Crime 101 review: Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo reunite in thriller with echoes of crime classic Heat

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A star rating of 4 out of 5.

English director Bart Layton often focuses on stories involving criminal deception. His previous films, like the acclaimed documentary The Imposter (2012), which tells the story of a man pretending to be someone else, and the docudrama American Animals (2018) about a daring book heist, both explore what motivates people to commit crimes. Layton seems fascinated by the psychology of becoming a criminal.

Layton’s latest film is another heist thriller, this time inspired by a crime novella from author Don Winslow. Chris Hemsworth leads a strong cast as Mike Davis, a skilled jewel thief who’s baffling the Los Angeles police with his ability to pull off robberies without violence, DNA evidence, or any trace of who he is.

Detective Lou Lubesnick (Mark Ruffalo), a persistent and somewhat disheveled investigator reminiscent of Columbo, notices a connection between a series of seemingly unrelated robberies: they all happen near California’s Highway 101. His colleagues, however, are skeptical and want him to focus on quick wins instead of pursuing his theory.

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Davis is trying to leave his life of crime behind after a dangerous robbery almost killed him. However, he doesn’t know his contact, Nick Nolte, has secretly hired a young criminal named Orman (Barry Keoghan, known from the movie American Animals) to steal the $11 million he just earned.

Okay, so right away you get a huge contrast between these two characters. Orman is a total wild card – picture a guy tearing around on a dirt bike, completely unpredictable. Davis, on the other hand, is ice-cool and professional, and he only drives the fastest, sleekest cars. The perfect example of this difference? Orman’s disastrous attempt to rob a jewelry store – it was a chaotic mess that almost ended in total failure. It really highlights just how different their approaches to, well, everything are!

I’m really curious to see what happens with Halle Berry’s character, Sharon Colvin. She’s an insurance broker in her fifties who’s feeling pretty discouraged – her career is hitting a wall because of ageism and some younger colleagues are trying to take her clients. I’m wondering if she’ll get pulled into helping this guy, Davis, with one last dangerous job? Or will this detective, Lubesnick, who’s chasing Davis, manage to convince her to do the right thing and stay out of trouble? It’s a complicated situation, and I can’t wait to see which way she goes.

This new thriller, with its nighttime city settings and story of a planned robbery, will likely remind viewers of Michael Mann’s film Heat. However, Hemsworth’s character isn’t a cold-blooded killer like Robert De Niro’s in that film, and Mark Ruffalo’s determined but messy police officer doesn’t quite measure up to Al Pacino’s polished detective, though both characters are dealing with failing marriages.

Chris Hemsworth is effortlessly cool, but also shows a touching vulnerability, particularly when he’s awkwardly trying to connect with Maya, played by Monica Barbaro. He and Mark Ruffalo have great on-screen chemistry, developed from their time as Thor and the Hulk in many successful Marvel films, and their witty banter is a highlight, like when they debate their favorite Steve McQueen movie during their first meeting. It’s fitting, as the original story by Winslow was actually inspired by and dedicated to the legendary actor, Steve McQueen.

Halle Berry, known for her role as Storm in the X-Men films, delivers a strong performance as a woman facing challenges at work where her age and skills aren’t valued. That is, until Chris Hemsworth’s character enters the picture.

Layton skillfully builds suspense throughout the story, with exciting chases breaking up the tension. The characters constantly maneuver around each other, leading to a thrilling and unpredictable finale that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Authors

Jeremy Aspinall

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2026-02-11 19:06