Crime 101

The aptly named "Crime 101" looks a lot like any by the numbers entry-level script for an action crime drama/thriller. There's exactly nothing new on offer here. Unless you are 100% new to the genre, this film will feel overly familiar, tired, predictable and ultimately clichéd. Dropping in a cast of well-known faces does nothing to fix the lack of originality on offer here. I managed a little over half of this flick before remembering I only had one life and didn't want to waste it watching the same thing over and over again, ad nauseum. In summary, in spite of decent production values and a more or less capable cast (there's at least one actor here I don't rate), this is a rather unoriginal film that shows little to no imagination, as far as I can see. A mediocre watch.…

It’s been said that crime doesn’t pay, but, as this notion is often portrayed in the movies, that’s only true if one gets caught. Perpetrators skilled in covering their tracks frequently manage to find a way around the law, provided, of course, that they’re truly adept at managing to stay ahead of authorities. That theory gets seriously put to the test in this third feature outing from writer-director Bart Layton, the story of a slick, enigmatic, unassuming Los Angeles jewel thief (Chris Hemsworth) who’s an expert at what he does, successfully pulling off his lucrative exploits without getting caught and without anyone getting hurt. But, in his latest job, wrinkles emerge that prompt him to reassess his circumstances (not to mention his future). These conditions uncharacteristically force him to improvise to stay ahead of those pursuing him, namely, an unconventional but insightful detec…

“Davis” (Chris Hemsworth) is one of those rare breeds of thieves. He has scruples about violence and so always wants to avoid hurting those whom he robs. It’s a sound policy as usually it is the couriers he is relieving of their diamonds, or watches, or jewels. His latest job didn’t quite go to plan, though, and feeling a bit unnerved he tells his ageing fence “Money” (Nick Nolte) that he wants out. He's not the kind of man to let the job go unfinished, so drafts in his far less scrupulous pal “Ormon” (Barry Keoghan) who is about as subtle as an air raid. When “Davis” hears of the robbery, he confronts “Money” and that’s when the wheels of his well oiled machine begin to come off as the motor-cycling “Ormon” is instructed to turn his attentions on our now disillusioned thief. Meantime, insurance underwriter “Sharon” (Halle Berry) is fed up slaving away under a glass ceiling for her bosse…

Full review: https://movieswetextedabout.com/crime-101-movie-review-chris-hemsworth-and-mark-ruffalo-anchor-a-heat-lite-crime-thriller/ Rating: B "Crime 101 asserts itself as a solid and extremely competent crime thriller that, while not reaching the same thematic depths or cultural impact of the classics it's inspired by, offers high-level entertainment sustained by a luxury cast and irreproachable technical execution. By balancing the tension of expert editing with the humanity of its performances, Bart Layton delivers a movie that values the intelligence of viewers and the dignity of its characters. It's a film that celebrates the professionalism and persistence of the human spirit, reminding us that in a world plunged into chaos, there's a unique beauty in the precision of those who know the rules of the game and know when to follow or break them to do what's right."…