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

You know that feeling when you start watching a film and within ten minutes you just know: "Yeah, this is totally my thing"? That's exactly how I've felt this week with "Crime 101". The movie's been available on Prime Video since April 1 – and I'll tell you straight up: it was the perfect way to kick off the streaming month. We're talking about a classic heist-thriller that's genuinely a blast. No pointless gunplay – just style, tension, and that special atmosphere that pulls you right in.

What's Crime 101 about? The final heist of a gentleman gangster

We're in sun-drenched but pretty gritty Los Angeles. Chris Hemsworth (yeah, the guy we all know as Thor) steps into the role of Davis – a jewellery thief who's perfected his craft after a string of break-ins along Highway 101. He's the shadow no one sees. But here's the thing: he wants out. One last big score, and then he's done. Of course, it's never that simple. Because, for one, there's Mark Ruffalo as washed-up Detective Lou, who's been chasing the legend for years and is slowly starting to see a pattern. And then there's Halle Berry as Sharon, a frustrated insurance adjuster who gets dragged right into these explosive plans.

What I really like is this whole "Crime 101" concept. In the film, it's like an unwritten code of conduct 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 unhinged biker Ormon and decides to throw all the rules out the window. Trust me, this guy absolutely steals every scene he's in. Genuinely gives you goosebumps.

From Heat to Bullitt: A tribute to the great classics

Director Bart Layton (known for "American Animals" and the super tense documentary "The Imposter") is taking on something pretty huge here. And yeah, 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 knock-off. Layton does it with so much attention to 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 bloody well filmed.

I recently re-read "The Fifth Gospel", but this film has its own vivid, cinematic language. You can tell someone who truly loves the genre was at the helm. There's a scene in a convenience store with Keoghan – people are going to be talking about that one for ages. It's pure psycho, but so brilliantly acted that you can't help but watch in fascination.

How do the Avengers stars hold up as a crime duo?

Honestly? I was sceptical. Hemsworth as a slick jewel thief? Ruffalo as a dogged cop? But they both do a solid job. Hemsworth plays this reserved, almost shy loner with incredible presence. You can see his inner turmoil – that longing for love and trust that he just can't "steal", as the script so nicely puts it. Ruffalo, on the other hand, is the perfect counterpart: weary, but with an unshakeable sense of justice. The chemistry between them works, even though they're not directly facing off for most of the film.

The female cast is nothing to sneeze at either: Monica Barbaro ("Top Gun: Maverick") as Maya is more than just the love interest, and Halle Berry proves once again that she can steal the spotlight from other actors even in a supporting role. The film's problem? The runtime. At 140 minutes, it drags a bit in places. Some dialogue could have been a bit punchier. But when the action finally kicks off, you quickly forget about that.

Scarfies, novellas, and a top-tier author

For those who want the finer details: the film is based on a novella by Don Winslow, the master of modern crime fiction. Winslow's the kind of writer who churns out 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 one or two twists are predictable. Industry insiders say the early reviews are mostly positive – currently sitting at 89% favourable. Some call it "slick and successful", while others miss that big wow factor. I'm somewhere in the middle.

Speaking of worth watching: Layton previously made the film "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 ballgame, but if you're into dark atmosphere, you'll be well served here too.

• The good stuff: The cast (especially Keoghan and Hemsworth), the cinematic cinematography, and the cool action scenes.
• The not-so-good stuff: The overly long runtime. Cutting 20 minutes would have done wonders for the pacing.
• The verdict: A stylish, grown-up heist-thriller that's perfect for a cosy night on the couch. If you loved "Heat" or "Drive", you'll be right at home.

Should you stream or skip Crime 101?

No doubt about it: Stream it! Sure, "Crime 101" isn't reinventing the wheel. But it polishes it to a brilliant shine. It's refreshing to see that Amazon Prime Video is 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's an elegant thief, after all) and let this trip to Los Angeles sweep you away. These guys and gals have got the goods. And who knows, maybe one day we'll see a prequel about how those "Crime 101" rules came to be. I'd be there in a heartbeat.