes contact with the latter’s widow Jill (Gal Gadot). As chaos ensues, it remains unclear whether Stewart’s mission will succeed.
Dramatic use is made of the film’s UK locations and it features an all-star supporting cast, including Gary Oldman and Tommy Lee Jones, though the appearance of Ryan Reynolds is all too brief. Unfortunately all the elements thrown into the script are unconvincing and the redemption journey of Costner’s Jericho seems over-long and awkward.
Images courtesy of Lionsgate