Crime 101 info:
Director: Bart Layton
Writer: Bart Layton
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, Mark Ruffalo, and Barry Keoghan
Intro
Hello and welcome to another week here at 1guysmindlessmoviereviews.com. It’s officially March now, which means Spring is near, the Academy Awards are only 2 weeks away, and of course, March Madness basketball is coming mid-month as well. Plus, with the addition of Spring Break for the kids and the start of softball, this looks to be a busy month. But, before we got too busy, the wife and I were able to have a quick day date and catch a movie.
“Crime 101” is my choice this week since “Scream 7” was pretty much sold out in every available time slot. Hopefully, I get to watch it next week. Bart Layton directed it and has quite the all-star cast to go along with a fun overlapping story. But before I start talking about it too much, let me get my spoiler warning out of the way. If you haven’t watched this yet and don’t want to know what happens, go back to my homepage to see what else I have in store, then come back here.
Crime 101 recap
Basically, “Crime 101” revolves around three main characters. Mike Davis (Hemsworth) and his role in the increasingly elaborate jewel heists that he’s been pulling off. Lou (Ruffalo) and his job as a struggling police officer. He’s trying to pinpoint and track down the various root causes of all these thefts. Finally, we have Sharon (Berry), as she is fighting an uphill battle at the insurance agency where she works.
Davis is a very unique style of criminal. He is very good at what he does. He never leaves behind any evidence or DNA, and no one ever gets hurt. When a bullet narrowly misses him, he starts to second-guess the next job given to him by his handler (Nick Nolte). Orman (Keoghan) is sent in his place, and since he doesn’t hold the same values as Davis, he is messy, loud, and hurts people in the process.
While this is going on, Davis also enlists Sharon to assist him with his final job. The one that will finally put him where he wants to be financially. When Orman follows and attacks Sharon, she tells him everything, then, in return, goes to Lou to fill him in on what is going on.
This all leads to a showdown in a hotel room, with Lou undercover as the jewel transporter. Davis has taken on the role of the driver/security from the airport, and Orman is enroute to intercept them as well. When the three of them meet up, we get an intense standoff in which Davis shoots and kills Orman to save Lou. In return, Lou lets him go, planning to pin the whole thing on the recently deceased Orman. Happy ending for everyone, right?
My thoughts on Crime 101
I always love a good heist movie. Even though this isn’t a typical heist story, as most of the thieving is being done by one guy. “Crime 101” has a good plotline between the three main characters, and it’s fun to watch the stories weave in and out of each other. Davis, Lou, and Sharon are all three going through some sort of mental crisis, and their actions speak to that. Even though he’s the criminal here, you feel bad for Davis as he tries to meetup with a woman. He’s always awkward on dates as he shifts around and won’t make eye contact.
Similarly, you feel bad for Sharon and Lou at their respective jobs and the things they are going through as well. It was nice to see all three of them get some sort of vindication by the end, regardless of what they had done during the previous two hours (on-screen time). It was beautifully shot and has a Los Angeles noir vibe to it… just maybe not as dark. A few good action scenes, some very neat cars, and a compelling story go a long way as well. It did take me longer than I want to admit that Thor and Hulk were on different sides for most of this film.
Although none of the actors here did their best work, most of the acting was still very good and convincing. When Davis was sad and lonely, that’s when Hemsworth was at his best. Ruffalo was great as always, and Berry puts in her normal solid effect as well (outside of “Catwoman” that is). Of course, as is the case with most movies, the characters were better when they were on the screen together. Especially Berry and Ruffalo, that storyline definitely leaves you wanting more after the end.
Overall, “Crime 101” is a fun movie and one that I think most people will enjoy. Even though this isn’t the best one of the year, it still follows a recent trend where the films I’ve been watching are above average. I’m still waiting for my favorite movie of the year to come out, but I just don’t know what it is yet. Anyway, this one is good enough to earn a confident 7 out of 10.
Watch or wait?
Honestly, I think this movie is enjoyable enough to warrant a watch now in theaters vibe. The cast alone should be enough to draw some people in. However, if crime dramas aren’t your thing, then maybe you give it a month or two and check it out when it comes to streaming. (I’m going to guess Amazon Prime Video).
Well, that’s it for me this week. That means it’s now your turn. Have you seen “Crime 101” yet? If so, what are your thoughts? Most people seem to give it a very similar score to what I did. Either way, let me know in the comments, and I will be back next week with another mindless movie review of some sort!
