After a six-year hiatus, director Bart Layton returns to the heist genre in “Crime 101” from MGM. Layton also writes the film’s screenplay, which adapts Don Winslow’s novella of the same title.
Set against the sun-bleached grit of Los Angeles, the film introduces us to elusive thief Mike Davis (Chris Hemsworth). His high-stakes heists, unfolding along the iconic 101 freeway, have mystified the police, particularly Detectives Lou Lubsenick (Mark Ruffalo) and his partner Tillman (Corey Hawkins). After meeting and falling for Maya (Monica Barbaro), Mike envisions the score of a lifetime, hoping this will be his final job. His path collides with disillusioned insurance broker Sharon Colvin (Halle Berry), who is facing her own crossroads and is forced to collaborate with him.
However, Mike soon finds competition in the form of loose cannon Ormon (Barry Keoghan), a fellow thief looking to claim the score for himself. As the multimillion-dollar heist approaches, the line between hunter and hunted begins to blur, with all parties confronted by the cost of their choices—and the realization that there’s no turning back..
One of the first things viewers should know about the film is that Layton does not follow the pattern of a nonstop action movie. Instead, he adopts a style reminiscent of Michael Mann and William Friedkin, delivering something more akin to “Thief” or “To Live and Die in L.A.” Hemsworth’s character possesses a certain code, which the Australian actor embodies with impressive bravado.
Both Berry and Ruffalo have substantial character arcs. Ruffalo is particularly adept at handling his role, which is impressive given the film’s surprising approach to his storyline. There is a moment in the second act where Ruffalo’s character could have chosen a different path, but I’m glad the script keeps him on the straight and narrow.
Additionally, he shares a brief but impactful moment with Jennifer Jason Leigh, who plays his partner; I wish they had more scenes together. On the other hand, Berry continues to shine in her supporting role. Her reasons for taking the job make perfect sense, and of course, she looks stunning while doing so
Finally, we have the always-enjoyable Barry Keoghan, who brings the right level of intensity to his villainous role. Although Keoghan has a small part, he is larger than life when on screen. A chase scene involving his character and Hemsworth is worth the ticket price alone. Unfortunately, this intensity does not extend to the significantly underwritten Corey Hawkins.
“Crime 101” is a heist film for adults that fits perfectly with the 1970s. While it may be light on action, it makes up for it with quality acting and an engaging story.
Final Grade: B+
“Crime 101” is in theaters tomorrow .
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