Film Review: Crime 101
Chris Hemsworth leads an all-star ensemble in the labyrinthine heist thriller Crime 101. A sophisticated plot with intricate character development and twists aplenty aims for the greatness of Michael Mann's classic Heat, but doesn't quite achieve that lofty cinematic goal. It settles for the bronze medal with solid entertainment value, intriguing cast chemistry, and passable action scenes in a slowly developing narrative that depends on too many coincidences. There are also some questionable decisions from the ostensibly smart characters, but a willing suspension of disbelief aids the narrative when simple logic fails.
The title refers to a series of high-stakes jewel robberies that take place along Los Angeles'101 highway. Hemsworth stars as the mysterious Mike, a meticulous thief who leaves no evidence behind while avoiding violence. The film begins with Mike hijacking a diamond transfer in the early morning, but has an unexpected complication that shatters his routine. He escapes with a cache of diamonds and a foreboding sense that he's somehow made a mistake in the getaway.
Detective Lou Lubesnick (Mark Ruffalo) and his partner, Tillman (Corey Hawkins), head the LAPD's search for the 101 bandit, but have markedly different views on their unknown suspect's identity. Tillman, along with everyone else involved in the case, doesn't believe in Lou's old-school gumshoe methods. Lou has become an outcast cop and deeply disliked for his inability to play ball. He's also on the verge of a breakup with his wife (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and spiraling into depression.
Meanwhile, Sharon Coombs (Halle Berry), a sales executive at a luxury insurance company, tries to get a scummy billionaire's (Tate Donovan) business. She's keenly aware of being overlooked at her job despite many years of successful service and desperately wants a promotion. The fates of Mike, Lou, and Sharon become entwined as an innocent lover (Monica Barbaro) and unhinged psychopath (Barry Keoghan) enter the fray.
Crime 101 does a good first act job of establishing the characters and their motivations. Mike is formidable, careful, and driven by a need for money, but also lonely in his criminal solitude. He aches for warmth and compassion without being able to reveal his true self. Lou is the classic gruff protagonist who always does the right thing to his personal detriment. He won't bend on the investigation and this intractability puts his career and personal life at risk. Sharon's tired of being objectified and ignored, but doesn't know how to handle sexism and ageism from her superiors. They're all wounded and vulnerable to a degree which allows their paths to cross when desire and greed reach a common juncture.
Director Bart Layton, known for The Imposter and American Animals, where he previously worked with Keoghan, uses dark lighting, unconventional camera angles, and an ominous synth score to establish palpable tension. His opening shot of an upside-down Los Angeles skyline eerily turning into level focus indicates his strategy for the rest of the film. The characters are engulfed in a chaos that demands order and are seeking a final resolution. They are players on a board unaware of who else is in the game, but all seeking an outcome of freedom. The complications that arise when they become known to each other is where Crime 101 loses its grip on realism.
Let's tread carefully and not reveal spoilers. The climax has a few whoppers and those are well received at the moment. The problem is that the rising action has flaws. The primary issue being Mike's reaction to a betrayal of sorts and understanding that he's got deadly competition. He leaves himself exposed and responds in a way that doesn't fit his character's precise nature. Mike is a skilled operative who leaves no stone unturned or variable outstanding. He makes several decisions that aid the plot's progression, but don't fit his modus operandi. The same to a lesser extent goes for Sharon. Her frustrations are understandable, but she takes a leap of faith that's a stretch to say the least.
Barbaro gets brief screen time as Mike's romantic interest. It makes sense why she'd be attracted to the quiet and hunky Hemsworth. But she's not depicted as easily swept off her feet. She's sharp, clever, and needs to know more about him. Barbaro is a convenient means to an end that doesn't involve money. Mike must weigh his heart versus wallet, but why would she stick around for that decision to be made? Crime 101 has her basically waiting in the wings like a carrot dangling as a prize.
The film admittedly plods as the threads are woven together during its 140-minute runtime. Thankfully, the character dynamics remain compelling, and the audience stays engaged until a banger finale. Layton delivers the goods with a slick ending that's worth the wait.
Crime 101 is a production of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Working Title Films, and The Story Factory et al. It will be released theatrically on February 13th from Amazon MGM Studios.
Rating: 3.5/5