“Crime 101” is a crime thriller based in Los Angeles that highlights all the typical crime movie clichés one might see in movies such as “Ocean’s Eleven” or “Baby Driver.”
Main character Mike Davis (Chris Hemsworth) is shy and tactical, always three steps ahead. Even at the age of 42, Hemsworth still pulls off a suit quite well.
Mike hits jewelry stores up and down the LA 101 freeway, his biggest skill being never being a danger to anyone and always slipping out of sight. Detective Lou Lubesnick (Mark Ruffalo) has shaped Mike’s pattern and believes he’s right on Mike’s tail, although others in Lubesnick’s department are not on board with his theories.
The movie comes packed with good action between car chases, shootouts, and even a little romance as Mike embarks on a romantic relationship with Maya (Monica Barbaro). The relationship is corrupted, as Maya does not know Mike’s life or virtually anything about his career.
As the plot delves into the romantic relationships, it loses a bit of its original plot structure that’s supposed to be based on these heists and Lubesnick’s pattern analysis, which, in turn, leaves room for mediocre character development and drawn-out dramatized moments.
Other characters, such as Sharon (Halle Berry), a high-class insurance broker dealing with gaudy, stubborn clients that ultimately tie her to the main plot, is trying to work her way up the corporate and blatantly sexist ladder of her company. Berry gives Sharon class and charisma that hold some more interesting plot points than the main plot, making me believe she should’ve had more than just a supporting role.
On the other hand, there’s a dirty thief (Barry Keoghan) who is also on Mike’s tail, except following a different pattern. These two supporting characters add a special aspect to the overall story. I believe they could have been implemented better to improve the character development for the lead roles.
The movie, which is rated R and opened Feb. 13, will bring back familiar feelings of watching a heist movie. With its tacky play-by-play, nice cars, and millions of dollars on the line, the movie is worth watching.
–Feb. 13, 2026–
