The movie about con-gangster Minkow, often mentions how charismatic he was and had to be to be succesful. But seeing him playing himself in the second half of the movie (a very strange effect imo), made me question this. He doesn´t come over as charismatic.. or anything special.
On the other hand he seems to have talked quite some known names from Hollywood to be in this flick.. so maybe it is true after all.. or he just paid them well (what i think is the reason for his "success" anyway.. greed.
47 Reviews
The fraud artist never sees themselves as the criminal
nogodnomasters13 March 2018
Warning: Spoilers
This is a biopic of Barry Minkow, a con artist who bilked people out of millions of dollars. It starts when he is 16 operating a rug cleaning business and shows him slowly becoming more and more criminal in a step process.
The problem with this crime drama is it is white collar crime with limited action. The screenplay didn't make it. Mildly interesting. Prison football scene that was the longest yarn. The film has many falling stars.
Guide: No swearing, sex, or nudity.
The problem with this crime drama is it is white collar crime with limited action. The screenplay didn't make it. Mildly interesting. Prison football scene that was the longest yarn. The film has many falling stars.
Guide: No swearing, sex, or nudity.
What did I just watch?
Pro_Viewer2 March 2018
Wow, I feel I was conned into watching a horrible movie...
I am a big fan of Ving Rhames and James Caan.
Talia Shire, Gianni Russo and Mark Hamill are in it too and I think they were all conned.
I hope they were paid for their work.
This is something you would see as a TV movie.
I'm sure the true story is good but this movie isn't.
I'm giving 5 Stars only because of the actors in it, not for the content.
Could have been maid so much better but I hear Barry Minkow took the money.
I say watch it and keep an open mind but don't get conned into thinking Barry Minkow is reformed or a Hero of any kind!
B acting at best
jandkcorbitt30 July 2018
Don't watch
tarikbrummelaar13 March 2018
I have never written a review before. But just because I feel conned into watching this movie I have made an account on imdb. I am sure the people who've left good reviews are insiders or have worked on this movie. The worst movie I have ever seen. It could have been a great movie, but the plot is thin. The acting is horrible, especially in the second part where Barry Minkow playing himself... It's a joke. He deserves another 20 years in prison and 500 million fine just for making this movie.
ZERO stars!
phredator22 November 2018
While I have seen some dogs in my time, and it is difficult to compare one bad movie to another, I would argue that this is clearly the worst movie of this year and possibly the worst movie since the turn of the century.
Tortured is how I would describe the dialogue and story. Throughout the production they attempt with the deftness of a Hippo to ineptly attempt to steal little bits from other movies (cup drop from Usual Suspects) each time to poor effect. The. Dialogue. Is. So. Stilted.
This is supposed to be a "con" movie. A heist, a caper. It should be high energy, snappy. It is not. It is so very not snappy.
And yet, I have to say that in a bizarre way, I was sort of entertained. The whole thing is so unbelievably bad, it's like watching a train wreck in slow motion. I actually sat through the whole thing wondering every minute if it could get any worse and becoming shocked as it surpassed it's own mediocrity with every single scene as it continued it's spiral into oblivion.
If you'd like to hate every single frame of a film for wasting your time and degrading your life, than this is the movie for you.
I've given it zero stars, but I'd like to point out that my rating is absolute zero which would rate at -273 on the regular scale out of ten.
Save yourself. Run away from this film.
Interesting true story told very poorly.
Top_Dawg_Critic28 February 2018
The writing/screenplay by novice writer/producer/director Bruce Caulk was bad. The story was all over the place with major plot issues. What got me was these narrators on screen telling their part of the story/events, not knowing who they are until the very end, and then realizing they are mainly nobodys. Why even have them in the film? It was enough having just the voice commentary. The 100 min length was fairly paced, but had it been written and edited better, it would have been better enjoyed.
Bruce's direction of the cameras in general was ok for a b-grade film, but he failed in directing some of the celebrity actors and made them seem like amateurs, as where the rest of the cast. James Caan was the only convincing character, and in a distant second place was Mark Hamill.
The score was atrocious... something that at times belonged in a Disney adventure film. The editing was just as bad.
The only reason I gave this film a very generous 6/10 was for introducing and telling the viewer the true story of Barry Minkow (who was also in the film as himself). I ended up learning more of his story by Google-ing him. Would I see it again or recommend it? Nope. But if you're into these type of white-collar criminal biographical films, it may be interesting enough to see.
