Ed Gein

• 2000
• Biography
• Crime
• Drama

A boring, uneventful, badly-performed, low-budget film about a serial killer who decorates his house with the skin of his victims.

The Place Beyond the Pines

• 2013
• Crime
• Drama

This is the most impactful and heart-breaking drama I have seen so far in 2013. And, ladies, you get a 2-for-1 deal with Gosling and Cooper so everyone can, and should see this hidden gem of a film. Actually, you must see this.

The Invisible War

• 2012
• Crime
• Documentary

“This is going to be a real downer, isn’t it?” Yes it is, but it's a big injustice in America's military system that should not be swept under the rug.

Identity Thief

• 2013
• Comedy
• Crime

It’s the kind of comedy that does something funny once and then does it again, hoping you’ll laugh. After it repeatedly does it, you just get bored.

Gangster Squad

• 2013
• Action
• Crime
• Drama

A sad waste on such a great cast. Everything looked the part but this lacked any tension. Instead of suspense, it’s replaced with gratuitous action and tacky one-liners. This is the director that brought you Zombieland, which is great but that type of vision won’t work for a movie like this and it shows.

Miami Connection

• 1987
• Action
• Crime

Miami Connection is proof that a movie God exists and he is an awesome God.

Killing Them Softly

• 2012
• Crime
• Drama
• Thriller

The most business-minded crime drama I have seen. The audience is going to be on the fence about this one as it’s not so much a wild shoot-em-up and it’s not as exciting as Goodfellas. I don’t love this film but I was definitely taken by it and that stayed with me for a while.

Seven Psychopaths

• 2012
• Comedy
• Crime

I’m going to say some words; violent, bloody, poetic, funny, charming. It’s rare to put those together into a movie and make it good. Well, it happened. I saw it happen and so should you.

Compliance

• 2012
• Crime
• Drama
• Thriller

This is done really well. It dives deep into how far people go when they are in a position of power. However, it is really hard to sit through. At some points, I found myself wishing I was watching a grotesque horror, instead.

Taken 2

• 2012
• Action
• Crime
• Thriller

I was yearning for some sassy character to scream at the wife, “Aw no! You got taken, too!?!”

I'm dumb.

Bernie

• 2012
• Comedy
• Crime
• Drama

There is no lung-popping laughter here but it is bizarrely entertaining. Jack Black is perfect for this role, adding his trademark elements that actually make you attached to his character. That’s right, you’ll actually care about a Jack Black character.

Lawless

• 2012
• Crime
• Drama

Lawless brings a very depraved look at the Depression-era as it follows a small gang of bootleggers. The violence is as strong as the performances and should definitely be seen for those that can handle it.

Arbitrage

• 2012
• Crime
• Drama
• Thriller

With all the billionaire downfall movies as of late, this is definitely the best one in the last two years. A billionaire does his usual billionaire bad habits like making greedy deals and cheating on his wife. After an accidental death with his mistress, things fall apart quickly as he tries to keep things together. The ending is not what you would expect but the satisfaction is there, make sure to look out for it.

Dredd 3D

• 2012
• Action
• Crime
• Sci-fi

A very stylish and wildly violent, action film. The graphics in slo-mo are terrifying, yet beautiful. This merciless shoot-em-up is nothing like the original and delivers on all your expectations to kick ass.

Savages

• 2012
• Crime
• Drama
• Thriller

Aging men that lose their coolness end up buying Porsches and drive them at 40mph. Savages is Oliver Stone's candy red Porsche.

End of Watch

• 2012
• Crime
• Drama
• Thriller

Many bro-cop movies indirectly spoil the ending before you are given a chance to care about the characters. End of Watch builds the camaraderie on a level that you can’t help, but to want to be a part of; guy or gal. A superb movie for those seeking raw action with depth.

Skyfall

• 2012
• Action
• Adventure
• Crime

This film is big but the action is not as over-the-top as your usual Bond movies. There is still a lot of great action, just don’t expect missile-firing cars doing barrel rolls off of ramps. In this case, that is a good thing. Sam Mendes nails it with a deeper 007 backstory while maintaining the intensity that would you expect.

