The enduring appeal of crime movies, particularly those where criminals often take center stage as protagonists, is a fascinating phenomenon. While society teaches that "crime doesn't pay," the justification for certain criminal actions can become more nuanced with age. Iconic films like Goodfellas and The Godfather not only exemplify the best of the crime genre but are also hailed as some of the greatest movies ever made. Beyond their filmmaking prowess, these narratives frequently delve into character-driven stories of societal underdogs, captivating audiences with figures such as Danny Ocean in the Ocean's trilogy or Sonny's endearing quest for quick cash in Dog Day Afternoon. The vast catalog of exceptional crime films is immense, with Prime Video's latest offering, "Crime 101," drawing particular influence from two standout titles: Drive and Heat.

Directed by Bart Layton, known for "American Animals," and featuring a star-studded ensemble cast that includes Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, and Halle Berry, "Crime 101" arrives with considerable anticipation. While the film occasionally leans into established crime story clichés, the overall experience is a thrilling and enjoyable journey, seamlessly transitioning from its intimate character moments to its most explosive chase sequences. Set to premiere in theaters on February 13, 2026, it is based on a novella by Don Winslow, author of "Savages."

The film centers on Davis (Chris Hemsworth), a quiet master thief who has carved out a reputation as a serial offender, specializing in meticulously targeted robberies along the 101 freeway. His signature move is to never harm anyone, a pattern that detective Lou Lubesnick (Mark Ruffalo) has diligently observed. Lou, an LAPD detective on the verge of divorce, becomes obsessively driven to apprehend Davis. However, he faces an uphill battle, as not everyone in the department believes Davis exists, and the LAPD itself is portrayed as a corporatized entity prioritizing case closures over genuine justice. Ruffalo embodies Lou as the "Last Honest Cop in L.A.," whose grizzled, "irrelevant" integrity is met with derision by his colleagues.

Davis's personal life is equally complex. He juggles orchestrating his next score with the potentially reluctant assistance of Sharon (Halle Berry), a high-end insurance broker. Sharon, despite 11 years with her firm, finds herself trapped by the "old boys' network," hitting a glass ceiling with no path to partnership. Berry imbues Sharon with a vibrant energy underscored by an palpable undertow of anger and despair, making her a compelling, albeit contrived, link between the criminal underworld and law enforcement, as she also encounters Lou in a yoga class. Davis must also keep his plans secret from Ormon (Barry Keoghan), a violent competitor and thug hired by Davis's former boss, Money (Nick Nolte), who plays his role with a jagged rasp and wry intensity. Adding to Davis's distractions is Maya (Monica Barbaro), a woman he meets and with whom he considers risking everything.

With a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, "Crime 101" impressively balances its large cast, presenting a three-way narrative that follows Davis, Lou, and Sharon through their distinct journeys. Bart Layton's direction is noteworthy, making the pacing feel brisk, whether through intimate dialogue exchanges or high-octane car chases described as "grippingly unchoreographed." Chris Hemsworth's portrayal of Davis is hailed as one of his best performances, injecting the "Drive-like anti-hero with a heart of gold" archetype with a fascinating, barely submerged anxiety that makes him edgy and preoccupied. His motivation as a foster child, trying to construct an ordered world, drives his cautious approach to thievery, leading to a break with Money over a risky Santa Barbara robbery.

While the characters and writing, though overall well-crafted, occasionally dip into derivative clichés, the film is primarily characterized by its top-notch filmmaking. Cinematographer Erik Wilson and editors Julian Hart and Jacob Schulsinger are credited for rendering LA with a clean, aesthetically pleasing look and enhancing the story with clever editing and camera transitions. "Crime 101" maintains a steady momentum, showcasing well-shot car chases that never become tiresome, alongside slower, more tense moments where the film truly excels. The climax builds to an excellent boiling point, a "layer cake of deception" at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, culminating in a shootout that reveals the true core of each character. Although the ending unfortunately veers into the melodramatic, wrapping things up a bit too neatly, the film generally avoids feeling overly reminiscent of its predecessors through careful handling, solid direction, and strong performances.

As 2026 shapes up to be a strong year for smaller-scale action thrillers, "Crime 101" is poised to join the ranks of potential cult classics. Despite its undeniable influences from past crime movie hits, Bart Layton successfully delivers an entertaining and satisfying crime thriller, proving Prime Video's adeptness in the genre. Chris Hemsworth's portrayal of a likable anti-hero ensures that this crime journey is a compelling ride from start to finish. "Crime 101" stands as an advanced course in the making of underworld dreams.