The Twists And Turns Of "Criminal Activities"

Criminal Activities (2015)

Unrated

Starring Michael Pitt, Dan Stevens, Christopher Abbott, Rob Brown, Jackie Earle Haley, John Travolta

Directed by Jackie Earle Haley

The Story:

Four men come together to remember one of their classmates who passed away recently. As they talk, a sure-fire get rich quick scheme is uncovered. However, when it falls through, it turns out that a chunk of that money is owed to the mob, and now Eddie (Travolta) is coming to collect. Unless they are willing to do a job for him, in which case he will completely forgive their debt.

Let the games begin.

This is a bit of a roller-coaster movie.

To explain the plot much further than what I did would spoil much of the film as it falls within the heist or mob family of films.

It's got its ups and downs, but overall, when it's all said and done, you're glad you went on the ride.

Just know that when Travolta and Jackie Earle Haley are on the screen, things usually pick up tremendously.

Which gives you the ups, and the downs happen when the rest of the cast takes center stage, because they just don't quite have the presence or sense of character that the other two veteran actors bring to the screen.

But for a B-movie with a lot of young, relatively unknown talent, it's not too bad at all.

So, no rush to move this to the top of your queue, but one that if you get around to seeing it, you'll probably be glad you did.

Final Grade:  C+