After I got my haircut today, Dear Readers, I went to see a new motion picture entertainment called Criminal, which stars Mr. John C. Reilly, Mr. Diego Luna and Miss Maggie Gyllenhaal.
In the film, which takes place over the course of a single day, Mr. Reilly plays a small stakes con man who latches onto Mr. Luna and--partnering with him on a trial basis--starts to teach him the tricks of the trade. A huge con opportunity falls into Mr. Reilly's lap which he, of course, grabs, taking Mr. Luna along with him for the ride. Miss Gyllenhaal plays Mr. Reilly's sister, who works at the fancy hotel where the big con will go down.
The film is taut and suspenseful, made all the more so as everyone Mr. Reilly encounters, it seems, wants in on the con. Shot on location in various locales--rich and poor--around the Los Angeles area, the city provides a meaningful fabric that supports several turns of event in the story. The acting is terrific all around. It's nice to see Mr. Reilly in a lead role, as he's made such an impression in all the supporting roles I've seen him in. As has been the case on each and every occasion when I've seen her on the screen, Miss Gyllenhaal is completely irresistable.
I predict Criminal will do quite well, as many audience members will want to come back to their local cinema for a repeat viewing.
