Criminal

First-time director Gregory Jacobs' English-language remake of the Argentine thriller NINE QUEENS (2000) revolves around a veteran grifter, his younger apprentice and the con of a lifetime that falls into their laps. Richard Giddis (John C. Reilly) helps sweet-faced Rodrigo (Diego Luna) out of a tight spot when the green con artist gets caught bilking a waitress at a small-time casino, and makes the youngster an offer. Giddis specializes in two-man swindles and his regular partner is out of town; if Rodrigo would be willing to fill in for a day or two, he could learn some moves at the hands of a master. Giddis immediately shows Rodrigo a couple of tried-and-true scam...