Bruce's direction of the cameras in general was ok for a b-grade film, but he failed in directing some of the celebrity actors and made them seem like amateurs, as where the rest of the cast. James Caan was the only convincing character, and in a distant second place was Mark Hamill.
The score was atrocious... something that at times belonged in a Disney adventure film. The editing was just as bad.
The only reason I gave this film a very generous 6/10 was for introducing and telling the viewer the true story of Barry Minkow (who was also in the film as himself). I ended up learning more of his story by Google-ing him. Would I see it again or recommend it? Nope. But if you're into these type of white-collar criminal biographical films, it may be interesting enough to see.
Pretty sure it was a money laundering operation.
jtrimm-965597 March 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I worked on this movie 8 1/2 years ago, and I have no doubt Minkow was using the film production to create loss sheets, presumably to hide stolen money. One day he and his assistant went around set issuing "bonus" checks for $100 to crewmembers. No records were kept as to who received what, they just wrote checks for $100 and handed them out blindly. Mine cleared. Several did not, I heard. In 12 years' professional experience I had never witnessed anything like that before, and haven't since.
In the 8 1/2 years since we wrapped production, the most I ever heard from this show was that Minkow (WHO WROTE THE SCRIPT AND STARS IN THE MOVIE, a fact the ads do not highlight) had made an appearance on Hannity, where Hannity swore the movie deserved all the Oscars. Perhaps it's a fitting end that Minkow's back in jail, where he belongs.
In the 8 1/2 years since we wrapped production, the most I ever heard from this show was that Minkow (WHO WROTE THE SCRIPT AND STARS IN THE MOVIE, a fact the ads do not highlight) had made an appearance on Hannity, where Hannity swore the movie deserved all the Oscars. Perhaps it's a fitting end that Minkow's back in jail, where he belongs.
Better than expected
chosen-chosen126 February 2018
Seeing as this has no reviews and it doesn't have artificially pumped 10/10 ratings might as well be the first to review this.Note, that this is my first review on IMDB and am not associated with the producing crew.
I think the acting was average, directing was bit below average but what I really enjoyed was the plot. An extremely simple plot with a solid pace that captured 80-90s feeling quite well.
I'm giving it 7 out of 10 because I'm a huge fan of con men movies and appreciate the honest approach about lying and abusing steroids. I found it enjoyable.
I think the acting was average, directing was bit below average but what I really enjoyed was the plot. An extremely simple plot with a solid pace that captured 80-90s feeling quite well.
I'm giving it 7 out of 10 because I'm a huge fan of con men movies and appreciate the honest approach about lying and abusing steroids. I found it enjoyable.
Was going to rate with 1 star, I gave it 2 stars because of the ending!!!
bigmoneydoughboy14 February 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This was such an amateur movie, the moment when the church scene happened I thought I wasted my time with this movie but when I found out he conned the church I had a blast and here is 2 stars, well deserved just for that.
True to life story about a narcissistic sociopath.
jhripped3 March 2018
The story behind this film is one that could be told in so many different ways.
If you know anything about the sociopath that is Barry Minkow, you'll recognize that Bruce Caulk (Director) did an excellent job capturing the essence of what it's like to be in the presence of someone that literally has zero empathy, and no moral compass.
While the film plays like a reenacted documentary due to voice overs from various narrators being woven throughout, I found myself drawn in and wondering how it was all going to wind up.
With a "Catch Me if You Can" type of flow to the plot, I was engaged the entire film.
If you're into Wall Street scandal genre flicks, you'll definitely want to check this one out.
If you know anything about the sociopath that is Barry Minkow, you'll recognize that Bruce Caulk (Director) did an excellent job capturing the essence of what it's like to be in the presence of someone that literally has zero empathy, and no moral compass.
While the film plays like a reenacted documentary due to voice overs from various narrators being woven throughout, I found myself drawn in and wondering how it was all going to wind up.
With a "Catch Me if You Can" type of flow to the plot, I was engaged the entire film.
If you're into Wall Street scandal genre flicks, you'll definitely want to check this one out.
Long con
kosmasp7 April 2021
A very weird movie about a character I was not aware of. And I was even more amazed by the overall cast! So many great names involved in this. All must have known about that real life man this is about I reckon. But apart from that, the movie also intercuts reality with fiction. The breaking of the fourth wall is strong in this one (yes Mark Hamill is also part of this and I reckon pun intended).
I understand if this isn't an easy watch or even remotely enjoyable for some. But its weirdness made it kind of appealing to me. Be aware that this isn't just another biopic but really a strange look at someone who seems unable to learn lessons in life ... then again, maybe he doesn't need to?
