Ordinary Decent Criminal

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To the disappointment of Kevin Spacey fans, Miramax never released Ordinary Decent Criminal in the U.S. That has more to do with backstage negotiations than with the quality of this amusing Irish crime caper, which was overshadowed by John Boorman's similar and superior film The General. Both were inspired by the exploits of infamous Irish gangster Martin Cahill, fictionalized here as Michael Lynch (Spacey, with a passable brogue), an elusive bank robber who prides himself on family values and clever escapes. His latest brazen scheme involves the theft of a priceless Caravaggio painting, but director Thaddeus O'Sullivan (who made the underrated Nothing Personal) is more interested in quirky character study than criminal behavior, giving the film its jaunty, uneven mix of humor, drama, and violence. The casting of Spacey and Linda Fiorentino (as Lynch's supportive wife) is an awkward concession to international box office, but the movie's Irish flavor--including a pre-stardom role for Colin Farrell--is enough to keep its cagey spirits high. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Academy Award(R)-winner Kevin Spacey (Best Actor, 1999, AMERICAN BEAUTY) leads an all-star cast in this fast, fun, and suspenseful story of a clever crime boss and the lost art of the heist! Michael Lynch (Spacey) is Dublin's most notorious criminal, known for brazen robberies that perplex the police and inspire his fellow working-class Northsiders. When he's not playing family man with his children and two wives -- sisters Christine (Linda Fiorentino -- MEN IN BLACK) and Lisa (Helen Baxendale) -- Lynch is busy plotting elaborate larcenies that are as much about style and showmanship as the loot involved! But when the one cop (Stephen Dillane -- SPY GAME) sharp enough to catch Lynch gets on his case, our fun-loving criminal gets a run for his money! Also featuring Colin Farrell (MINOTIRY REPORT) as Lynch's loyal sidekick -- you're sure to get your money's worth from his highly original and endlessly entertaining movie treat!

Customer Reviews:

Waste of time for non-Spacey fans........2007-07-28

I rented this movie solely because I'm a huge fan of Kevin Spacey, and as such, I was pleased by some of the film. But its unnecessary length, its poor plotline that never seemed to get anywhere, and the strange atmosphere of the film (which ranged from tragic to light-hearted, cancelling out any real message) were simply too overpowering to make this a good movie. Plus, the ratio of time on a motorcycle to time developing a plot was probably 8:1. I know it's a true story, but some true stories just aren't worth telling, and this might be one of them.

Firmly Tongue-In-Cheek.......2006-09-15

Thaddeus O'Sullivan who directed the Irish troubles movie "Nothing Personal," "December Bride" & has "Shadow Chaser" with Samuel L. Jackson coming out next year guides "Ordinary Decent Criminal" with a light hand. While the most memorable scene may be Kevin Spacey mooning the police, it would also be correct to say that O'Sullivan keeps the tone firmly "tongue in cheek." This gangster film is a light romp filled with more witty banter than gunfire. Spacey does an excellent job as the criminal iconoclast Michael Lynch who probably is smart enough to hold a regular job, but is just too original to put up with it. He is married to Christine played by Linda Fiorentino. She doesn't have a lot to do in the film, but she does love art and draws Lynch into the love of a particular Caravaggio. Helen Boxendale who was on a number of "Friends" episodes plays sister "Lisa" who also is kind of "married" to Lynch. They have their separate households and the sisters get along perfectly well sharing their man. The gag culminates when the police think they've killed Lynch whose face has been blown off by bullets. As they un-drape the corpse and reveal his private parts, knowing glances between the sisters let them know that it's not Lynch. Peter Mullan who won a Best Actor award at Cannes for "My Name Is Joe" plays Stevie. Stephen Dillane plays the Detective Sergeant Quigley who seems to routinely get stumped by Lynch. Dillane became a favorite actor of mine in a romantic film called "Firelight." Last but not least is the role of Alex played by Colin Farrell. In what was his 2nd film before "Tigerland" broke him as a Hollywood commodity, he does a decent job with few lines of trying to rip off the painting. His Irish pronunciation of "shoite" slips off the tongue with ease. I enjoyed this film's face pace and wild spree. It's a delightful evening's entertainment! Enjoy!

Enjoyable Kevin Spacey Vehicle.......2006-05-15

Ordinary Decent Criminal (shot in the U.K., Germany and Ireland) was a fairly loose and thinly veiled adaptation of the John Boormans critically acclaimed book, The General.

The General, told the story of real-life Irish criminal, Martin Cahill, who spent most of his days robbing the rich (with his philosphy being "they can afford it so why shouldn't I), laughably antagonising the police and on several occasions, falling foul of the IRA.

In a perfect piece of casting, Kevin Spacy takes on the role of the initial Cahill characterization and is re-named Michael Lynch in the film.

Kevin Spacy puts in a solid, power-packed, beleavable performance. He approaches his role in a number of ways and is vastly effective as the cocky but equally likeable Dublin gangster, playing it as though a loveable rogue in contrast to the real Cahill. His Irish accent is a little dodgy at times but apart from that minor flaw, Spacy excels in the role.

Directed by Thaddeus O' Sullivan with the screenplay having been written by Gerald Sternbridge, Ordinary Decent Criminal was considerably well-structured despite the lack of true detail to which the main character was based. The film follows Michael Lynch's many crime sprees (do not want to give too much away there) and makes for highly entertaining viewing. If anything the film seemed more inspired by The General, rather than structuring it around the ethos of Boormans book. Still the film vastly works despite that initial shortcoming.

