Our Review

                                Movie: CRIME 101

         Rating: R, language throughout, some violence                                     and sexual material/nudity                                                      Length: 2:19

                       Release Date: February 13, 2026

Jeanne: A killer cast, including Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, Mark Ruffalo and Barry Keoghan, elevates writer/director Bart Layton’s latest effort, CRIME 101. Based on Don Winslow’s novella of the same name, this heist drama is an homage to Los Angeles, the 101 freeway and urbane crime thrillers from the past.

Hemsworth plays Davis, a jewel thief with a conscience. He makes it a point to meticulously research his intended target and avoids hurting anyone at all costs. He also utilizes the 101 freeway up and down Southern California as a quick getaway. Unfortunately, his “mentor”, Money (Nick Nolte), is pushing for bigger results equating to more danger.

When Davis balks, Money enlists Ormon (Keoghan), a psychotic street kid whose father once worked fpr Money. Ormon does the job, but he has no qualms about being ruthless. It’s a tense scene --- one of the better ones in CRIME 101.

When Davis meets Maya (Monica Barbaro) and forms a connection, he realizes how incredibly empty his life has become. He decides he needs one last heist --- a really big one --- and he turns to Sharon Coombs (Berry), a high-end claims adjuster for an insurance company that insures the richest of the rich in LA. He propositions her with a plan to share in the goods if she will supply him with the much-needed information to pull off this last score.

Meanwhile, LAPD Detective “Lou” Lubesnik (Ruffalo) and his partner Detective Tillman (Corey Hawkins) are tasked with finding the culprit responsible for these well-timed robberies. Lou is convinced it’s one guy --- and that he uses the 101 as his escape route. It all comes down to an intense climax at the exclusive Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

Layton has penned a script fraught with nail-biting car chases, dangerous encounters and suspenseful sequences meant to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. It mostly succeeds due to Layton’s cast.

Hemsworth is more than adequate as the lonely thief who is trying desperately to come to grips with his life. Ruffalo is perfectly cast as the slovenly detective with a keen mind, a la Columbo. Berry is exceptional as the aging insurance agent whose only goal is to be made a partner. And Keoghan portrays Ormon as a full-on crackpot with aplomb.

My biggest complaint with CRIME 101 is the runtime of two hours and 19 minutes. As it is, it’s very entertaining --- it just needs to be tightened by 10-15 minutes.

Opinion: Wait for VOD

David: The title of this film, CRIME 101, has nothing to do in terms of the simplicity of committing a crime. It’s not like Music 101 or Geography 101. The “101” actually refers to one of Los Angeles’ major freeways which, most Angelenos can tell you, is usually packed with traffic.

The story revolves around a jewel thief named Davis (Chris Hemsworth) whose larcenous ways take a northern route in Southern California along the 101. The detective working on the case is “Lou” Lubesnik (Mark Ruffalo), who believes if he sticks with his theory he will catch this brazen jewel thief by focusing on this particular freeway.

Other characters enter the picture to further complicate matters. One is Sharon Combs (Halle Berry), an insurance claims adjuster for many years in the same company, biding her time until she makes partner. Berry has a dynamic scene when she confronts her boss about her lack of a partnership. The other main disruptive figure is Ormon, a dirt bike-riding jewel thief (Barry Keoghan), who wants a bigger piece of the pie.

The major difference between Davis and Ormon is that Davis has a conscience and wouldn’t hurt anyone while committing his robberies. Ormon, on the other hand, doesn’t care who he assaults --- or kills --- if it means making a successful heist.

Bart Layton’s compelling script is made even better by this ensemble cast. He also directs, based on Don Winslow’s novella of the same name. CRIME 101 is rife with twists and turns, and also features a few well-choregraphed car chases through the streets of L.A. These sequences are true to form because, again familiar to Angelenos, a lot of drivers run red lights and/or drive far too fast.

Other notables in the ensemble cast include Nick Nolte as Money, a nefarious character only out for himself. Monica Barbaro plays Maya, a woman who arouses the interest of the lonesome Davis in a romantic relationship, which is challenged when she learns how he makes a living. The music by composer Blanck Mass, known for his electronic ability, is also an important aspect of this story.

CRIME 101 is much more than a thriller because the viewer is firmly ensconced in the lives of these people, particularly the four main stars and how they interact with one another. Hemsworth calls CRIME 101 a throwback to heist films of the past, and that’s not a bad thing.

Opinion: See It Now!