Amazon MGM’s “Crime 101,” directed by Bart Layton, pulls together a star-studded cast in an action-packed crime thriller following the lives of three people intersecting on the highway. “Crime 101” will be released in theaters Feb. 13, advertising itself as a Valentine’s treat.
Everything begins and ends on Los Angeles Highway 101 for gentleman thief Mike Davis (Chris Hemsworth). Davis embodies the perfect robber with meticulous planning and a tailored suit, but he can’t shake the anxiety that comes with his lifestyle. Hemsworth retains his personal image of an attractive gentleman while subtly overlaying assets of the character, which is an ultimately underwhelming performance.
Co-star Mark Ruffalo plays Detective Lou Lubesnick, whose failing career centers around his obsession with the 101 thief. Although an incredible actor, Mark Ruffalo once again finds himself typecasted as a poor detective. Previous depictions of this archetype include “Now You See Me,” “Shutter Island” and “Task.” The repetition of this persona causes “Crime 101” to blend into his other movies rather than display any range in his acting abilities. Hemsworth and Ruffalo worked for years together in the “Avengers” franchise, so their chemistry felt familiar, which led to an entertaining press tour but a repetitive movie.
Sharon (Halle Berry) works as an aggrieved insurance broker for wealthy clients. Her striking looks and knowledgability of the client do not help when her employers overlook her for being a woman at her company. Sharon’s anger grows throughout the film, peaking as she breaks from her company, offering a satisfying conclusion. Berry’s distinct visage made her perfect for the role, as at 59, she looks 40. Her portrayal beautifully captured the internal conflict as she balanced her sense of morality against her self-worth.
Maya (Monica Barbaro) served only as Davis’ love interest. Her character lacked depth or importance otherwise. Her choice in men proves easy to criticize with awkward love scenes.
A distinct contrast defines each of the characters, but an undeniable trait ties them together, desire. Davis wants money for security. Lubesnick wants to catch the 101 thief. Sharon wants to be recognized by her company for her accomplishments. In the end, everyone desires wealth of some kind as a compensation for their actions. Their desires fuel the million dollar crime that acts as the climax of the movie.
Where “Crime 101” fails in achieving depth for its characters, the film provides one successful character: the 101 highway. The movie begins with an overlay of a calming voice as a nighttime landscape view of the 101 highway rotates along the screen. The highway acts as a character as well as a setting, home to high speed chases, robberies and difficult conversations. The central characters’ cars pass each other on the highway with seamless transitions to their driver side window and into their lives. The cinematography surrounding the highway and the consistent use of cars as a motif enhanced the viewers’ experience.
Ultimately, the film provides an entertaining crime thriller, but lacks qualities that might make it stand out. The ending was lackluster and felt like it was missing something.
3 out of 5 wrecked cars
