Crime 101 Review: A Bracing Tale of a Master Thief with Michael Mann Flair
Crime 101, directed by Bart Layton, is a very stylish high-stakes armed robbery thriller that presses the pedal hard to the metal. Starring Chris Hemsworth, this film adapts a novella by Don Winslow into an LA crime story with a touch of Michael Mann's aesthetic, though it avoids full homage by skipping military hardware and dramatic convoy shots.
Plot and Characters: A Controlled Thief in a High-Stakes World
Hemsworth plays Mike, a super-cool and meticulously groomed thief who executes jewel robberies with nonviolent precision, akin to a ballet-dancing brain surgeon. He is mentored by Money, portrayed by Nick Nolte, a leathery old tough guy who guided Mike from foster care into crime. Mike's heists along California's Route 101 catch the attention of Lou Lubesnick, an LAPD detective played by Mark Ruffalo, who is as dishevelled and sharp as Columbo.
When plans go awry, Mike begins to question his criminal life, while Money considers replacing him with Ormon, a trigger-happy youngster played by Barry Keoghan. The tension escalates as Mike involves troubled insurance agent Sharon, played by Halle Berry, for insider information on a lucrative job, all while hiding his true profession from his girlfriend Maya, portrayed by Monica Barbaro.
Style and Substance: Entertainment with a Dash of Social Commentary
Layton abandons the indirect mannerisms of his earlier films like American Animals to deliver a fast-paced, enjoyable spectacle. The film revs its engine loudly, offering a highly watchable experience with sizzling action sequences. However, its attempts at social comment, such as brief scenes of LA's homeless or Ruffalo's detective on a crowded bus, feel perfunctory and less convincing.
Overall, Crime 101 is a gripping thriller that leaves a mark with its stylish execution and strong performances. It is set for release on 12 February in Australia and 13 February in the UK and US.
