Crime 101

Grade: B+

Crime 101’s title has a double meaning. It refers to the 101 Freeway in California, and it could also be interpreted as an introductory course on how to be a criminal. I’ve never seen Heat, but Crime 101 is receiving comparison to it and the numerous top tier crime dramas with which it shares DNA. I’ll take that as high praise for it.

I am drawn to movies with multiple storylines that interlock in some form or another. Pulp Fiction, Boogie Nights, and Magnolia are among the gold standard, and this style was masterfully emulated with last year’s Weapons. The stacked assembly of familiar faces features one Oscar winner and several nominees. Minor supporting characters are filled by veterans who have been in the business forever. Nick Nolte has a couple of scenes as the type of aging crime boss that made me think of Lawrence Tierney in Reservoir Dogs or Marlon Brando in The Score. He has graduated from the game, and now just moves the chess pieces. Jennifer Jason Leigh has an effective few minutes of screen time as Mark Ruffalo’s soon-to-be ex wife.

This is such an ensemble film, but I suppose our star is Chris Hemsworth, as Mike. Known as the “101 thief,” as that’s the road where he forges his working pattern, he specializes in jewel heists, and is famous for never getting violent with anyone. Right off the bat, I was reminded of Channing Tatum’s friendly, polite robber in Roofman. Ruffalo plays Detective Lou Lubesnick, who becomes obsessed with tracking Mike and getting back in his department’s good graces. He was already on thin ice with them, but they are none too pleased with his continued pursuit of what they see as a flimsy hunch, but Lou has a feeling about this. Barry Keoghan (The Banshees of Inisherin, Saltburn, Hurry Up Tomorrow) turns up as a hotheaded biker who makes waves along the 101, using less nice methods than Mike. Ruffalo’s Detective is perceptive enough to notice that it’s likely not Mike.

A subplot about a male-dominated office environment is introduced without coming off as preachy. Halle Berry plays an insurance broker who has been with the company long enough to be a heartbeat away from partner. After years of her bosses stringing her along with false-hope promises, they give the position to a younger attractive redhead who hasn’t been there half as long as she. They have one word for Berry: 53. Ouch. Monica Barbaro (Joan Baez from A Complete Unknown) is lovely as Maya, who Mike begins dating after she rear-ends him with her car. It’s not your typical useless romance subplot. It has a reason to be there, and it gets a follow-through. Director Bart Layton keeps many spinning plates going for 2 hours and 19 minutes. My interest and attention never let up.

Credulity is definitely strained. Characters are always prepared with a Plan B at the ready, no matter how sideways events go. They know exactly where to be, what to do, and how to intercept devices as needed – especially in the final act, great as it is otherwise. However, I felt vindicated and satisfied by the ending. Every arc and plot line gets a resolution. It’s a happy conclusion for every character I cared about, and the ones I wasn’t as fond of receive exactly what they deserve. It should stand the test of time among Heat, The Score, The Departed, and all the classic action crime thrillers through the decades. Crime 101 is as exciting and entertaining as I’ve ever seen from this genre.

Grade: B+