Linda Florentino takes the role of Michael Lynch's wife, Christine. His loyal almost fierce devotion to his family is made crystal clear from the early sequences in the film.

British T.V star, Helen Baxendale (a one-time star on the fantastic U.S sitcom Friends and and one of the principal leads in the smash-hit U.K comedy-drama series, Colf Feet) turns up as as Lisa (who surprisingly delivers a beleavable Irish accent) and bubbles in the background as Lisa. where as Peter Mullan as Steve and Stephen Dillane as Noel Quigley get their chance to shine, biting into their parts with a vengeance and making the most of every scene they're in.

Ordinary Decent Criminal (1999) hosts many moments of generally amusing comedy (such as when Spacy hilariously falshes his naked rear end to some irritatingly condesending policemen) whilst there are a host of impressive action scenes, particulary the exciting climax of the film.

Kevin Spacy and the rest of the cast liven this film up no end and Thaddeus O' Sullivans direction is tight and sharp, matching the fast, overly witty and earthy dialogue.

Ordinary Decent Criminal.......2006-03-16

It's a good movie if you are a Kevin Spacey fan. It is interesting that this movie is based on a Michael Lynch who existed and did what he did.

Though not a masterpiece, a movie worth watching!.......2005-12-21

Ordinary Decent Criminal brings to the screen the story of an Irish gangster (robber/thief) whose schemes provoke the wrath of both the IRA and the police.
The movie is action packed and very witty, while the acting is excellent.
Kevin Spacey, Colin Farrell, and the rest of the cast have truly outdone themselves with their performances, which are outstanding to say the least! All the actors, without exceptions, give it their 100% and it really shows!
The plot, the setting, the dialogues, and the music are all wonderful!
The rating could have been PG-13, as there's no serious reason really for an R rating.
In short, it's a movie definitely worth watching, as it will provide for an evening's entertainment, though you might want to stop short of buying it.
Strongly recommended for those with a soft spot for Ireland and all things Irish!

Average customer rating:

Waste of time for non-Spacey fans.
Firmly Tongue-In-Cheek
Enjoyable Kevin Spacey Vehicle
Ordinary Decent Criminal
Though not a masterpiece, a movie worth watching!

Ordinary Decent Criminal [Region 2]
Starring: Kevin Spacey , Linda Fiorentino , Peter Mullan , Stephen Dillane , and Helen Baxendale
Director: Thaddeus O'Sullivan
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( O ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B00004WZVX

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Customer Reviews:

Waste of time for non-Spacey fans........2007-07-28

Firmly Tongue-In-Cheek.......2006-09-15

Enjoyable Kevin Spacey Vehicle.......2006-05-15

Ordinary Decent Criminal.......2006-03-16

It's a good movie if you are a Kevin Spacey fan. It is interesting that this movie is based on a Michael Lynch who existed and did what he did.

Though not a masterpiece, a movie worth watching!.......2005-12-21

Ordinary Decent Criminal [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Sweden ]

Average customer rating:

Ordinary Decent Criminal [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Sweden ]
Director: Thaddeus O'Sullivan
Manufacturer: Nordisk
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Product Description

Sweden released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: it WILL NOT play on standard US DVD player. You need multi-region PAL/NTSC DVD player to view it in USA/Canada. LANGUAGES: Danish (Mono), English (Dolby Digital 5.1), English (Dolby Surround), Danish (Subtitles), Finnish (Subtitles), Norwegian (Subtitles), Swedish (Subtitles), WIDESCREEN, SYNOPSIS: Ordinary Decent Criminal is a classic gangster movie in modern-day Ireland. It follows the extraordinary adventures of a Robin Hood character, Michael Lynch, a thief, bigamist, liar, and criminal genius who robs from the rich to give to the poor. Michael is suave, sardonic, and sexy. When his leather-clad figure weaves its way through the Dublin traffic on a powerful motorbike, people stare in awe. He loves his two wives (who happen to be sisters), his wild kids, his gang, and, most of all, his way of life. He has two fundamental beliefs: be loyal to your own and the hell with the establishment. As his ego gets bigger and bigger, he enjoys his notoriety more than the cash it brings. Determined to break him, the police increases its harassment of the whole gang, as Michael makes a mistake that could threaten his good name with the public and his reliability as a bread-winner. But he recovers his equilibrium in time to dream up a final grand scheme to survive the trap set for him. The story is reminiscent of John Boorman's The General about a similar real-life character, Martin Cahill, also a Robin Hood married to two sisters. The impressive cast includes Kevin Spacey, Linda Fiorentino, and Peter Mullan, the tragic hero of My Name is Joe.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Trailer(s), Scene Access, Interactive Menu, Cast/Crew Interview(s),

Average customer rating:

Waste of time for non-Spacey fans.
Firmly Tongue-In-Cheek
Enjoyable Kevin Spacey Vehicle
Ordinary Decent Criminal
Though not a masterpiece, a movie worth watching!

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( O ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B00005J5B2

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Waste of time for non-Spacey fans........2007-07-28

Firmly Tongue-In-Cheek.......2006-09-15

Enjoyable Kevin Spacey Vehicle.......2006-05-15

Ordinary Decent Criminal.......2006-03-16

It's a good movie if you are a Kevin Spacey fan. It is interesting that this movie is based on a Michael Lynch who existed and did what he did.

Though not a masterpiece, a movie worth watching!.......2005-12-21

DVD:

DVD

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