Killer Joe

• 2011
• Crime
• Drama
• Thriller

One of the most dark-humored, crime flicks ever made. Matthew McConaughey puts on a violently good performance but Juno Temple steals the show. The slogan on the poster is accurate and will be uncomfortable for a lot of people. If you do brave forward and decide to watch this, I strongly suggest you grab a bucket of fried chicken.

The Tall Man

• 2012
• Crime
• Drama
• Mystery

Great on atmosphere, not so much on the sociological twist that happens mid-way through the film. The twist itself isn't bad and it will jerk some sympathy out of you, but nobody wanted it. Well, not nobody, maybe just the people that gave this a bad review and others that we're expecting something much more intense from the writer/director of Martyrs.

The Loved Ones

• 2012
• Crime
• Drama
• Horror

Be real about it, there’s a lot of bad modern horror films. Mostly because the stories start with some gory concept but never has enough brains or wit to go beyond the “cool idea.” Every once in awhile, a film like The Loved Ones makes up for all those. To all you brave movie-goers, enjoy this sadistically funny ride!

Faces in the Crowd

• 2011
• Crime
• Drama
• Mystery

After witnessing a gruesome murder and escaping the near-deadly ordeal, Milla Jovovich survives with injuries that prevent her from recognizing faces. Every face she sees is intertwined with one another, while the killer closes in.

Another face she won't be able to recognize is Oscar's.

I Spit on Your Grave

• 2010
• Crime
• Horror
• Thriller

A girl takes revenge on a group of men that ravaged her and then left her for dead. Just like the original, this is pure exploitation at its ugliest. The only thing new to this remake is the creative torture scenarios. Hardened horror fans will cheer for this, while everybody else runs.

The Raid: Redemption

• 2012
• Action
• Crime
• Thriller

The Raid: Redemption is very committed to kicking the ass off of everyone involved, especially you. It accomplishes this with the most creative levels of violence. All while showing us that there’s only one thing worse than trying to raid a building full of drug addicts. Trying to raid a building full of drug addicts that all know karate.

One for the Money

• 2012
• Action
• Comedy
• Crime

Let's see what Katherine Heigl has to say.



I agree.
You deserve better than this, Heigl.

The Woman

• 2011
• Crime
• Drama
• Horror

This movie is extremely disturbing but effective because of how well it was directed and how good some of the performances were. No matter how much you hated certain characters, you can't deny their commitment to this project. Even if you wanted them to suffer a justified death. This is a good horror flick but I would insist that most people should veer away from it, especially women.

Contraband

• 2012
• Action
• Crime
• Drama

Mark Wahlberg returns to the tough-guy role in this subpar, action caper. The rest of the cast is good but the story isn't coherent enough for us to care about. I thought Wahlberg outgrew these types of roles. After watching Contraband, I know I am.

Safe House

• 2012
• Action
• Crime
• Mystery

Denzel Washington plays his usual badass self, which is always a pleasure to watch. Opposite to that is Ryan Reynolds. I know what you're thinking, but give Reynolds a chance on this one. He doesn't accelerate the movie by any means and he definitely does not ruin it either. It's a smart, action thriller, and a good rent.

Smokin' Aces

• 2006
• Action
• Crime
• Drama

If you're one of those people that liked Shoot 'Em Up, then you'll like this one too. Otherwise, you'll find this dumb to mildly retarded. It's like the clone of a Taratino film that escaped the lab way too early.

Machine Gun Preacher

• 2011
• Action
• Biography
• Crime

Gerald Butler gave a lot into this performance but the film feels detached. If I had not known this was based on a true atrocity, I wouldn't have believed it. There are moments that are genuinely inspiring and uplifting so by no means is it a bad film. I'm just not giving this a strong recommendation.

