A twisty twisted tale of crime and punishment Criminal Activities will keep you guessing till the final turn of events. The film has a very good up-and-coming cast with a balance of A-list actors Jackie Early Haley and John Travolta. If you like your entertainment gutsy and gritty, then this film has the right elements for you. The movie enters the DVD/Blu-ray market today.
Four friends Zack (Michael Pitt), Bryce (Rob Brown), Warren (Christopher Abbott) and Noah (Dan Stevens) meet up at a diner following the funeral of High School chum Matthew. During a conversation, Noah tells the three of an insider stock deal called Bidexco that can make them millions. Not having the best of jobs, it peaks their interest. The only catch is they have to come up with $200,000 to buy enough stock to make it worth their while. The other three balk on the proposition not having that kind of funds until Noah volunteers to back the whole deal.
Sometime later Bidexco gets investigated by the FBI and the stock becomes worthless. What makes matters worse, Noah says he borrowed the money from mobster Eddie Lovato (John Travolta). So begins a tale so diabolical anything bad can happen, and it does. Jackie Early Haley (Little Children) makes his directorial debut with this above average thriller that keeps his audience off balance even in the finale. Although a little clichéd it’s a winning movie.
Haley brings four of the most charismatic up-and-coming actors together and centers their characters against impossible odds. The plot sets them against each other forcing conflicts that show their fine abilities. Michael Pitt (“Boardwalk Empire”), Rob Brown (The Express), Christopher Abbott (James White) and Dan Stevens (The Guest) do a bang-up job as the innocent bystanders that find themselves caught up in a chaotic situation with no way out. Each has their own atypical personality and situations causing the state of their dilemma even worse than it seems. They provide the show while the other actors add the stimuli.
Edi Gathegi however, steals his scenes as the smart mouthed gang member Marques the son of its kingpin. He shows acting skills that make his performance chillingly diabolical as he faces down his captures in scenes that bring out the best in the cast. He’s more than just a supporter here as he ups the suspense and turns an easy situation into one that turns sour. He captures the screen whenever on it showing his convincing ability to make a pivotal role count. You may recognize him as Laurent from Twilight.
I like John Travolta’s role in the film. Even though he may have brought the persona to other characters that have revitalized his careen, this one he plays best. A tough mob boss, he’s not one to screw over and changes from Mister Nice Guy to a wicked task master when things start to go south.
BONUS FEATUES
The DVD has some okay bonus features
“Interview with Director Jackie Early Haley and John Travolta” Insightful and fun to watch.
“Deleted Scenes” Nothing earthshattering.
Criminal Activities has not been rated by the MPAA but contains graphic sex, nudity, violence, drug use, and language. This is one DVD you do not want non-adult viewers seeing.
FINAL ANALYSIS: An above average crime thriller. (B-)
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Michael Pitt, Dan Stevens, Christopher Abbott, Rob Brown, Edi Gathegi, Jackie Earle Haley, John Travolta
Directed by: Jackie Earle Haley
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, Contains drug use, violence, sex, nudity and language
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Running Time: 1 hr. 34 min
Original Theatrical Release Date: November 20, 2015
Video Release Date: November 16, 2016
Language: English
Reviewed Format: DVD (Also available in Blu-ray)
Audio:
Video: Widescreen, Aspect Ratio 2.40:1
Subtitles: CC
Number of Discs: 1 Disc
Distributed by: RLJ Entertainment
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
