Early reactions to Chris Hemsworth’s latest film, Crime 101, have surfaced ahead of its imminent release. Most reviews praised its story structure and the cast’s performances. Helmed and written by Bart Layton, who previously worked on documentary movies, the film premiered in London on January 28, 2026. It is based on Don Winslow’s 2020 novella of the same name.
In addition to Hemsworth, the film stars Mark Ruffalo, Halle Berry, Barry Keoghan, Corey Hawkins, and Monica Barbaro, among others. Notably, the film marks Hemsworth’s first collaboration with Ruffalo outside of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Crime 101 gets first reactions ahead of reviews
Reactions to Crime 101 are predominantly positive. They laud the narrative style, its homage to notable crime thrillers, particularly those from Michael Mann, and the performances of the main cast, most notably Mark Ruffalo and Halle Berry.
Journalist and critic Bill Bria said in his review on X (formerly Twitter) that the film paid homage to Mann and Walter Hill’s crime thrillers without incorporating “the poetry.” He added that Bart Layton’s documentary background influenced the film’s “no-nonsense tale of middle age ennui, where the job is less about wealth & more about escaping life’s failures.” Bria also praised the film’s cast with just two words, “Killer cast!”
Meanwhile, film critic Dustin Putman labeled the film “a top-notch crime thriller” and highlighted its “brooding style, thoughtful moralistic inquiries, and lively character work.” Continuing to praise the film, he called it “a delicious throwback to the kind of intelligent, adult-oriented studio fare Hollywood used to make.” He also lauded Ruffalo and Berry’s performances, deeming them the film’s “MVPs.”
Film and TV journalist, Scott Menzel, praised the film’s style and cast, only taking issue with its quite lengthy runtime. He wrote in his review, “Crime 101 feels like a crime thriller ripped straight out of the early 90s, and I mean that as the highest compliment.” He added, “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.”
Menzel continued, “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.”
Here are other reviews:
Crime 101 premieres on February 13, 2026. Besides writing and directing the film, Layton is also one of the producers alongside Chris Hemsworth.