21 Jump Street

• 2012
• Action
• Crime
• Comedy

This film is totally aware of its own stupidity, which eliminates any skepticism I had for it. I thought this was going to be stupid, pointless, and something I would rent for $1 many months after its release. Wrong. This is the funniest movie I've seen so far in 2012.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

• 2011
• Action
• Adventure
• Crime

Some critics are so upset that Holmes has turned into a crime-fighting, action ninja. Hollywood is going to give a face lift to every franchise they can get their hands on and we can't stop it. All we can do is hope that the movie is decent and fun, in which case, this was.

Colombiana

• 2011
• Action
• Crime
• Drama

Hey, Zoe! Stop killing your enemies and making them mad, you crazy assassin girl. You're going to get all of your friends killed...gah, see? Now everyone is dead and you have nobody to practice your fake accent on.

Man on a Ledge

• 2012
• Crime
• Thriller

The girl cannot figure out which wire is the red one because the light shining on it is red. The light is fucking red. This film's premise is clever but it ended up in the wrong hands and turns out to be thee clumsiest heist movie I've ever seen. The director even managed to make Ed Harris look bad. Bastard.

Snowtown

• 2011
• Crime
• Drama
• Thriller

Godamnit, this movie is disgusting and horrifying. It starts you off in a very trashy town full of creepy junkies and other drudges of society. After all the disparity sinks in, you'll be greeted to man-rape, sadistic murders...I'm just going to stop right there.

Tower Heist

• 2011
• Action
• Comedy
• Crime

A clumsy, dumb, and unfunny film with weak performances. When Eddie Murphy is the funniest character among the rest, that's got to tell you something.

J. Edgar

• 2011
• Biography
• Crime
• Drama

There's something un-captivating here unlike Clint Eastwood's other films. DiCaprio puts on a great performance, which I think he deserves more nominations for, but I can't say the same for the entirety of the film. It just seems like Eastwood didn't put as much attention into this one as he usually does.

Rampart

• 2011
• Crime
• Drama

This is about an asshole cop who does really asshole-y things in the LAPD. You'll follow him through his downfall and witness every angle of his asshole-ness. There is nothing redeeming about him except that Woody Harrelson puts on a smashing performance.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

• 2011
• Crime
• Drama
• Mystery

I really like the original Swedish movies. Really, they are awesome. So I mean no disrespect when I say that I like David Fincher's version more. His remake is not better by any means, I just think Fincher's seething dark style is perfect for the re-envisioning of this evil story.

The Escapist

• 2008
• Crime
• Drama
• Thriller

The tired genre of prison breaks shows its face again in this psychological and bitter sweet film. There are a lot of good things I can say about it and there are things not even worth mentioning. By the end, I don't think I would give this a strong recommendation to anyone. If you saw it, then neat. If you didn't, well, you're not missing out either.

Killer Elite

• 2011
• Action
• Crime
• Thriller

The only thing that balances out Jason Statham being Jason Statham is Robert De Niro being Robert De Niro. Clive Owen, actually stood out the most for me. It's a high-octane action movie with a twist, so whatever expectations you have for this type of genre, you'll get exactly just that.

Horrible Bosses

• 2011
• Comedy
• Crime

Hey guys with erectile dysfunction. You can stop taking your pills and just watch Jennifer Aniston in this. The story isn't the strong point here but all the performances are funny.

Fast Five

• 2011
• Action
• Crime
• Thriller

Fast Five is the guyest guy movie ever made. It's also stupidly entertaining and I enjoyed it!

Middle Men

• 2009
• Comedy
• Crime
• Drama

This movie is all over the place. The story could have been interesting but Luke Wilson (who plays the leading character) is as exciting as beige wallpaper. The other characters seem like they were written by rebellious 10-year olds. This could have been a decent crime comedy about a start-up porn business, but it is not.

Drive

• 2011
• Action
• Crime
• Drama

If you're expecting an action movie with car chases and random explosions, you won't get that here but you'll get something much better – substance. You'll get brooding intensity and raw, toe-to-toe confrontations with some great actors. Nicolas Winding Refn takes a very thin plot and turns it into an anti-cliché, arthouse action film.

