What gives “The Forger” initial credibility is the reason why Travolta as Ray Cutter, a forger, thief and convict, gets involved in the basic scheme. His son Will, played by Tye Sheridan, is stricken with cancer and his dad urgently wants early release from prison to spend time with the lad. To accomplish this, he makes a devil’s bargain with a criminal who can pull strings to get him out of prison more quickly.

Cutter’s assignment is to paint a convincing replica of Monet’s “Woman with Parasol” that can be replaced for the original to be stolen from the museum where it is hung in a Boston museum. Travolta is in good acting form, and there is another appealing performance by a grizzled Christopher Plummer as Cutter’s colorful, wily father, who has a myriad of connections that will come prominently into play as the complicated plot details evolve. Another key role is played by Abigail Spencer as an undercover agent who is keeping tabs on the illicit doings. As required, “The Forger” is filled with assorted other character types.