The “Crime 101” Reviews Are In

Filmmaker Bart Layton’s previous two films – the documentary “The Impostor” and the heist feature “American Animals” – were incredibly well received and so hopes were high he would do it again with the crime thriller “Crime 101” starring Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry and Mark Ruffalo.

The result? Not bad, but not in the same league. The title has clocked in at 88% on Rotten Tomatoes from 49 reviews, while on Metacritic it’s a more pedestrian 67/100.

Serving as a great big love letter to Michael Mann films like “Heat” and “Thief,” the LA set feature is based on Don Winslow’s acclaimed novella with many of the reviews mixed/softly positive and calling it overly long and a little dull though praising the tech merits and performances.

Hemsworth plays an elusive jewel thief whose string of heists along the 101 freeway have mystified police. His path crosses that of a disillusioned insurance broker (Halle Berry) who is facing her own crossroads. Meanwhile, convinced he has found a pattern, a relentless detective (Mark Ruffalo) is closing in.

Here’s a sampling of reviews:

“It’s a prime example of the LA-set B-movie, a genre that also includes Guy Ritchie’s Wrath of Man and Gerard Butler’s Den of Thieves franchise. Crime 101 is far better than those efforts and in places is sublime.” – Kevin Maher, The Times

“Crime 101 feels too contrived and artificial to be convincing. But there’s plenty to appreciate along the way, especially the extensive cinematic craftsmanship that’s gone into it.” – Frank Scheck, THR

“While Crime 101 runs like a remodeled version of earlier, better heist movies from the ’90s or early 2000s but with lesser parts, there’s enough gas in the tank and competence at the wheel to merit a spin.” – Ryan Lattanzio, Indiewire

“The film stands in the shadow of Michael Mann’s influential Southern California pictures, but a cast led by Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo add extra crackle to a story that salutes characters who are very good at their job.” – Tim Grierson, Screen

“Crime 101 is often smart, ultimately ridiculous, and mostly absorbing. But as with Davis’ sleek rides, your mileage may vary.” – G. Allen Johnson, San Francisco Chronicle

“The plot can be humdrum, and it often lacks drive, yet the skilled cast and sleek visual style keep our eyes locked on the screen anyway.” – William Bibbiani, The Wrap

“The rare film to make you wonder: Can a movie cosplay another movie? The real heist of Crime 101 is an old one: If you’re going to steal, steal from the best.” – Jake Coyle, Associated Press

“When it deviates from what has been seen before, “Crime 101″ stands on its own two feet. Still, for much of its bloated runtime, the film is merely adequate, rehashing familiar territory while, admittedly, remaining entertaining.” – Giovanni Lago, Next Best Picture

The R-rated, 139-minute “Crime 101” opens in cinemas on Friday.