'Crime 101': Well-Executed Crime Thriller

On Thursday, February 26, 2026, I saw ‘Crime 101.’ Despite knowing the cast but not the plot, I thought it was well-executed. It felt like a neo noir film, particularly like Steve McQueen’s ‘Bullitt’ movie with the California setting and Chris Hemsworth’s character in chases with stylish classic cars. Speaking of Hemsworth, I think he, along with co-star Mark Ruffalo, showed some star potential away from his frequent Marvel Studios films. And Halle Berry’s character proved that just because you’re older, doesn’t mean you don’t still have some gas left in the tank.

In ‘Crime 101,’ Hemsworth played a jewel thief named Mike Davis who preferred to be nonviolent while trying to be rich. I liked him best when he was just cruising around in a Dodge Challenger and charming a publicist’s assistant named Maya, played by Monica Barbaro.

Chris Hemsworth as Mike Davis in ‘Crime 101.’ Photo courtesy of IMDb.com and Amazon MGM Studios.

Monica Barbaro and Chris Hemsworth in character as Maya, and Mike Davis, respectively, in ‘Crime 101.’ Photo courtesy of IMDb.com and Amazon MGM Studios.

Because of Davis’ frequent crimes on the US Route 101, he attracted the attention of LAPD Detective Lou Lubesnick, played by Ruffalo. I liked how Ruffalo’s character tried to be a classic macho-type detective while on the enemy’s trail.

Corey Hawkins and Mark Ruffalo as LAPD Det. Tillman and Det. Lou Lubesnick from ‘Crime 101.’ Photo courtesy of IMDb.com and Amazon MGM Studios.

And while I forget how she got mixed up in one of Davis’ heists, Halle Berry played an insurance broker named Sharon, who tried to prove to her disrespectful male colleagues that even though she’s older, she can still close a deal with clients and deserved the money and prestige that comes with it.

Overall, I liked ‘Crime 101.’ I liked the action and stunts, Hemsworth’s cool nature, Ruffalo’s gritty ambition, and Berry’s powerful sass. My only note is I think there should’v been a happier ending for Hemsworth’s character.

Check out ‘Crime 101’ in theaters now. Rated “R.”

Comments

Superman-Great Past and New Hero Magic

Superman (2025) poster. Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. James Gunn's iteration of Superman was a well-thought-out film. I give it a 9.4/10 for both the occasional references to the Christopher Reeve film from the late 1970s and for standing out with different presentations of the iconic Man of Steel and his colorful supporting characters. This was my first time seeing David Corenswet, but he was great acting out the drama and heroism in the lives of Clark Kent and Superman. It was also great to see Rachel Brosnahan bring some gumption and humor to her role of Superman's love interest, Lois Lane, and it was great to see former X-Men actor Nicholas Hoult bring some vigor to his role of Superman's ruthless archenemy, Lex Luthor. In this Superman, it stood out by skipping the intro of Kal-El leaving Krypton as a baby and instead showing Superman, played by Corenswet, in his third year of protecting Metropolis and the world. In his quest to prove Superman a threat to humani...

The F4-First Steps-Great Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Family Drama Blend

Good afternoon, readers/viewers. On July 26, 2025, I had the pleasure of watching The Fantastic Four: First Steps. I really like what they did. Though I wish there was a little bit more crime-fighting and action to build the momentum of the Fantastic Four, the overall film was a great combination of sci-fi, fantasy, and family drama. This time, it wasn't just about the Fantastic Four fighting off the one guy to save the world. It was about them overcoming their differences and working together like one of those family sitcoms, or something like that. In the end, I give it 8.5/10 for great visuals, family drama, work between the main cast, and scoring by Michael Giacchino. As I said, I just wish there was a little more action on the team's part. I'm very curious what you all have to say. Please subscribe to my blog , YouTube, TikTok , and Medium , and tell me what you think. Thank you, and have a great day. #williambeaversv, #CinematicReviewverse, #fantasticfourf...

'Roofman': Channing Tatum Played a Lovable Thief

Poster for 'Roofman.' Courtesy of Paramount Pictures and Miramax. Channing Tatum played Jeffrey Manchester, an ex-Army Reserve soldier and divorced dad who had a penchant for details and thieving. He was known as "The Roofman" for breaking into his targets by drilling into their roofs. It was like Tatum channeled Sam Dawson and Scott Lang into one as his character managed to find a way to sneak out of prison underneath a truck with skills from prison shop, then make a home in a corner in a 2004 Toys 'R Us. It was pretty funny and amusing how Jeffrey sort of took control of the store after closing. How he snacked on M and M's, skated around on Heely-like shoes, he acted like a grown man with a kid's bedroom with inflatables and Spider-Man merchandise, and he kept security with baby monitors. It was also kind of funny how he made money out of stealing and pawning a bunch of video games. While trying to get out of the country after fleeing to the store, Jeff...

The Cinematic Review-verse

Search This Blog