Traveller

Most films about con artists treat the Big Con as the only reason the story exists. Not so with Traveller, a frisky and well-crafted drama which takes the time to develop its characters and atmosphere. Bill Paxton stars as a member of an insular band of small-time grifters-descended from the Travellers of Ireland-who becomes mentor in the family business to a new arrival (Mark Wahlberg). Traveler does, at times, feel crowded with characters and sub-plots (particularly during a rather generic hostage drama climax), but the plot never threatens to swallow the characters, thanks to a talented cast and the confident direction of Jack Green. Overall, there is plenty to like about this story of con men in which the "men" are more important than the "con." Recommended. (S. Renshaw)