by Henry Pham
Amazon MGM Studios has blessed us with Crime 101, a clever, stunning, yet groundbreaking crime thriller. It takes place in Los Angeles and centers on a notorious jewel thief named Mike, whose string of heists along the 101 freeway has mystified police. When he eyes the score of a lifetime, he then crosses paths with a young, disillusioned insurance broker, Sharon Colvin, who is facing her own struggles at her company. Meanwhile, a relentless detective, Lou Lubesnick, who is convinced he has found a pattern, is closing in, raising the stakes even higher. As the heist approaches, the line between hunter and hunted begins to blur, and all three are faced with life-defining choices and the realization that there can be no turning back.
The film stars three actors known for their roles in Marvel films: Chris Hemsworth (Thor, Avengers) as Mike, Oscar winner Halle Berry (Monster’s Ball, X-Men) as Sharon, and Oscar nominee Mark Ruffalo (Avengers, Poor Things) as Lou. Hemsworth plays a jewel thief with no memory of his past or family, while Ruffalo portrays a detective determined to catch him. Berry plays an insurance broker striving for advancement after eleven years at her company. Although the three leads do not share scenes together throughout the film, their interactions are reserved for key moments, building anticipation for the story. Oscar-nominated Barry Keoghan (The Banshees of Inisherin) and Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown) also deliver strong performances. Keoghan plays Ormon, another thief, and Barbaro portrays Maya, a publicist who becomes Mike’s love interest.
Based on Don Winslow’s novella, the film is directed by Bart Layton in his third feature, following The Imposter and American Animals, with Hemsworth also serving as producer. Layton’s direction blends influences from Quentin Tarantino, Edgar Wright, Martin Scorsese, and Michael Mann. The film succeeds as an entertaining and stylish thriller, anchored by strong performances from Hemsworth, Ruffalo, and Berry. Cinematographer Erik Wilson, known for the Paddington films, delivers dynamic car chase sequences and relaxed beach scenes. The result is an exhilarating, suspenseful experience. This marks Layton’s third film centered on criminal characters, reinforcing his signature style. The editing and visuals are polished, with each scene building on the last. Though my main wish is the trio sharing scenes together despite what the movie trailers and posters have to offer. Reasons behind that are mainly due to pacing issues.
Although the film lasts 140 minutes, it doesn’t feel too long, with the camera panning each of the main characters. I feel like I’m a child entering the movie theater to watch something exciting and anticipating, regardless of the age restrictions, and it worked. That’s how it feels for me and for anyone. It’s not bad, but Crime 101 follows the old-school 1990s crime movie formula, thanks to beautiful camera work, entertaining characters, some surprising twists, and commendable performances from Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, and Halle Berry. This movie is a must-watch and needs to be seen in theaters, despite being produced by Amazon MGM Studios. It may not be the perfect ride to many crime thriller fans as well as those who are not into crime films, but Crime 101 would be a recognizable crime thriller.
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