Better Criminal

Better Criminal is a high-energy, dynamic action thriller, originally released in 2016, and directed by the gifted filmmaker, Ben Burke. The screenplay is compellingly written by Josh George and Ben Burke. This movie, noted for its thrilling action sequences and an enthralling storyline, stars an incredible cast, including Jordan Belfi, Tom Sizemore, and Emilio Rivera.

The story opens with Brian (Jordan Belfi), a police officer with a squeaky-clean record and a strong commitment to his role in promoting justice and upholding law and order. He is an officer who has always been on the right side of the law, trying to stamp out crime and ensure that his city remains safe from the chaos of criminal activities. Consequently, it's very shocking and disorienting for Brian himself when he wakes up one morning and finds himself involved in an elaborate scandal that's completely against his principles.

The pivotal turn takes place when he wakes up in an unfamiliar surroundings, with the fuzzy recollection of the previous night's mysterious events, and horrifyingly discovers that he has now become the prime suspect in a serious crime. A brutal homicide has taken place, and all the evidence, mysteriously yet flagrantly, points towards him. Brian thus finds himself in a mind-bogglingly strange scenario where he has to combat the proverbial "system" that he has been a part of, to clear his name.

The plot dives deeper into the rabbit hole as Brian finds himself at the mercy of an enigmatic, ruthless, and psychopathic killer, Simon (Tom Sizemore). Simon is the looming shadow from Brian's past, a dangerous force to be reckoned with. As an ex-con, Simon extracts an entirely different kind of duty from Brian, which is not just against his principles but also incredibly dangerous. He forces Brian to act as his liaison and to retrieve a substantial amount of cash that he believes he is rightfully owed.

The story takes further exciting twists and turns as the circumstances convert Brian into a 'Better Criminal'. He finds himself immersed in a world of crime and violence that he never knew before. Drawing upon his training and experiences as a cop, Brian tries to negotiate this tricky and dangerous setup. How he turns the tables on his adversaries to extricate himself forms the thrilling crux of this astonishingly action-packed movie.

Emilio Rivera shines as Miguel, a seasoned, street-smart detective, who is doggedly chasing Brian to bring him to justice. His character’s commitment to the police force and a strong sense of right and wrong offers a compelling parallel to Belfi's character's arc.

Better Criminal does an incredible job of blending action-packed intensity with psychological drama. The film keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, making them ravish the relentless action scenes while they engage in the nerve-wracking anticipation of what might follow. Each character is well-developed, carrying unique dynamism and depth, making it easy for the viewers to invest in the narrative.

The film is lauded for its technical brilliance, and the director, Ben Burke, does an excellent job in bringing out the various nuances that make the gritty underbelly of a city come alive. The action scenes are choreographed incredibly well, lending realism and intense thrill to the narrative. Cinematography by Bradford Hill is worth mentioning as it beautifully captures the changing moods and tone of the movie along with the nerve-wracking action sequences.

In essence, Better Criminal is a captivating tour de force of suspense, action, and drama, taking the viewers on a wild, roller coaster ride. It brilliantly showcases the transformation of a man forced by circumstance- from a clean-cut cop to an unforeseen player in the dangerous game of crime and violence. What it means to be a 'criminal,' and whether there can indeed be a 'better criminal,' are questions that this movie incites in the viewers' mind, making it a thought-provoking watch.