I understand if this isn't an easy watch or even remotely enjoyable for some. But its weirdness made it kind of appealing to me. Be aware that this isn't just another biopic but really a strange look at someone who seems unable to learn lessons in life ... then again, maybe he doesn't need to?
Total waste of time, movie is a bigger con than Barry Minkow ever was
amrahs_tima7 March 2018
I can't believe the shameless plugs by the makers of this movie as positive reviews here on IMDB. This movie is made by a ragtag team of high schoolers looking for something to do during the summer break. Its creators have no clue about storytelling.
The theme had potential since I remember Barry Minkow's rise and fall. In better hands this could have been made into a great movie going experience. I am partial to conmen movies but this rendition is definitely not it.
It is one hour forty minutes of your life you will regret wasting.
Terrible, just terrible
michaeldecker13 March 2018
Warning: Spoilers
All you need to know is in the first couple of minutes, when Minkow is shown as the battered hero of a prison football game. Later he heroically saves a man being beaten up in the showers. And then he bravely goes after a wicked conman who won't give back $250k to one of his parishioners. Finally a soft-hearted FBI man hands him a valise containing $125k after Minkow chases two huge bodyguards trying to do a runner. What a hero this man is.
What I was waiting for was the bit where he stole his grandmother's jewellery, or the bit where he stole millions from the church and parishioners that trusted him. Instead all we got was this hideously partisan TV movie.
Don't waste your time on this...
I feel violated - the fraud of Barry Minkow continues in 2018
PurpleCrayon201426 February 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I read the description and viewed the trailer for Con Man, expecting a faith-based film with the assumption of the ol' bad guy turned good thanks to God-Thank You Jesus. The cast is made up of a lot of heavy hitters but some of them are known to do side projects that aren't about money so I was really looking forward to the message this film would bring.
The film is rather wishy-washy for the first hour, like one of those after-school specials from the 80s, but once that hour mark hits the message is definitely a serious one. The next 40 minutes delivers what I expected:the introduction to finding God, going to prison and finding a mentor, release from prison and living the righteous life, working with the FBI to bring down a bad guy and defrauding his church of millions while being convicted again of securities fraud and insider trading........wait, what?
The film Con Man lives up to it's name-it cons viewers into anticipating a feel good movie about a bad turned good guy, when it actually tells the tale of a bad guy turned bad guy who stays a bad guy as of the date of this review. Because there is such a thing as Internet, I did my research on the shyster known as Barry Minkow. First off, Barry pulled the 'I found God' con-oh, that one pisses me off the most. Next he setup a for-profit firm that investigated things like security fraud, and then conned the FBI into believing he was some kind of 'fraud expert'. Barry became really good at conning the Media, which didn't appear to be very hard as he reeled in 60 Minutes, Fox News, The Wall Street Journal-but that wasn't enough as he conned more people out of more money to create a short film about himself called Redemption(look it up on IMDB) and this travesty of a film, all while sullying the careers of dozens of outstanding actors and actresses. How bad is Barry?-this ending of this film Con Man had to be changed after he was convicted a second time.
In Summary, if you wish to get angry-watch this film then look up Barry Minkow online. If you work in the industry, stay away from any project that's even remotely connected to Barry Minkow-Inmate #87560-012 once he is released again 06/06/2019.
The film is rather wishy-washy for the first hour, like one of those after-school specials from the 80s, but once that hour mark hits the message is definitely a serious one. The next 40 minutes delivers what I expected:the introduction to finding God, going to prison and finding a mentor, release from prison and living the righteous life, working with the FBI to bring down a bad guy and defrauding his church of millions while being convicted again of securities fraud and insider trading........wait, what?
The film Con Man lives up to it's name-it cons viewers into anticipating a feel good movie about a bad turned good guy, when it actually tells the tale of a bad guy turned bad guy who stays a bad guy as of the date of this review. Because there is such a thing as Internet, I did my research on the shyster known as Barry Minkow. First off, Barry pulled the 'I found God' con-oh, that one pisses me off the most. Next he setup a for-profit firm that investigated things like security fraud, and then conned the FBI into believing he was some kind of 'fraud expert'. Barry became really good at conning the Media, which didn't appear to be very hard as he reeled in 60 Minutes, Fox News, The Wall Street Journal-but that wasn't enough as he conned more people out of more money to create a short film about himself called Redemption(look it up on IMDB) and this travesty of a film, all while sullying the careers of dozens of outstanding actors and actresses. How bad is Barry?-this ending of this film Con Man had to be changed after he was convicted a second time.
