Movie Review: ‘Crime 101’ February 13, 2026By Kurt Jensen OSV News Filed Under: Movie & Television Reviews NEW YORK (OSV News) – All three of the main characters in “Crime 101” (Amazon MGM), the film adaptation of Don Winslow’s 2020 novella, are dealing with lives and careers that have slammed into a wall. Mike Davis (Chris Hemsworth) is a professional thief, specializing in precious stones and high-end watches. He pulls off his crimes, robbing jewelers and couriers, using cunning and speed rather than violence, and prefers a distinct pattern along the 101 freeway in Los Angeles, also known as the Hollywood Freeway. Mike is not quite a lone wolf. He works for a character named Money (Nick Nolte), who gives him a percentage from the sale of the loot. When Mike decides he’s getting a raw deal from Money, however, the latter selects a replacement for Mike in the person of hyper-violent Orman (Barry Keoghan). At the same time, Mike realizes the emptiness of his life as he attempts a romance with the very patient Maya (Monica Barbaro). For all her forbearance, Maya is puzzled — among other things — by Mike’s refusal ever to talk about himself. Sharon Coombs (Halle Berry) is an insurance broker who works exclusively with mega-rich clients, arranging policies to protect their paintings, expensive homes and even their weddings. Sharon has hit a glass ceiling, since the firm for which she works has not given her a partnership after several years, and has already handed off one client to a younger woman. At age 53, Sharon is hoping to escape her life of glamorous drudgery. Scruffy detective Lou Lubesnik (Mark Ruffalo) is the first on the force to catch on to Mike’s pattern of thefts along the 101. But his superiors are more interested in clearing cases, and don’t take him seriously. He’s also in the throes of a mid-life crisis, feeling both out of shape and trapped — just like Mike and Sharon. The evident solution to all of this is what Mike decides will be his final heist, a complicated one involving multiple deceptions. An influx of sudden wealth and possessions is not typically a recipe for genuine happiness, but as Mike eventually meets Sharon and Lou, he senses their despair and also sees a way out for himself. Writer-director Bart Layton keeps the trio of stories from intersecting until all the problems are established. Yet he also pads the movie out with car chases that do little to advance the plot. “Crime 101” is propelled largely by the charisma of its three leads. It tells a story that, while strictly for grown-ups, is well handled since Layton steers clear of vulgarity as well as any gratuitous effort to shock. The film contains gun and physical violence, a brief scene of implied nonmarital sexual activity, occasional profanities and pervasive rough language. The OSV News classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is R — restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. Read More Movie & TV Reviews Movie Review: ‘The Social Reckoning’ Movie Review: ‘Digger’ Home viewing roundup: What’s available to stream and what’s on the horizon Movie Review: “Forgotten Island” Movie Review: ‘Primetime’ Home viewing roundup: What’s available to stream and what’s on the horizon Copyright © 2026 OSV News Print
