A different kind of crime thriller, Crypto enters the market on VOD media and select theaters on April 12th. Nicely acted by Beau Knapp, it’s his first starring role and it’s much deserved. The actor has 33 credits to his name and this drama should bump him up in the actor list. If you’re seeking a good film on VOD or if it’s available in your city at a local theater, then Crypto is an option.
Up and coming bank associate Martin Duran (Beau Knapp), who has been rising to the top of the food chain, has been called in front of the Board of Directors of OmniBank of New York after turning in a report that’s less than adequate. It’s not so much about the report, but that he sidestepped his boss Robin (Jill Hennessy), who’s head of the compliance department. Embarrassed, but liked very much by Robin, she saves his job by sending him to a satellite office in the small town of Elba, New York.
It’s his home town and to add insult to injury, he’s been estranged from his father Martin, Sr. (Kurt Russell) and his brother Caleb (Luke Hemsworth) for many years following his mother’s death from an illness. But, as luck would have it, he runs into a school friend Earl (Jeremie Harris) who welcomes him back to town. Earl being a computer whiz, can hack into most anything on the internet and impresses Martin with his knowledge of Bitcoin.
At the local office of Omni, he finds the going slow and slower while seething in his error with the home office. One day while going through the records at the office he discovers a problem that he takes to Earl. When it smells of money laundering, he starts an unauthorized investigation that leads to a trail that puts himself and others around him in danger.
Fledgling director John Stalberg, Jr. does a pretty good job of developing the story and introducing characters as it rolls along. He weaves his tale that includes a lead for Martin to investigate a local art gallery where he meets Katie (Alexis Bledel), connecting with his dismayed brother at the farm, and even digging up information at the local Omni Bank. The threads start to come together and as Martin starts putting together the clues, more danger becomes evident. Even though the film may be a bit predictable, the acting here is spot on.
It was nice seeing Luke Hemsworth and Kurt Russell in the film as they give their usual best to their roles. I think you will get a thrill or two from Luke’s ex-military Caleb who can get mighty upset at the perpetrators and Russell’s farmer Martin Sr. that finds himself in the hands of bad guys. Russell gave an excellent performance in Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight (2015) as John Ruth, the cantankerous bounty hunter and Mr. Nobody in F. Gary Gray’s The Fate of the Furious. Look for him in the upcoming Quentin Tarantino comedy/drama Once Upon a Time in Hollywood being released this year in July.
Hemsworth has been laying low playing both sides of the coin on TV with “Westworld” and in the movie Thor: Ragnarok (2017) in the title role. His role here may be a bit toned down, but when his younger brother Martin gets in a bind, he shows the character’s violent side.
Crypto has been rated R for language throughout, some violence, sexuality and drug use.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A good crime drama. (2.5 out of 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Beau Knapp, Jeremie Harris, Kurt Russwell, Luke Hemsworth, Alexis Bledel, Vincent Kartheiser, Jill Hennessy,
Directed by: John Stalberg, Jr.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
MPAA Rating: R for language throughout, some violence, sexuality and drug use
Running Time: 1 hr. 42 min.
Opening Date: April 12, 2019
Distributed by: Lionsgate Home Entertainment
Released in: VOD and Select Theaters
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
