Ordinary Decent Criminal

Entertaining enough as far as it goes, though that isn't very far. The crime vignettes are highly amusing, but the over-arching plot - the story of Lynch being sold-out to the IRA by his own team - lacks development and is much too conveniently resolved in a climax that relies on coincidence. However Spacey, as always, is a joy to watch. He's a fine actor, and he does convince - the occasional accent lapse notwithstanding.

Very amusing crime comedy with Kevin Spacey as the star of the show. We already knew that Spacey is capable of playing any role and also in this movie he truly delivers. Kevin Spacey is Michael Lynch, an ordinary decent criminal who loves playing some games with the cops. I think you can compare him to Thomas Crown (performed by Steve McQueen in 1968 and by Pierce Brosnan in the remake 31 years later). A criminal, a gentleman and womaniser in one person.

Kevin Spacey was excellently casted as the male lead. Furthermore we see Linda Fiorentino as Lynch's wife, Peter Mullan ("My Name Is Joe") as Spacey's right hand and a very small part for Colin Farrell. The story is very well written and it contains a lot of twist. A must see for a Saturday night. Not a deep or difficult story, just fine Saturday night entertainment.

Recommendable! 7,5/10

I stumbled across this movie and watched it without preconceptions or expectations. Unlike many of your reviewers I enjoyed it hugely. But then, I haven't seen "The General". So whether comparison with that film is fair or not, I couldn't say.

But what none of your reviewers have pointed to is its structural resemblance to "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels". ODC is not as original as that wonderful film, but imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and it doesn't do a bad job in terms of wit or entertainment.

Spacey's casting is a bit bizarre, but works because of that and his geniality lifts the movie. Only Patrick Malahide takes character truly into the realms of caricature.

Overall ODC is an engaging and enjoyable romp of a film with some nice twists and plenty to enjoy in an undemanding sort of way.

Ordinary decent Criminal is an above average irish cops v robbers story about a charming criminal played by Kevin spacey who masterminds robbery's and who is always one step ahead of the Police. I'm not sure why Kevin Spacey took the lead role in this film, it is certainly no Usual Suspects but it does have the slight feel of it. You cant help but like Spacey's character, he is an Irishman who dislikes the church and the IRA and that is a breath of fresh air for feature film made in the republic. While this film is very watchable you cant help feel it is a little like a feature length version of an episode of Minder. 7 out of 10

On the wings of the Sopranos era concept 'crime is a business as any other', here comes the Irish version. The problem is that it lies entirely on the shoulders of Oscar-touched Kevin Stacey. It tries to be a very Irish film, with human and enjoyable gangsters, the cops are the villain, and the victims never really show up. The charm relies entirely on Kevin Stacey's performance, though some other good acting can be seen around - for example Linda Fiorentino who gets too little screen time, in my opinion, and some other supporting actors who must be Irish or British because they are both good, as well as fresh faces. However, acting only cannot save the movie, it is after all easy to forget, and certainly cannot provide the answer to the key question - can ordinary decent criminals really be ordinary decent humans?