The 101 of the title is actually the highway through Los Angeles. However, Crime 101 sounds like the title of a basic university course. And, those interested in high-class and well-planned heists are provided with what might be called plentiful tutorial material for their hoped-for careers. But ministers will sit back and enjoy it all.
Writer-director, Bart Layton, has adapted a novel by Daniel Winslow and has intended to make a big budget, strong cast, highly colourful Los Angeles drama. Which he does. Immediately we are introduced to Mike, Chris Hemsworth at his charming best, a gentleman thief, meticulous at planning, not hurting anyone, but getting away with jewels. We get a glimpse of his patron, sounding more gravelly-voice than ever, Nick Nolte.
Then we are introduced to the other key characters, Sharon, played by Halle Berry, working with a high-class insurance firm for 11 years, discussing with millionaires policies and planning for a society wedding; Mark Ruffalo as Lou, a veteran LA detective, dishevelled, expert profiling of criminals, but tending to be looked down on by the smarter professionals. Then, an entirely different character, Orman, played by Barry Keoghan (who has been in many films recently), a petty, very petty thug with some confident violent attitudes, who has to follow Mike and report back on his plans – although he too sets up a rather messy bank robbery to build up his credibility.
There is something not quite right in the lives of each of the main characters and gradually, they are brought together, Sharon and Lou through self-help and yoga classes, Mike and Sharon because he investigates her being passed over, humiliated at her company.
This is all moving towards a buildup for the heist in the luxury Beverly Wilshire hotel, the millionaire and his fiancee, a safe full of cash, jewellery, a security expert coming from Europe – and some substitutions, to catch a thief, an intrusion from the violent Orman.
Bart Layton achieves what he set out to do, nothing more, nothing less – a Los Angeles crime action adventure, heists, investigations, car chases, identity switches, and entertainment.
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Kerry Bourke says:
Thanks for the great run-down of the film, Crime101, Fr Peter.