Crime 101 (2026)

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…

Crime 101 takes us along the 101 freeway through sun-bleached Los Angeles, where jewel heists unfold with careful timing rather than scenic views. Chris Hemsworth plays the central figure, a thief who remains untraceable while carrying out these jobs with the exactness of a Swiss watch, leaving the LAPD without leads. The setup keeps the focus on the mechanics of the crimes and the pursuit that follows. Halle Berry appears as an insurance broker facing a personal crossroads, creating a mix of desperation and chance that intersects with the unfolding…

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,…