Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- witty
- irreverent
- breezy
- lazy sunday
- crime movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film an underpowered and tedious crime comedy, with cast appeal undermined by the script and questionable accents.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Michael Lynch plans elaborate robberies with as much attention to theatrical presentation as to the loot.
Lynch plays happy families with sisters Christine and Lisa, who are both his wives and the mothers of his children.
Lynch is celebrated by fellow Northsiders even as his robberies make him notorious to the Gardaí.
Garda Noel Quigley’s determination to convict Lynch gradually turns into an obsession.
Films like Ordinary Decent Criminal, and why
The General
Shared comic heist plotting, charismatic criminal protagonist, and playful tension between criminality and police pursuit.
The Italian Job
Shared stylish crime caper structure, theatrical criminal showmanship, and breezy comic tone.
The Bank Job
Shared working-class criminal ensemble, police pressure, and darkly comic treatment of organized theft.
Movie Details
- Director
- Thaddeus O'Sullivan
- Release Date
- 2000-01-07
- Runtime
- 93 min
- Rating
- 6.2 / 10 (257)
Cast
- Kevin Spacey
- Linda Fiorentino
- Colin Farrell
- Peter Mullan
- Stephen Dillane
- Helen Baxendale
- David Hayman
- Patrick Malahide
- Gerard McSorley
- David Kelly
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube
- Buy
- Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Ordinary Decent Criminal about?
- A flamboyant Dublin master thief turns robbery into theater while an increasingly obsessed Garda closes in on his unconventional family life.
- What is Ordinary Decent Criminal like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Ordinary Decent Criminal as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Ordinary Decent Criminal violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Ordinary Decent Criminal as mild.
- What did critics think of Ordinary Decent Criminal?
- Critics broadly found the film an underpowered and tedious crime comedy, with cast appeal undermined by the script and questionable accents.
- Which films are like Ordinary Decent Criminal?
- Films with a similar feel include The General, The Italian Job, and The Bank Job.
- How long is Ordinary Decent Criminal?
- Ordinary Decent Criminal runs 93 minutes.
- Where can I watch Ordinary Decent Criminal?
- In United States, Ordinary Decent Criminal is available to rent or buy from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube.
