Criminal
Performance & Direction: Criminal Review
Last updated: February 24, 2026
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?
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 / Region | Collection (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.
Top Cast: Criminal
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Where to Watch Criminal Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
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Lionsgate Play Amazon ChannelCriminal Parents Guide & Age Rating
2016 AdvisoryWondering about Criminal age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ 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.
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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Critic Reviews for Criminal
**A man with the two minds!** This is a very familiar theme, but a different format and gives a different scientific excuse to execute the story. It is kind of 'Face/off' and 'Self/less' meets the 'Hardcore Henry'. It has some decent stunt sequences, but most of the film was just running and chasing around. And then there's a youngster whose involvement was the centre of the narration. It all begins when an American secret agent was killed before completing his mission in the London. The important data from his brain were transmitted to a prison serving convict and then after the surgery he goes loose. So the man hunt begins against the running out of the time where the original mission needs to be accomplished. How the rest of the story shapes up were a fast paced action-thriller. Something I don't like in the todays films are the open ending keeping in mind a sequel. This was an average box office film, but they might make another film. Wonderful cast, though. There are too many big names and everybody did the brief roles, except Kevin Costner in the main character, a tough one. But I did not know it was his film till I watch. In the poster he looked like somebody else. Though he did well along with the others, particularly Gal Gadot who I saw recently as Wonder Woman and now as an ordinary wife. A swift pace, but the story was nothing, overly depended on the star value as well as the stunts and the technical quality. Overall film was okay kind, partially entertaining, because of the performances. 6/10
Another knock-off of well-known subjects. Solid making, good cast, some action and brutality, big stakes; all the formula components are there. But the big drama fails to be emotionally engaging. OK to watch with lowered expectations, waste of time if you expect more.
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.










