Chris Hemsworth Shines in ‘Crime 101’ and Beyond
The title Crime 101 (now streaming on Amazon Prime Video) implies something stripped-down and basic, and in a sense, it is – we’ve seen plenty of intricate cops-and-robbers neo-noir action-dramas like this. But films of this ilk are increasingly rare, and when you get one as rock-solid as this, it’s worth noting, and possibly even celebrating. Director Bart Layton’s (American Animals) latest is a story of cool-as-eff diamond thieves and rumpled detectives, boasting charismatic performances from Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, Halle Berry and Monica Barbaro, an amalgamation of talent that gives this thriller a welcome shot of charisma.
The Gist of ‘Crime 101’
It’s 5:20 a.m. in Los Angeles. Mike Davis (Hemsworth) methodically bathes and dresses himself, loads and checks his gun, and heads out. Sharon (Berry) rolls out of bed after yet another lousy night’s sleep, situates herself in front of the mirror and begins applying makeup. Detective Lubesnick (Ruffalo) peels himself out of a rumpled bed, grouses when family members barge into the bathroom while he’s on the can, and puffs a cig as he drives his LAPD-issue beige Ford Peesashit to a crime scene – a scene we saw moments earlier when Mike successfully robbed a diamond courier, but shouldn’t have survived the encounter. A misfired gun, a deadly bullet becoming shrapnel resulting in a tiny scratch. He got lucky, and he’s sweating it.
Maybe it’s a sign that he should stop his spree of diamond heists, which are the assignment-slash-obsession of Lubesnick, who sees a pattern of crime along a stretch of U.S. 101 perpetrated by a meticulous robber who never hurts anyone, nor leaves any DNA behind. Meanwhile, Sharon tries to sell a high-end insurance policy to an arrogant, cretinous white-guy multimillionaire who collects contemporary Black art purely as an investment. She’s under pressure to become a partner at the firm. Elsewhere, we learn that Mike gets his marching orders from a grizzled old coot known as Money (Nick Nolte); Mike has trepidations about the next score, so Money brings in hothead Ormon (Keoghan) to do the job, and it’s noisy and violent, the exact opposite of Mike’s M.O.
As Lubesnick sniffs for clues and learns his wife is leaving him, Mike tries to calm his nerves while on a date with Maya (Barbaro) and Sharon is accused of being “a parasite” by one of her clients, who happens to be the guy whose diamonds were ganked by Mike. Work has become thankless to all of them. Maybe it’s time for Mike to make one last score and call it quits. Maybe it’s time for Lubesnick to succumb to corruption. Maybe it’s time for Sharon to give her employer the bird and take a cut of the goods.
What ‘Crime 101’ Reminds You Of
Crime 101 is a boneless-wings version of a Michael Mann thriller – it tastes pretty damn good but doesn’t feel quite as authentic as Heat or Miami Vice. There’s a hint of Drive in the existential brooding of Hemsworth’s character and his considerable skills behind the wheel on Los Angeles’ streets. The film even references Steve McQueen’s classic Bullitt, revealing one of Layton’s influences.
Standout Performances
Chris Hemsworth delivers a compelling performance, while Mark Ruffalo once again embodies the exhausted, put-upon cop with comedic effect. Barry Keoghan continues to excel as an unsettling, chaotic character.
Our Take
Crime 101 is an intelligent and well-executed thriller with consistently strong performances. Layton skillfully maintains tension and delivers rousing action sequences. It’s a front-to-back entertaining and suspenseful drama of intrigue. Layton’s screenplay contrasts the exploitative nature of the wealthy with the struggles of everyday people, creating a fascinating moral landscape.
Stream It!
Crime 101 is a pretty damn impressive picture. If you aren’t a Prime Video subscriber yet, you can get started with a 30-day Amazon Prime free trial, including Prime perks like the Prime Video streaming service, free two-day shipping, exclusive deals, and more.
