🎬 Criminal (2016) | A Deadly Mission and a Mind Transfer

Genre: Action, Thriller, Science Fiction
Director: Ariel Vromen
Starring: Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Tommy Lee Jones, Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot


Overview

Criminal is an action-packed thriller centered around the transfer of memories and skills from one individual to another. The story follows Jerico Stewart (Kevin Costner), a dangerous criminal with a violent past, who becomes the unlikely subject of a mind transplant operation. The procedure, meant to implant the memories of a CIA agent (played by Ryan Reynolds) into his brain, aims to prevent a global threat by accessing critical information about a cyber-attack. However, Jerico’s criminal mind complicates the mission, leading to a battle for control over his mind and life.


Plot Highlights

  • The Mind Transfer: The film explores the concept of transferring a person’s memories and skills into another’s brain. Jerico Stewart’s personality and violent tendencies clash with the CIA agent’s more noble memories, making for a tense and unpredictable dynamic.
  • High-Stakes Action: With the fate of national security on the line, Jerico must use the memories of the CIA agent to locate a hacker while dealing with his own personal demons and impulses.
  • Thrills and Tension: The film delivers high-stakes action sequences, intense chase scenes, and psychological tension, as Jerico is forced to confront the skills and memories of an innocent man while being hunted by his former allies and enemies.

Why Watch It?

  • Unique Premise: Criminal offers a fresh take on the action-thriller genre with its mind transfer concept. The psychological battle between Jerico and the implanted memories is compelling and full of intrigue.
  • Strong Cast: Kevin Costner’s performance as the anti-hero with a criminal background adds a layer of complexity to the character, while Ryan Reynolds brings a vulnerable, yet brave performance as the CIA agent whose memories are at the heart of the story.
  • Action and Suspense: The film keeps the tension high with well-executed action sequences, while the plot remains unpredictable as Jerico grapples with his newfound skills and knowledge.

Reception

While Criminal received mixed reviews, with criticism directed at its script and pacing, the performances of the cast, particularly Costner, were generally well-received. The film’s exploration of memory, identity, and moral conflict added depth to its action thriller structure.


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