Criminal
Criminal Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 10, 2026
Movie Overview: Criminal
| Movie | Criminal |
| Release Year | 2016 |
| Director | Ariel Vromen |
| Genre | Action / Crime / Science Fiction |
| Runtime | 113 minutes |
| Language | EN |
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?
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 / 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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How Criminal Compares & Where it Ranks
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.








