Criminal (2016)
A violent and dangerous convict is given a second chance at life when an experimental procedure implants the memories, knowledge, and skills of a recently deceased CIA agent into his brain. As he gains the agent's intelligence, he embarks on a high-stakes mission, navigating the blurred lines between criminality and heroism while using his new abilities to prevent a global catastrophe.
Criminal is one of those films that takes a wild concept and runs with it. The idea of implanting a dead CIA agent’s memories into a criminal's mind sounds crazy, but honestly, it makes for an interesting ride. Kevin Costner as the tough-as-nails convict forced to become a hero? It’s the kind of role that fits him well—gruff, morally gray, and kinda unpredictable. The action is fast and furious, but the real heart of the movie is in how the character’s mind shifts as he starts experiencing the memories of the agent he’s “possessing.” It’s a mix of high-stakes tension and emotional conflict as he tries to do something good, even when it feels like everything’s falling apart. Garry Oldman and Tommy Lee Jones give solid performances, but Costner really carries the movie with his portrayal of someone struggling with his own identity. It’s not the most groundbreaking film, but if you’re in the mood for a high-energy thriller with a twist, Criminal hits the spot.
Criminal is an adrenaline-fueled action thriller that really keeps you on the edge of your seat. The concept is intriguing: a dangerous criminal (played by Kevin Costner) has the memories and skills of a deceased CIA agent implanted in his brain, giving him a chance to carry out a mission he knows nothing about. It’s a wild premise, and while it’s not exactly a groundbreaking story, it definitely delivers in terms of suspense and action. Kevin Costner plays the antihero in a way that’s both gritty and surprisingly vulnerable. His character, Jericho Stewart, is a violent, unpredictable man, but once he starts to absorb the memories of the agent, there’s a sense of conflict within him. He’s forced to do things he doesn’t fully understand, and the clash between his criminal instincts and the moral compass of the CIA agent's memories creates some interesting dynamics. While the film may be predictable at times, it’s a rollercoaster of action, with plenty of shootouts, chases, and high-stakes moments. There’s also an emotional undercurrent as Jericho starts to develop some kind of connection to the family of the agent whose memories he’s carrying—his transformation from a cold-blooded criminal to someone who starts to care, even just a little, is a strong thread running through the film. Criminal isn’t going to win any awards for its plot complexity, but if you’re looking for an action-packed thriller with a bit of heart, some solid performances (especially from Costner), and plenty of tense moments, it’s a solid choice.