Hollywood is gearing up for the release of one of its most anticipated action thrillers of the year, Crime 101, set to hit theaters worldwide on February 13, 2026. The film, directed by Bart Layton and produced under the Amazon MGM Studios banner, has already sparked considerable buzz, drawing praise for its nostalgic homage to the gritty crime dramas of the 1990s. With a star-studded cast led by Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Halle Berry, and Barry Keoghan, Crime 101 is being hailed by critics as a throwback to an era when character-driven storytelling and moral complexity took center stage in Hollywood’s most memorable thrillers.
Early reactions to Crime 101 have been largely enthusiastic. According to MovieWeb, critics are calling it the "first great movie of the year" and lauding its "killer cast." The film’s 90s throwback style has been a particular point of praise, with Scott Menzel stating, “Crime 101 feels like a crime thriller ripped straight out of the early 90s and I mean that as the highest compliment. The entire cast is excellent, carrying that old-school charm and energy that took me right back to watching movies like this with my mom and dad. While it’s a bit too long, Crime 101 is a reminder that engaging action thrillers don’t need wall-to-wall visual effects to work. A really great time at the movies.”
Other critics, like Courtney Howard, have drawn direct comparisons to genre-defining works by Michael Mann, such as Heat and Thief. Howard described the film as “a love letter to Michael Mann’s character-driven crime thrillers,” noting the standout performances from Barry Keoghan and Halle Berry. She specifically highlighted Berry’s “all-timer monologue,” which she said “earns our applause.” Monica Barbaro’s performance was also described as “radiant.”
Despite the wave of positive reviews, a few dissenting voices have emerged. Jonathan Sim, for instance, appreciated the film’s embrace of 90s aesthetics but felt it “takes far too long to become interesting. Too many storylines that all feel pedestrian.” However, even Sim admitted, “the movie roars to life every time Barry Keoghan’s unhinged character arrives on screen. An excellent final act.” Bill Bria echoed some of these sentiments, saying, “Crime 101 pays homage to the works of crime poets Mann & Hill, but without the poetry. Instead, Bart Layton brings his documentary background to bear on a no-nonsense tale of middle age ennui, where the job is less about wealth & more about escaping life’s failures. Killer cast!”
For many, the film’s biggest draw is its cast and the chemistry they bring to the screen. Chris Hemsworth, who stars as the elusive thief Mike Davis, recently opened up about what attracted him to the project. In an interview with Pinkvilla, Hemsworth explained, “I read the script and loved it because it felt like a real throwback to 90s thrillers. There was a sort of nostalgia to the story that you don’t see too much these days.” He went on to praise director Bart Layton, saying, “I was a fan of Bart’s work and loved American Animals. It was a very character-driven drama with elaborate intersecting storylines. After our first meeting, I thought not only has he written an incredibly compelling script, but he also has a brilliant vision for the film.”
The story of Crime 101 is based on a novella by Don Winslow and follows Mike Davis, a notorious thief infamous for a string of high-profile robberies along Los Angeles’ 101 freeway. As he plans his final, high-stakes diamond heist, Davis finds himself pursued by Lou Lubesnick, a relentless detective played by Mark Ruffalo. The plot thickens when Davis teams up with insurance broker Sharon Colvin, portrayed by Halle Berry, as both characters set their sights on the same prize, forming an uneasy alliance in the process. Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Nick Nolte, and Devon Bostick round out the ensemble cast, each bringing their own unique flair to the film’s tapestry of intersecting storylines.
Hemsworth’s decision to join the project was not, as some speculated, simply because of the opportunity to work with fellow Marvel star Mark Ruffalo. Instead, he emphasized his appreciation for Layton’s vision and the script’s rare blend of nostalgia and originality. As he told Zoom News, “I went through the script and found it captivating because it reminded me of 90s thrillers.” Meeting Layton, whose previous work on American Animals impressed Hemsworth with its intricate, character-driven narrative, sealed the deal for the actor. “After our initial encounter, I realized that not only had the director crafted an extraordinarily engaging script, but he also possessed a remarkable vision for the film.”
The film’s style has been described as brooding and thoughtful, with Dustin Putman of MovieWeb calling it “a top-notch crime thriller of brooding style, thoughtful moralistic inquiries, and lively character work, a delicious throwback to the kind of intelligent, adult-oriented studio fare Hollywood used to make.” He added, “Mark Ruffalo and Halle Berry are MVPs. See it.”
Beyond the film’s immediate appeal, Crime 101 also serves as a testament to the enduring popularity of the crime thriller genre. As Pinkvilla notes, these films continue to draw millions to theaters each year, offering audiences both escapism and a chance to grapple with deeper moral questions. With its complex characters, intersecting storylines, and homage to the classics, Crime 101 looks poised to deliver on both fronts.
For Chris Hemsworth, Crime 101 is just the latest in a long line of high-profile roles. The actor, known globally for his portrayal of Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is set to reprise that role in Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for release in December 2026. His recent work also includes voicing Optimus Prime in Transformers One (2024), a prequel in the blockbuster franchise, further cementing his status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and bankable stars.
As the release date for Crime 101 approaches, anticipation continues to build. Whether audiences are drawn by the promise of a classic heist, the magnetic cast, or the film’s retro sensibility, it’s clear that Bart Layton’s latest project is set to make a mark. For those longing for the days when crime thrillers were smart, suspenseful, and packed with moral ambiguity, Crime 101 just might be the cinematic event they’ve been waiting for.
With its blend of nostalgia, star power, and sharp storytelling, Crime 101 stands ready to remind viewers why the 90s crime thriller remains a touchstone for movie lovers everywhere.