Criminal

  • 2016
  • R
  • 113m
movieMx RATING
6.2/101.8K
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: Criminal Review

Last updated: February 24, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 24, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Criminal (2016) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Criminal features a noteworthy lineup led by Ryan Reynolds . Supported by the likes of Kevin Costner and Gary Oldman , 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.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Criminal (2016) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Criminal stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: Criminal

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2016, Criminal is a Action, Crime, Science Fiction film directed by Ariel Vromen. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Ryan Reynolds.

Story Breakdown

In this high-octane feature, Ariel Vromen establishes a narrative structure that follows a classic action blueprint: establishing the protagonist's world, introducing a formidable antagonist, and escalating the stakes. CIA Agent Bill Pope is on a mission to track down a shadowy hacker named 'The Dutchman'. When he gets mysteriously killed, an experimental procedure transfers his memories into a dangerous ex-convict. When he wakes up Pope's memories, his mission is to eliminate The Dutchman before the hacker launches ICBMs and starts World War III. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments for Ryan Reynolds, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: The title opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Ryan Reynolds's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.

Ending Explained: Criminal

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Ariel Vromen, Criminal concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.

The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension involving Ryan Reynolds, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Criminal reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Criminal Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Criminal incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a action, crime, science fiction film directed by Ariel Vromen, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Ryan Reynolds's character.

Historical Context

The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.

Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.

Accuracy Assessment: Criminal adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch Criminal?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Ryan Reynolds or the director
  • Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection

Box Office Collection: Criminal

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $31.5M
Worldwide Gross $14.7M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

Criminal Budget

The estimated production budget for Criminal is $31.5M. 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.

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Top Cast: Criminal

All Cast & Crew →
Ryan Reynolds
Ryan ReynoldsBill Pope
Kevin Costner
Kevin CostnerJerico Stewart
Gary Oldman
Gary OldmanQuaker Wells
Tommy Lee Jones
Tommy Lee JonesDr. Franks
Gal Gadot
Gal GadotJill Pope
Alice Eve
Alice EveMarta Lynch
Michael Pitt
Michael PittJan Strook - The Dutchman
Jordi Mollà
Jordi MollàXavier Heimdahl
Antje Traue
Antje TraueElsa Mueller
Scott Adkins
Scott AdkinsPete Greensleeves
Amaury Nolasco
Amaury NolascoEsteban Ruiza
Danny Webb
Danny WebbLewis Deane
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Where to Watch Criminal Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

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Criminal Parents Guide & Age Rating

2016 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Criminal age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Criminal is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Criminal is 113 minutes (1h 53m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.2/10, and global performance metrics, Criminal is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2016 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Criminal. Rating: 6.2/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Criminal worth watching?

Criminal is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 6.2/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Criminal parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Criminal identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Criminal?

The total duration of Criminal is 113 minutes, which is approximately 1h 53m long.

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🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.2
Criminal
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