Repo Men

• 2010
• Action
• Crime
• Drama

The concept is very cool but things get so out of control that my attention veered towards the clock to see how much time I had left. There is a lot of gore and not for any good reason except to be gory. This could have been better if there was a bit more diplomacy rather than just pointless killing sprees. The only redeeming thing is the ending, but unfortunately, that comes...at the end.

Party Monster

• 2003
• Biography
• Crime
• Drama

This movie has no qualitative merits, except for the fact that you get to see Macaulay Culkin and Seth Green play flamboyant club kids. Even though Culkin is bad at it. Forget about America's anti-drug program D.A.R.E., just show the kids this movie and they will never smoke drugs.

Kill the Irishman

• 2011
• Biography
• Crime
• Thriller

This is based on a true story about a tough Irishman that came from nothing and became a mob boss. This film felt like two hours of a dick-swinging contest that borrowed from every other successful crime film. I saw a lot of Goodfellas in here. This didn't work as a serious and deep crime flick.

Hobo with a Shotgun

• 2011
• Action
• Crime
• Thriller

Campy, raunchy, pointless, over-the-top, and just outright ridiculous is exactly what makes this movie a perfectly awful B-movie. Few of you will love it but most of you will not understand why this movie was even made. Answer: it was made for the few that love it. Gooo, homeless power!

Hanna

• 2011
• Action
• Crime
• Mystery

She was the bratty, little pale girl from Atonement and a murder victim in The Lovely Bones but in this movie, she kicks all kinds of ass throughout all kinds of continents. If you liked the Bourne movies, then you'll like this. Go little-Eskimo-ninja-girl!

Priest of Evil

• 2010
• Crime
• Thriller

Everyone in this movie either has: Old English tattoos, techno hair, G-Star clothing (look it up), Hot Topic jewelry, or biker facial hair. It tries so hard to be hard. I lost all interests after seeing emo boys cut themselves and kids disrespecting their parents in this non-cohesive story line. I know the trailer makes it look like it could be really good but I did not like it.

Inside Job

• 2010
• Documentary
• Crime

I've seen other documentaries about America's economic collapse and this, by far, is the must-watch amongst all others. You will get upset, real upset, but you still need to watch this.

Assassination of a High School President

• 2008
• Comedy
• Crime
• Mystery

Drugs, teen sex, betrayal, vulgar language, and violence, all wrapped in a Noire-styled film. Any suburban mother with teenage kids would hate this movie. I didn't hate it though, it was okay.

The Green Hornet

• 2011
• Action
• Comedy
• Crime

My favorite things:
1) The opening scene with James Franco and Christophe Waltz.
2) Anvil playing on the TV in that first scene.
3) Looking at that awesome car.

Things I don't like:
1) Everything else.

The Mechanic

• 2011
• Action
• Crime
• Thriller

I'm not sure how Jason Statham can be a stealth assassin when he walks around looking like an angry murderer. Anyway, it's a decent action flick with a more serious tone and Ben Foster alone is worth the watch.

Machete

• 2010
• Action
• Crime
• Thriller

Guns, chicks with guns, blood, naked chicks, bloody naked chicks, and an all-star cast in this high-testosterone, shoot-em-up. Fun movie for the whole family! Also, pretty retarded!

The Lincoln Lawyer

• 2011
• Crime
• Drama
• Thriller

Did you love Primal Fear like I did? If so, you're going to really like this one. Even if you haven't seen Primal Fear but you're one of those Law & Order fanatics, you should give this a shot.

I Saw the Devil

• 2011
• Crime
• Drama
• Horror

This is one of the most evil films that I have ever seen and it's freaking great!

RoboCop 3

• 1993
• Action
• Crime
• Sci-fi

           

Robocop 2

• 1990
• Action
• Crime
• Sci-fi

           

Chinatown

• 1974
• Crime
• Drama
• Mystery

Great L.A. Noire flick that gets really twisted towards the end. Fantastic film!