Is American Criminal Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, American Criminal is likely a skip if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 100 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
American Criminal Review
Last updated: January 12, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2019, American Criminal emerges as a significant entry in the Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of "American Criminal" is filmed entirely in one shot . Unlike standard genre fare, American Criminal attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Dylan Bank, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Thriller elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and American Criminal features a noteworthy lineup led by Yancy Butler. Supported by the likes of Justin Deas and Colleen Zenk, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Yancy Butler, Justin Deas, Colleen Zenk manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2019 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Thriller space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, American Criminal is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of American Criminal follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 100 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, American Criminal resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Thriller landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 2.5/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, American Criminal is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. "American Criminal" is filmed entirely in one shot ... A police officer, a prosecutor, a judge, and a forensic scientist conspire to manufacture evidence against murderers who they are convinced are guilty, but they lack the full proofs. When a criminal defense attorney threatens to expose their illicit activities, one of the group murders him. The police officer, who was opposed to the killing, is framed for the lawyer's murder and sentenced to life in prison. With this backstory in place, five years later he escapes prison and kidnaps the entire jury who convicted him, as well as his former judge, prosecutor and scientist allies. He assembles them all at a Jewish temple - the scene of the lawyer's murder - and proceeds to prove his innocence to them, while at the same time exacting just a bit more vigilante justice.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of American Criminal (2019) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 2.5/10 and strong performance metrics in the Thriller categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Yancy Butler, Justin Deas, Colleen Zenk or the visual majesty of its technical execution, American Criminal is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2019. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
American Criminal Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1,500,000 |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
American Criminal Budget
The estimated production budget for American Criminal is $1,500,000. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch American Criminal Online?
Streaming HubParents Guide & Age Rating
American Criminal has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Thriller), viewers should expect mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 2.5/10, and global collection metrics, American Criminal stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2019 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Criminal movie hit or flop?
American Criminal is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 2.5/10 and lower collections.
Is American Criminal worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 2.5/10, American Criminal may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch American Criminal online?
American Criminal may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Explore More Verdicts
Synopsis
"American Criminal" is filmed entirely in one shot ... A police officer, a prosecutor, a judge, and a forensic scientist conspire to manufacture evidence against murderers who they are convinced are guilty, but they lack the full proofs. When a criminal defense attorney threatens to expose their illicit activities, one of the group murders him. The police officer, who was opposed to the killing, is framed for the lawyer's murder and sentenced to life in prison. With this backstory in place, five years later he escapes prison and kidnaps the entire jury who convicted him, as well as his former judge, prosecutor and scientist allies. He assembles them all at a Jewish temple - the scene of the lawyer's murder - and proceeds to prove his innocence to them, while at the same time exacting just a bit more vigilante justice.