Don Winslow’s 2020 novella has been adapted by Bart Layton, who also directs this thriller that stars Chris Hemsworth as Mike Davis, a notorious jewel thief. He commits heists along the 101 freeway, whilst going out of his way to ensure no one is hurt. All of the police believe the crimes are not connected except for a detective named Lou Lubesnick (Mark Ruffalo). When Mike sets his sights on the ultimate score, his plans intersect with those of insurance broker Sharon Colvin (Halle Berry). Meanwhile, Lou starts to close in.
I had a whale of a time with Crime 101. In many ways it feels like a throwback to crime movies of the 1970’s. It was intelligently written by Layton, taking time to flesh out the characters so they are fully rounded. The plot twists and knots effectively without ever becoming over complicated. Layton’s direction has more of a sheen though, reminiscent of Michael Mann and William Friedkin’s To Live and Die in LA also felt like an influence, not only because of the setting.
The performances are universally excellent, with Ruffalo taking top honours in a part that could have been a clichéd burnt out cop, but is much more layered than that. Jennifer Jason Leigh appears briefly as Lou’s wife, and they share one superb scene in a restaurant. The other outstanding scene involves Lou and James first meeting when they discuss the films of Steve McQueen.
Nick Nolte is on gravelly top form as James’ fence and fixer and Barry Keoghan is scary as a psychotic criminal looking to steal the proceeds of James’ robberies. The action is further enhanced by a throbbing score by Blanck Mass.
The 139 minute running time absolutely flew by, and, whilst the ending was really satisfying, I wanted more.
Rating: 9 out of 10