In Summary, if you wish to get angry-watch this film then look up Barry Minkow online. If you work in the industry, stay away from any project that's even remotely connected to Barry Minkow-Inmate #87560-012 once he is released again 06/06/2019.
Not being gritty ruins the film
Sober-Friend25 March 2018
This film subject is a great film to explore but the film fails on many levels! One thing is the fact the fact the real life subject plays himself. (Never a good idea). Also the film also is "Too Bright". The colors or over saturated. The is a crime story. Also the screenplay doesn't cover what happened to many of the people that helped Barry create his con.
In case you don't know the story Con Man is the real life story of Barry Jay Minkow, a son, businessman, fraud buster, actor, pastor... and felon. Born in 1967, Barry Minkow went on to set up a highly successful carpet cleaning company but was imprisoned in 1988 for one of the world's largest investment and accounting frauds through a Ponzi scheme..
This case is so interesting that I am positive another film will get made. I am sure it will be better than this attempt.
In case you don't know the story Con Man is the real life story of Barry Jay Minkow, a son, businessman, fraud buster, actor, pastor... and felon. Born in 1967, Barry Minkow went on to set up a highly successful carpet cleaning company but was imprisoned in 1988 for one of the world's largest investment and accounting frauds through a Ponzi scheme..
This case is so interesting that I am positive another film will get made. I am sure it will be better than this attempt.
This is not a review
calanberryman20 October 2021
Unfair reviews
siriusly198612 March 2018
Reading the so-called reviews here I would have passed on watching the movie thinking it was not well-done film. But a closer look at these same reviews it seems to me people give it a down rate and a bad mouth simply for being a "Christian" movie (and not expecting it to be). Rather unfair really! Having watched the film the movie is not a bad film at all and YES it does tackle religion/faith and that is because that's how Barry Minkow's life really went. That would be like watching a Unabomber film without mentioning Kazcinsky's Manifesto. Faith plays a huge part of Minkow's story that's just how it is but despite that is not Sunday School material either - this was not a good man.
As for the movie, the acting was good particularly the guy who played Minkow. He really reminds me of THAT GUY, manipulative, scheming, ambitions, and using his charms to get the upper hand. The production is okay but what do you expect from a drama? The subject would likely touch people because its pretty down to Earth. If you like "life-changing drama" with a little crime - something out of real crime documentaries like MASTERMIND and AMERICAN GREED then give it a go you will not be disappointed.
As for the movie, the acting was good particularly the guy who played Minkow. He really reminds me of THAT GUY, manipulative, scheming, ambitions, and using his charms to get the upper hand. The production is okay but what do you expect from a drama? The subject would likely touch people because its pretty down to Earth. If you like "life-changing drama" with a little crime - something out of real crime documentaries like MASTERMIND and AMERICAN GREED then give it a go you will not be disappointed.
Don't bother!
sileejones17 August 2021
I read the intro on Amazon prime and thought it sounded interesting. The story is, the film is not.
The first half of the film is led by the oldest looking 16 year you've ever seen in your life. (Spoiler, he's like 34 when filming this).
The second half of the film, the lead character is played by the real life person! Like what the...?! The guy can't act. It's wooden and makes no sense what so ever.
I got so bored I started playing candy crush.
And then missed the ending.
It was bad.
Very bad.
Avoid.
The first half of the film is led by the oldest looking 16 year you've ever seen in your life. (Spoiler, he's like 34 when filming this).
The second half of the film, the lead character is played by the real life person! Like what the...?! The guy can't act. It's wooden and makes no sense what so ever.
I got so bored I started playing candy crush.
And then missed the ending.
It was bad.
Very bad.
Avoid.
Actually, pretty good for a TV movie
winopaul29 April 2023
I have to believe the negative reviews are from people that hate Minkow, and therefor have to hate the film by some weird transitivity process. He is a monumental scumbag, and this film was partly financed with money Minkow conned from his church. The delightful thing is the postmodern nature of the movie. The A-list actors and Minkow playing his older self were shot and in the can. Then in post, the producers found out Minkow was not only doing a "short and distort" scam after getting out of prison, and then, to top it off, he scammed a few million from his church and millions from the parishioners. So in post the producers changed the ending and I am pretty sure they added some "4th wall" stuff like the guys talking about Minkow playing himself in the movie you are watching. So cherish the irony. What started out as a hagiography about a con man that found Jesus in the joint, has to change to be about a con man that got even better at conning in prison.
