Criminal Activities (2015)

Pull up a chair and welcome back to the Hollywood Hangout! This week, your host Boxman is diving deep into the bargain bin of 2015 to rescue a crime thriller that absolutely deserves a second look: Criminal Activities. If you missed this one when it dropped, you aren’t alone—but Boxman is here to explain exactly why it’s a massive, slept-on gem. We’re breaking down the tight, twisty plot that follows four clueless college buddies who get in way over their heads with a charismatic mob boss. In this episode, Boxman uncovers: The Killer Cast: Why John Travolta’s eccentric, Shakespeare-quoting mobster performance is pure gold, alongside stellar turns from Dan Stevens, Michael Pitt, and Christopher Abbott. Behind-the-Scenes Facts: A look at the movie's production, including the trivia that this gritty indie marked the feature film directorial debut of Oscar-nominated actor Jackie Earle Haley (who also plays a ruthless enforcer in the flick!). The Pitch: Why the movie’s razor-sharp dialogue, dark humor, and massive third-act twist elevate it far above your standard indie crime formula. Grab a drink, get comfortable, and let's talk movies. Is Criminal Activities a masterpiece or a hidden treasure? Boxman breaks down the verdicts and the facts right here. Check us out every Thursday at 9:30 PM Eastern. Live on YouTube. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hollywoodhangoutpodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ymX0HRkWB45ja11B2I6fm Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/hollywood-hangout/id1132940251 Castbox: https://castbox.fm/channel/4647345?country=us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HollywoodHangout/