Basic rules for riveting crime/ drama - have an intriguing script, make it suspenseful, and develop compelling characters. Writer director Bart Layton whose award winning crime drama "American Animals" was a critical and commercial success. Layton's latest crime film, "Crime 101" now airing on Prime is more of a miss. The twist in "Crime 101" is the merging storylines between a an elusive and soft-hearted thief, Davis (Chris Hemsworth) and an aging, but still striking insurance agent to the elite, Sharon (Halle Berry) who combine their skills to swindle a huge pay day to lay aside for all future financial wants. Hemsworth as Davis is quietly discerning and ingratiating as the cunning thief who refuses to harm anyone, although remaining fully armed. Sharon is a self-assured agent to the rich and haughty. At her job, she is continously subjugated by her boss. Her boss was promoted over her and toys with her ascent to make partner. There's mystery in trying to connect where and how the two will connect. The talented and engaging Mark Ruffalo plays Lou, the honest, hard working detective working to connect the dots on the west coast band. As in Sharon's case, he too has failed to make a promotion despite playing by the rules (or perhaps for not playing by them). The parallels between corrupt cops and top executives is heavy handed. But, you gotta hand it to Ruffalo whose contained performance is the best part of this sophomoric crime movie. Hemsworth's fumbling courtship of the woman who rear ended his car also has appeal. But, Berry overacts in her vitriolic speech when quitting to her smarmy boss. The writing is culpable of the incredulous shown down with her boss which leaves Sharon stranded with financial loss. Barry Keoghan ("Saltburn") plays the stand-in thief with violent, vicious glee. The talented casted are robbed of a worthwhile script. Basically, there's little tension or intrigue to give "Crime 101" anything above a C. Pass.
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