Criminal

  • 2016
  • R
  • 113m
movieMx RATING
6.2
1.9K
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Criminal Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict

Last updated: April 10, 2026

movieMx Editorial
📅 Updated: April 10, 2026 🎟️ Verified Screening

Movie Overview: Criminal

MovieCriminal
Release Year2016
DirectorAriel Vromen
GenreAction / Crime / Science Fiction
Runtime113 minutes
LanguageEN

🎬 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 & Character Study

The performances in Criminal are led by Kevin Costner . The supporting cast, including Gary Oldman and Tommy Lee Jones , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.

💡 movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

After analyzing the verified data, our assessment of Criminal (2016) is mixed. It has its moments but fails to leave a lasting impression. With a platform rating of 6.2/10, it currently stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our database.

What Works in the Movie

While Criminal does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Action films.

  • Interesting concept or premise
  • Some entertaining scenes
  • Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights

What Doesn't Work

Despite its strengths, Criminal has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.

  • Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
  • Some predictable plot developments
  • May not appeal to audiences outside the Action fanbase

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 Kevin Costner.

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 Kevin Costner, 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. Kevin Costner'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

Criminal Ending Explained: Directed by Ariel Vromen, Criminal wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core action themes developed throughout the film.

The climax builds toward a high-stakes confrontation that resolves the main conflict, particularly in scenes involving Kevin Costner. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.

Key Elements of the Ending

  • Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
  • Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
  • Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the action themes introduced earlier in the film.

The final moments of Criminal reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.

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

Is Criminal Based on a True Story?

Criminal draws from real criminal cases and investigative records. As a action, crime, science fiction film directed by Ariel Vromen, the production explores how real events can be adapted into a dramatic narrative.

Real Story vs Movie Version

The film takes creative liberties to strengthen its narrative. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.

While inspired by real events, the narrative focuses more on storytelling than strict historical accuracy.

Accuracy Assessment: Criminal uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.

Who Should Watch Criminal?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Kevin Costner 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

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Where to Watch Criminal Online?

Streaming Hub

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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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Critic Reviews for Criminal

🛡️

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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