The first great crime movie of 2026 appears to be upon us, as Bart Layton’s adaptation of Don Winslow’s 2020 novella <em>Crime 101</em> has debuted to rave reviews. The first batch of verified critic reviews on Rotten Tomatoes yielded a rare 100% fresh score, and while subsequent additions have pulled it away from perfection, it still boasts an extremely strong score for a crime thriller.
Crime 101 follows a jewel thief (Chris Hemsworth) who commits heists along the 101 freeway in Los Angeles whose plans align with those of a beleaguered insurance agent (the recently revitalized Halle Berry). As their plots unfold, they’re chased by a sharp detective (Mark Ruffalo) determined to stop the next heist before it happens.
The crime thriller is positively loaded with talent in front of the camera in addition to the aforementioned stars, although early expectations online were those of a run-of-the-mill modern crime story. As it turns out, critics are applauding it as a top-of-the-line crime movie, and sifting through the reviews reveals there are several common elements they’ve reacted to.
Key Takeaways
- Critical Reception: Crime 101 has received a remarkable 100% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes from initial reviews.
- Star Cast: The film features an impressive cast including Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, and Mark Ruffalo.
- Character Depth: Critics praise the well-written and complex characters that add depth to the story.
- Cinematic Style: The film evokes classic crime heist movies with its neo-noir aesthetic and storytelling.
6
The Star-Studded Cast Is Excellent
In addition to Hemsworth, Berry, and Ruffalo, the cast of Crime 101 has a supporting cast loaded with Oscar nominees and other celebrated actors. Barry Keoghan (The Banshees of Inisherin) has a major role as a psychopathic biker at odds with Hemsworth’s thief Mike Davis, while Nick Nolte (Warrior), Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown), Corey Hawkins (Straight Outta Compton), and Jennifer Jason Leigh (The Hateful Eight) all have meaningful roles.
Critics agree that the entire cast is fully bought-in with their performances, but Hemsworth, Berry, and Ruffalo are the standouts in the film. Owen Gleiberman of Variety called it one of Hemsworth’s best performances in no uncertain terms, while others applauded Ruffalo’s grizzled veteran detective as the other half of the cat-and-mouse game with Hemsworth.
5
The Characters Are Well-Written And Complex
Part of what makes the actors stand out in Crime 101 is the fact that they get to work with characters that are well-fleshed-out. George Simpson of the Daily Express noted that, “what makes Crime 101 so good is that the heart-racing thrills are complemented by a great script full of morally complex characters.”
As the main protagonist is a jewel thief, there is a built-in level of complexity for the audience, as we are meant to root for the characters attempting heists. On the other side, Ruffalo’s detective isn’t the most straight-and-narrow of law enforcers, leaving room for each performer to build layers onto their respective characters. Layton’s adaptation of the source material is executed well enough that the characters are worth caring about.
4
It Evokes Crime Heist Classics
© Amazon MGM Studios / Courtesy Everett Collection
While some critics labeled it as a bug not a feature, most agree that Crime 101‘s reliance on crime tropes from classics like Collateral, Thief, or The Thomas Crown Affair largely works in the movie’s favor. Edgar Ortega of Loud and Clear Reviews said in his analysis that “…it might utilize a well-known formula, but in a time where it’s a rarity for this kind of movie to get released in theaters, Layton’s latest is a welcome addition to the genre.“
Comparisons to Michael Mann’s 1995 genre staple Heat abound within the bevy of reviews currently available, but again that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Fans of the iconic classic will undoubtedly be pleased by Layton’s sleek adaptation, and if there is any movie that a modern crime thriller should strive to emulate, Heat is as good a target as any.
3
There Is A Gritty Neo-Noir Feel To It
The reason critics agree that this movie evokes crime classics is due to Layton and his team leaning into a true neo-noir aesthetic for the story. Randy Myers from the San Jose Mercury News highlighted cinematographer Erik Wilson’s work specifically, stating he “Makes L.A. sleek, sexy and rough around the edges which contributes to giving it a sleepless feel.“
The rough edges apply to both characters and setting alike, helping manufacture a distinct style that will satisfy even genre purists who hold black-and-white classics from the ’40s and ’50s as gold standard. Critics seem to agree this helps make Crime 101 stand out in modern cinema which typically relies on more explosive action within crime thrillers.
2
The Narrative Is A Well Executed Slow Burn
The appeal of Crime 101 lies partly in its avoidance of explosive action and heavy-handed exposition often found in crime films. Gregory Nussen from Screen Rant noted that “This is a purposefully languid movie that proves real tension can be built without crash landing right on your head.“
A few critics pointed out that its runtime of 140 minutes may feel excessive but this intentional slow burn narrative contributes significantly to its effectiveness. The story includes well-executed action scenes such as an exhilarating car chase but overall it’s crafted to build tension gradually.
1
It’s An Entertaining Crime Thriller
Certainly most importantly,Crime 101is an enjoyable cinematic experience.Crime thrillersmust keep audiences engaged throughout their runtime and critics concur there’s ample fun especially for fans of classic crime films.
Aidan Kelley from Collider acknowledged reliance on traditional crime tropes but remarked “The overall result is thrilling ride that’s fun to watch from its quietest character moments to its loudest chase sequences.” Crime 101is officially releasing on February12th and could maintain popularity beyond Valentine’s Day weekend based on early reviews.
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