Crime 101 Movie Review

​A must-see! The use of 101 in the title should be explained, as it may lead you to believe that there’s something it’s not. It refers to the 101 freeway that goes through Los Angeles.

The reason it’s in the title is because the crimes perpetrated by the criminal are carried out in places directly off that freeway. That being the case, there’s a lot of focus on that area while a case is being built, something that unfolds in spectacular fashion. The film is based on a novella written by Don Winslow, a crime novelist, private investigator, political activist, and screenwriter. He also wrote short stories that were published in magazines such as Esquire and Playboy. His columns have appeared in Vanity Fair, the Huffington Post, and CNN Online. I tell you all of that to inform you that the writer of this story kind of knows what he’s doing. He has just released a new novel called, “The Final Score” that will hopefully make its way to the big screen. I was thoroughly entertained by this film, and I imagine any of his books that are turned into movies will excite the seeker of movies based on the crime, caper, thriller tale, which “Crime 101” is. It’s modern noir in the style of the 90’s crime dramas.

This story is about a jewel thief named Mike Davis, played by Chris Hemsworth. He works along the previously mentioned 101. Lou (Ruffalo) is a detective tracking Mike. Sharon, played by the incredible Halle Berry, is an insurance broker who isn’t appreciated at work. She deals with high-class clients. Since hitting her fifties, she’s getting passed up for partner. So, she teams up with the very calculated Mike. There’s a change in his pattern that is noticed by Lou. The three main characters are connected in a compelling way. There are good character arcs, excellent relationships developing, as well as just damn good character development by the writers. They’re all being replaced somehow. In comes Ormon, played by Barry Keoghan. He’s a psychotic, aggressive youth who uses his motorcycle to intimidate any and everyone. He’s a wild card who’s replacing Mike because he’ll do the more dangerous jobs. It’s around him where the action scenes come into play. They are exquisite. Trust me on this. It takes a long time to get going, but once it does, you won’t be able to peel your fingers out of the cushion. The final 1/3 is powerful and intense, and makes being in front of that big screen worth every moment that has gone by. See this on the big screen… it deserves to be seen that way. By the way, Halle Berry is back, if this is the kind of work she wants to do. She was very believable in the role. A quote says, “Life’s too short to drive boring cars.” It was said by Elvis. Since the movie about him is coming out a little later, I thought that quote was interesting to add here.

This is a great cast, an unbelievably good action film, and I must recommend you not miss it. It’s electrifying and a decent amount of fun. It’s hard to zero in on the one reason you have to see this… there are just too many. Watch this opening weekend so you can rub it in people’s faces that you’ve already seen it! Then, recommend they do!!

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