The key points of any heist story are the clever planning, execution, and tension it creates, which keep onlookers glued to the screen, and the same goes for Crime 101. Directed by Bart Layton, the crime drama is a solid blend of intense action and suspense, with carefully placed characters that enhance the experience, woven into a heist story.
Introducing the central character, Mike/James Davis, played by Chris Hemsworth: a meticulous thief in Los Angeles whose agenda is not just to steal, but to steal only from the wealthiest. With his sharp mind, Mike commits the crime, leaving no trace, while his ‘never hurt anyone’ motto shows a different side of him, adding an emotional layer to his character.
The film features multiple characters: Sharon, played by Halle Berry, is an insurance broker who works with the same wealthy people Mike chose to steal from, a character who elicits deep emotions. With Ormon, played by Barry Keoghan, who considers himself Davis’s successor, working with their mutual boss, Money, played by Nick Nolte, the plot gets interesting.
It also features Lou, played by Mark Ruffalo, a detective who understands Mike’s pattern of theft. And the catalyst here is Maya, played by Monica Barbaro, with whom Mike shares a romantic relationship.
The director Bart Layton carefully places all these characters in a tale that not only focuses on a thrilling heist but also explores their different layers, adding depth to the story. The story feels familiar, with the usual patterns, but its careful execution saves the experience to some extent. Overall, satisfaction comes with a perfectly executed plot, surprises, suspense, intense action, and emotional depth that keep the audience invested.
IWMBuzz rates Crime 101 3 out of 5 stars.
