- CRIME 101
- Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo and Halle Berry
- Directed by: Bart Layton
- Rated: R
- Running time: 2 hrs 20 mins
- Amazon Studios/MGM
Our score: 4 out of 5
First off, even though this film features Thor, the Hulk and Storm, “Crime 101” is not the latest entry into the MCU world. What it is is a tightly made, action packed crime thriller bolstered by fine performances and great action scenes.
Davis (Hemsworth) is living the good life. A beautiful house on the beach, wonderful cars and, when he needs money, the ability to pull of high stakes robberies with very little trouble. His trademark: no violence. However, when his benefactor gives what should have been his last job to the wrong person, Davis must use all of his skills to not only save himself but others close to him.
The story starts out with three main chapters that eventually come together. There’s Hemsworth’s Davis, calm and, as the late Stuart Scott would say, “cooler then the other side of the pillow.” Balance him against a rumpled Mark Ruffalo, who plays a police detective that has been on the hunt for Hemsworth for years, failing to convince his superiors that he is the one person responsible for the string of burglaries that have plagued the area. With his hair askew and choice of clothing, Ruffalo reminds one of the popular Lieutenant Columbo from the 1970s, played to perfection by Peter Falk. Berry is an insurance broker, worried about her career path and the possibility of being replaced by a younger version of herself. Once everyone’s paths cross, the action begins to ramp up to a fever pace.
Credit the films’ director and co-writer, Mr. Layton, for keeping the film moving and finding inventive ways to make what could have been a standard Hollywood car chase a true rollercoaster ride for the audience. Lots of practical effects here and they are greatly appreciated when achieved. Action fans will not be disappointed.
On a scale of zero to five, “Crime 101” receives ★★★★