Check out Minkow's Wikipedia entry. I learned the story from an article in the The Hustle website titled, "The secretary who helped uncover one of America's strangest Ponzi schemes". That will give you the context of this movie, and why it is a bit chopped up and off-putting with the voice-overs and 4th wall stuff. It's quite fun hearing the dialog written and filmed under the impression Minkow was a reformed con artist and a good Christian. Then you can see all the little patches they put in to make clear the guy was an even bigger scumbag than what he went to prison for the first time. I hope this is not a spoiler, but Minkow got convicted three times and did three prison sentences, just getting out in June 6, 2019. He might be doing a quad-fecta, since he now claims to be reformed and is promoting a 2023 Discovery+ docu-series "King of the Con". Pro tip: don't believe it.
As to specific criticism here, well, I thought the young actor playing Minkow was great. OK, he is in his 30s playing a 16-year-old at the beginning. But they did need a good actor, and one that had some big guns to match Minkow's biceps in the second half of the film. Minkow's acting is lame compared to the A-listers, but still pretty good for a newbie. Everybody else was great for what ended up being a TV movie. The A-list actors did a good job and the camera and sound were OK. I didn't find the soundtrack deficient.
Con Man is free on Amazon's FreeVee streamer, so check it out. It's pretty solid right from the beginning. If you can like the beginning and are not too put off by the chopped up aspects after the producers found out he was still a scumbag, you won't regret watching.
Check out Minkow's Wikipedia entry. I learned the story from an article in the The Hustle website titled, "The secretary who helped uncover one of America's strangest Ponzi schemes". That will give you the context of this movie, and why it is a bit chopped up and off-putting with the voice-overs and 4th wall stuff. It's quite fun hearing the dialog written and filmed under the impression Minkow was a reformed con artist and a good Christian. Then you can see all the little patches they put in to make clear the guy was an even bigger scumbag than what he went to prison for the first time. I hope this is not a spoiler, but Minkow got convicted three times and did three prison sentences, just getting out in June 6, 2019. He might be doing a quad-fecta, since he now claims to be reformed and is promoting a 2023 Discovery+ docu-series "King of the Con". Pro tip: don't believe it.
As to specific criticism here, well, I thought the young actor playing Minkow was great. OK, he is in his 30s playing a 16-year-old at the beginning. But they did need a good actor, and one that had some big guns to match Minkow's biceps in the second half of the film. Minkow's acting is lame compared to the A-listers, but still pretty good for a newbie. Everybody else was great for what ended up being a TV movie. The A-list actors did a good job and the camera and sound were OK. I didn't find the soundtrack deficient.
Con Man is free on Amazon's FreeVee streamer, so check it out. It's pretty solid right from the beginning. If you can like the beginning and are not too put off by the chopped up aspects after the producers found out he was still a scumbag, you won't regret watching.
Kids could produce a better movie
hsmjwhd17 November 2021
This is the most unprofessional and low budget movie I've seen, ever. 5 graders could produce a better movie. Scrip, directing and acting is all terrible. Plus the 16 year old main character is played by a 34 years old. Idk.
Terrific Movie & Cast
jglight7 March 2018
I was impressed by director Bruce Caulk who takes the true story of Con Man Barry Minkow and pulls back the red curtain. The victims are given a voice at the beginning and end of the movie that brings the story to life. The movie is interesting and compelling along with an impressive cast. The director clearly knows how to move the camera and creates a unique look for the movie. I highly recommend taking a spin.
The Con Man Struck Again!
sabur-5859511 July 2019
Overall, the movie was a total dud. The concept was promising. One Star. The cast had me excited. Add another Two Stars. Then...nothing!
The story jumped all over the place with holes in the plot and poor character and plot development. We get nothing in return for the time invested. I can get more action from a Google or YouTube search.
The ending was just plain bad. But, I was excited that it ended. Would have been better if it "self-destructed after viewing" like Mission Impossible. Definitely sits at the bottom with Vanilla Sky and Jason X.
The story jumped all over the place with holes in the plot and poor character and plot development. We get nothing in return for the time invested. I can get more action from a Google or YouTube search.
The ending was just plain bad. But, I was excited that it ended. Would have been better if it "self-destructed after viewing" like Mission Impossible. Definitely sits at the bottom with Vanilla Sky and Jason X.
A boring film about a tedious man
lopezpatricia-061394 July 2020
Save yourself and watch catch me if you can, or hustle or oceans 11 Apart from the actor playing young Barry Was about 30 rather than 16 and to learn it was actually Barry in the film playing himself was the final straw to this mans ego and arrogance. The way the film glorified him left me aghast
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