Crime 101

Synopsis: When an elusive thief whose high-stakes heists unfold along the iconic 101 freeway in Los Angeles eyes the score of a lifetime, with hopes of this being his final job, his path collides with a disillusioned insurance broker who is facing her own crossroads, forcing the two to collaborate. Determined to crack the case, a relentless detective closes in on the operation, raising the stakes even higher.

Movie Review: 

"Crime 101" is directed by Bart Layton, and it's an original crime film that draws inspiration from classics like "Heat" and "Thief." With its stylish and slick presentation, this movie stands out as one of the better crime flicks, thanks to a fantastic cast that makes it a fun watch. Bart Layton really captures the essence of L.A., making the city feel like a character in its own right. The incredible cinematography gives it a classic Noir vibe, setting it apart from other recent action crime films. The characters are interesting, well-written, and compelling. Chris Hemsworth plays Mike Davis, a clever thief who's smart, tough, and mysterious, adhering to a code that makes him kind and charming. He delivers a great performance, portraying someone who's occasionally awkward yet still endearing. Mark Ruffalo takes on the role of Detective Lou Lubesnick, a good cop trapped in a corrupt system he despises, yet he strives to do what's right. For me, he completely steals the show, being the most interesting and funniest character in the film. Halle Berry portrays Sharon Colvin, a middle-aged woman working for a large insurance company who gets cheated. She also delivers a strong, compelling, and confident performance in this role. The way the storylines of these three characters intertwine and flow towards the end is satisfying, leading to a great conclusion. Barry Keoghan plays Ormon, another thief who serves as the villain; he's crazy and paranoid, delivering a great and unsettling performance that made me feel uneasy every time he appeared on screen. Monica Barbaro plays Maya, Mike's love interest. They share some good chemistry, and she offers a charming and funny performance, although that particular storyline felt a bit dull and I didn't find myself invested in it. Even with the exciting car chases and thrilling heist scenes, there were moments that dragged on, and the movie could have been about 15 minutes shorter. Still, "Crime 101" was an enjoyable and engaging experience with a great cast, and I’m giving it a 3.5/5 stars.

Director: Bart Layton 

Cast; Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tate Donovan, Devon Bostick, Paul Adekstein with Nick Nolte and Halle Berry 

Runtime: 140 Minutes