Crime 101 on Prime Video: Is the Heist Thriller with Chris Hemsworth and Barry Keoghan Worth Watching?

You know that feeling when you start watching a movie and within ten minutes you just know: "Yes, this is totally my thing"? That’s exactly how I’ve felt this week with "Crime 101". The film landed on Prime Video on April 1st—and I’ll tell you right now: it was the perfect way to kick off the streaming month. We’re talking about a classic heist thriller that’s genuinely fun. No mindless gunfire, just style, tension, and that special atmosphere that pulls you right in.

What’s Crime 101 About? The Last Heist of a Gentleman Gangster

We’re in sun-soaked but pretty gritty Los Angeles. Chris Hemsworth (yes, the guy we all know as Thor) steps into the role of Davis—a jewel thief who has perfected his craft after a string of jobs along Highway 101. He’s the shadow nobody sees. But he wants out. One last big heist, and then he’s done. Of course, it’s never that simple. Because on one hand, there’s Mark Ruffalo as Lou, a washed-up detective who’s been chasing this legend for years and is finally starting to see a pattern. And then there’s Halle Berry as Sharon, a frustrated insurance adjuster who gets pulled right into these explosive plans.

What I particularly love is this concept of "Crime 101." In the film, it’s an unwritten set of rules that Davis lives by: no violence, no traces, no emotions. Sounds simple, but it’s not—especially when a certain Barry Keoghan shows up as Ormon, an unhinged biker who decides to throw all the rules out the window. Trust me, this guy steals every single scene he’s in. Pure goosebumps.

From Heat to Bullitt: A Tribute to the Classics

Director Bart Layton (known for "American Animals" and the incredibly tense documentary "The Imposter") is taking on something big here. And yes, he borrows a fair bit—especially from Michael Mann’s masterpiece "Heat." You can see it in the nighttime shots of LA, the cool electronic score, and those long, quiet moments between characters that say more than a thousand words. But you know what? It’s no cheap knockoff. Layton does it with so much love for detail that it feels more like a tribute. There’s a car chase that strongly reminded me of "Bullitt" with Steve McQueen—fast, loud, and damn well shot.

I just re-read "The Fifth Gospel" the other day, but this film has its own visually powerful language. You can tell the person behind it truly loves the genre. There’s a scene in a convenience store with Keoghan—people are going to be talking about that one for a long time. It’s pure psycho, but so well acted that you can’t help but watch, fascinated.

How Do the Avengers Stars Hold Up as a Crime Duo?

Honestly? I was skeptical. Hemsworth as a smart jewel thief? Ruffalo as a dogged cop? But they both do a great job. Hemsworth plays this reserved, almost shy lone wolf with incredible presence. You can see his inner turmoil—that desire for love and trust that he can’t exactly "steal," as the script so nicely puts it. Ruffalo, on the other hand, is the perfect foil: tired, but with an unshakable sense of justice. The chemistry between them works, even though they’re not directly facing each other most of the time.

The women more than hold their own too: Monica Barbaro ("Top Gun: Maverick") as Mayas is more than just a love interest, and Halle Berry proves once again that even in a supporting role, she can suck the light out of other actors. The film’s problem? Its runtime. At 140 minutes, it drags in places. Some dialogue could have been a bit tighter. But when the action finally kicks in, that’s quickly forgotten.

Scarfies, Novellas, and a Top-Tier Author

For those who want the details: The film is based on a novella by Don Winslow, the master of the modern crime novel. Winslow is the kind of guy who writes these stories in his sleep. If you know his work, you know you’re dealing with someone who understands the dark depths of the human soul. Layton has crafted a solid screenplay from the source material, even if some twists are predictable. According to industry insiders, early reviews are mostly positive—currently sitting at 89% favourable. Some call it "slick and successful," others miss that big wow effect. I’m somewhere in the middle.

Speaking of worth watching: Layton previously made a film called "Scarfies"—a completely different beast, but already proof of his knack for unusual stories. And for the book nerds among you: Winslow’s "Emmy & Oliver" or "Nightwing: Year One" are obviously a whole other ball game, but if you’re into dark atmosphere, you’ll be well served here too.

• What’s great: The cast (especially Keoghan and Hemsworth), the cinematic cinematography, and the cool action scenes.
• What’s not so great: The overly long runtime. Cutting 20 minutes would have done wonders for the pacing.
• The verdict: A stylish, adult heist thriller that’s perfect for a cozy night on the couch. If you loved "Heat" or "Drive," you’ll be in good hands.

Should You Stream or Skip Crime 101?

Clearly: Stream it! Sure, "Crime 101" doesn’t reinvent the wheel. But it polishes it to a high shine. It’s refreshing to see Amazon Prime Video still investing in classic, adult thrillers like this. It’s not a perfect film—but it’s a damn entertaining one. So: turn off the lights, grab a bag of chips (or a glass of wine—he is an elegant thief, after all) and let yourself get swept away on this trip to Los Angeles. These guys and gals have got the goods. And who knows, maybe someday we’ll see a prequel about how those "Crime 101" rules came to be. I’d watch it in a heartbeat.