Hollywood Heavyweights Gather for the Big Night
All eyes were on The United Theater in Los Angeles last February 10 as Crime 101 celebrated its highly anticipated world premiere. Leading the glamorous affair, Chris Hemsworth and Halle Berry captivated fans and photographers alike, bringing undeniable energy and star power to the red carpet.
Writer-director Bart Layton joined his cast for the milestone event, marking a triumphant moment for the sleek crime thriller. Making the evening even more special, Hemsworth’s parents, Leonie and Craig, were present to show their support—along with his brother, Liam Hemsworth, who proudly stood by his side.
In a reunion that thrilled moviegoers, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck also made a joint appearance to back the film, instantly amplifying the buzz around the premiere. With A-list talent filling the venue, the celebration felt as dynamic as the movie itself.
Critics Applaud a Bold Reinvention of the Heist Thriller
Following its debut, Crime 101 has been met with enthusiastic acclaim from major publications, with critics highlighting its stylish direction and layered storytelling.
NPR commended the film’s fresh perspective on a familiar genre, writing:
“Bart Layton’s movie boasts a slate of top-notch stars and puts a nifty, self-conscious spin on the old-fashioned heist picture. Hopscotching through Los Angeles’ glamor and grit, the action centers on three solitary characters, each at a personal Rubicon.”
The Guardian praised Layton’s confident direction and kinetic energy, describing the film as:
“Layton does without the distinctive indirect mannerisms and meta-commentaries of his earlier movies, but he applies his pedal to the metal for what is an enjoyable and very stylish high-stakes armed robbery film about a thief who is highly controlled, super-cool, super-groomed, and naturally looking for the “walkaway money” of the time-honoured one last job.”
Meanwhile, the Roger Ebert site awarded the film three and a half out of four stars, noting:
“This is a special movie. It has a life force unlike any other crime thriller I’ve seen. It’s about characters who suffer a personal failure but emerge transformed. It’s a violent movie, but not a cruel one, and unexpectedly moving by the end.”
With its gripping tension and emotional weight, Crime 101 is clearly striking a chord with audiences and critics alike.
Watch the Trailer
Get a first look at the action-packed thriller here:
About Crime 101
In the sharp and stylish crime thriller Crime 101, Davis (Chris Hemsworth) is a meticulous thief whose sophisticated heists have long puzzled authorities. As he prepares for what he hopes will be his final and most lucrative job, his carefully controlled world begins to unravel.
He crosses paths with Sharon (Halle Berry), a disillusioned insurance executive unexpectedly pulled into his orbit, and Orman (Barry Keoghan), a dangerous rival whose ruthless tactics raise the stakes. Closing in on them is Lt. Lubesnik (Mark Ruffalo), a relentless detective determined to bring the operation down.
As the multi-million-dollar heist approaches, alliances shift and tensions escalate. The line between hunter and hunted blurs, forcing each character to confront the consequences of ambition, loyalty, and survival. In this high-stakes game, there’s no easy escape—and no turning back.
Written and directed by Bart Layton (American Animals, The Imposter), the film is based on the novella by Don Winslow.
Directed by: Bart Layton
Screenplay by: Bart Layton
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, with Nick Nolte and Halle Berry
Produced by: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Derrin Schlesinger, Dimitri Doganis, Bart Layton, Shane Salerno, Chris Hemsworth, Benjamin Grayson
Executive Producers: Bergen Swanson, Sarah-Jane Wright, Amelia Granger, Joely Fether, Peter Straughan
Crime 101 is now showing in Philippine cinemas nationwide. Distributed locally by Columbia Pictures PH.
Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”
