Crime 101 Review: A Glossy Heist Thriller That Fails to Fully Satisfy
We all know the experience of receiving a beautifully wrapped gift that ultimately disappoints upon opening. Crime 101 embodies this exact sensation—a slick, polished thriller featuring an impressive ensemble cast that presents all the familiar tropes of the genre in an attractive package, yet ultimately fails to deliver the satisfaction it promises.
An International Cast in an American Setting
Adapted from a Don Winslow novella and set against the backdrop of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas, the story feels quintessentially American. However, the creative team behind it brings an international flair. The writer-director is Englishman Bart Layton, the leading man is Australian Chris Hemsworth, and the obligatory wildcard character is portrayed by Irish actor Barry Keoghan.
The supporting cast further elevates the film's pedigree. Mark Ruffalo stars as a dishevelled LAPD detective grappling with marital issues, while Halle Berry and Nick Nolte deliver strong performances in key roles. A cameo from Jennifer Jason Leigh adds another layer of star power. With such a glittering cast, it's fitting that the plot revolves around precious gems—specifically, a jewel thief operating along California's Highway 101.
Familiar Tropes and Character Archetypes
Detective Lou Lubesnick, played by Ruffalo, is tasked with tracking down the elusive thief. He embodies the classic dishevelled detective archetype—unkempt, unshaven, yet possessing a razor-sharp mind. This characterisation recalls Clive James's 1970s observation about American television detectives: how could Lieutenant Kojak dress so impeccably while Lieutenant Columbo looked so shabby, presumably on similar salaries? Lubesnick firmly belongs to the Columbo tradition.
In another nod to crime-thriller conventions, Lubesnick frequently clashes with his polished, professional partner, portrayed by Corey Hawkins. Their target is Mike Davis, played by Hemsworth—a criminal with a conscience who, reminiscent of 1970s TV outlaws Hannibal Heyes and Kid Curry, commits robberies without taking lives.
Muddled Morality and Narrative Inconsistencies
Mike Davis is portrayed sympathetically, despite his criminal activities. He abandons hotel-room escorts after a serendipitous encounter with a wholesome woman following a car collision. His background in foster care is presented as partial justification for his pursuit of ill-gotten wealth. This creates a deeply confused moral framework that persists throughout the film.
Halle Berry's character, a high-end insurance broker devoted to yoga and mindfulness, initially exhibits iron-clad integrity. However, she eventually succumbs to the sexism prevalent in her workplace. Meanwhile, Detective Lubesnick's soft-hearted nature leads him to bend the rules to assist those he perceives as deserving, further blurring ethical lines.
Action Sequences and Genre Expectations
The film delivers the expected high-octane action, featuring screeching high-speed car and motorbike chases that wreak havoc across Los Angeles streets. Remarkably, these chaotic events seem to occur without attracting any police attention. While these sequences provide excitement, they contribute to the narrative's overall lack of coherence.
Ultimately, Crime 101 fulfills many genre requirements: thrilling car chases, pulsating music, and glamorous settings. Yet, neither the plot nor the character development withstands close scrutiny. Watching the film's elements fail to coalesce provides modest entertainment, but it leaves viewers wanting more substance beneath the glossy surface.
Comparative Mini-Review: Whistle
In contrast, Whistle offers a different kind of modest fun. This horror film, set in an American high school within the industrial heartland, is directed by another Brit, Corin Hardy. The casting of Nick Frost as a teacher with a distinctly English accent in a US rust belt setting adds an amusing layer of incongruity.
The plot revolves around an ancient Aztec death whistle discovered in the locker of a basketball star who died under mysterious circumstances—incinerated in a shower fireball. While the film contains well-executed scares and should deter viewers from seeking out Aztec death whistles, its comedic elements often overshadow the horror.
Brief Mention: Wuthering Heights Adaptation
Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic novel reimagines the story as a dark fairy tale, complete with references to Snow White and Little Red Riding Hood. Starring Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, the film emphasises kinky sexuality over emotional depth. While visually striking, this interpretation renders the central characters shallow and unengaging, transforming a timeless love story into something resembling Fifty Shades of Grimm.
