Criminal Hearts

Despite the acting of Amy Locane this road movie really works. If nothing else, the scenery will suck you in to an enjoyable experience. Pretty country, enjoyable characters (what movie with M. Emmet Walsh couldn't keep your attention), foot-stomping music, tight editing and strong directing make Criminal Hearts a movie worth seeing.

I caught this movie on television once - an obscure flick that was either released directly to film festival, television or video starting Kevin Dillon and Amy Locane as runaways with stolen drug money. On their trail is a group of bad guys including crooked F.B.I. agent Martin (M. Emmet Walsh).

The setting in the country was nicely done and the acting was OK for the most part, although some of the dialog was a bit quirky. The plot was predictable and not extremely exciting, but the movie does have some entertaining moments like the chemistry between Dillon and Locane, touches of humor courtesy of Walsh and the cameo appearances of bigger-name actors like Morgan Fairchild and Will Ferrell. The music score, though, was actually pretty awful, trying to sound western but couldn't pick up the beat.

Overall, not one of the more exciting action flicks but definitely has its memorable moments to make the evening at least mildly entertaining.

Grade C+

Criminal Hearts is one of those films where the plot is so predictable that you already know what will happen next. Thankfully the performances of the actors are quite good. Kevin Dillon is actually a better actor than his brother Matt, I wonder why he's not more famous than his brother.

This film, however, is not one of his best efforts. That's a shame because he can turn in a good performance if he wants to (see Platoon). While Amy Locane, well, she's Amy Locane. I wouldn't call her a good actress but she has her potential.

Those giving this film such a low rating seem to be missing the campy humor of it all. Yes, it's predictable, but so was Batman the TV series, and this has as many oddball moments of humor, along with Kevin Dillon's undeniable screen charisma and a performance by Amy Locane that sometimes rises to the charm of the ingénue.

Emmet Walsh and his colleague almost steal the show as corrupt FBI agents who are single-mindedly evil. Cameo appearances by Will Ferrell and Morgan Fairchild also add some panache to what is clearly a low-budget but good-humored film. I caught it on cable. The nice thing about it being so predictable is that you don't have to see the whole film to enjoy whatever part you happen to see.

Kevin Dillon and Amy Locane are on the run with stolen drug money. Crooked F.B.I. agent M. Emmet Walsh is in pursuit, along with at least a bunch of bad guys. There is quite a bit of quirky dialog, mostly supplied by the ever wise cracking Walsh. The desert locations are used to good advantage, and the splattering of "red stuff" looks pretty good too. There is a bit of nudity compliments of Locane, and the character development is totally acceptable. I unashamedly rate "Criminal Hearts" a solid 7.0 because it is entertaining with intriguing characters, and some very memorable moments. This is a true sleeper, and a real find for the right audience. - MERK