Chris Hemsworth Crime Thriller Becomes Global Streaming Hit on Prime Video

This December, Chris Hemsworth suits back up as Thor for Avengers: Doomsday. Before he picks up the God of Thunder’s signature hammers, fans have a chance to see Hemsworth flex his leading man muscles in a lean, mean crime thriller that packs the same pulpy punch as the Extraction franchise. That movie is Crime 101, and it is currently available to stream on Prime Video. Crime 101 is also making an impact on viewers, as it currently tops Prime Video charts around the world, according to FlixPatrol.

Part of the appeal lies in the story, which stars Hemsworth as jewel thief Mike. Mike attempts to get out of the crime business after a close call. Things get increasingly complicated as a fellow thief, a new lover, and a dogged detective threaten to derail plans for peace. The other element that makes Crime 101 a great watch is the phenomenal cast, which includes Hemsworth’s fellow MCU alum Mark Ruffalo, Halle Berry, Barry Keoghan, and Monica Barbaro. This makes for the type of crime thriller that remains a rarity in movies nowadays.

‘Crime 101’ will hook viewers with its carefully constructed plot

Throughout Crime 101, writer and director Bart Layton connects the cast of characters together in unexpected ways. In order to keep a personal code of never harming anyone during heists, Mike teams up with Sharon, played by Berry, an insurance broker, to rob one of her wealthy clients. Mike is also pursued by Lou Lubesnick, played by Ruffalo, a detective whose marriage hangs by a thread and whose fellow cops are immensely corrupt. A stroke of fate leads to Lou and Sharon attending the same yoga class, which puts Lou into Mike’s orbit. Layton slowly builds up to these reveals, making them hit harder.

It also helps that Layton works with an all-star cast, and Hemsworth is the standout. Whether showing fiery chemistry with Barbaro, witty back-and-forth with Berry, or a tense sequence facing off against Ruffalo, Hemsworth brings plenty of charm and wit. Best scenes happen opposite Keoghan, who plays a fellow thief with a psychotic streak a mile wide. Audiences stay on their toes because predicting Keoghan’s actions proves impossible.

Thanks to Prime Video, ‘Crime 101’ is getting a second chance

Critics loved Crime 101 when it first debuted, calling it a tribute to “the greats of LA Noir.” Despite this shining praise, it wound up bombing at the box office. Despite a clever premise, it was released in the same week as Goat, an animated sports comedy from Sony Pictures Animation, and Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Goat featured advertising tying it to the makers of KPop Demon Hunters and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, while Wuthering Heights had Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in a passionate romance. Crime 101 barely took third place in its opening weekend.

Crime 101‘s streaming success on Prime Video is a reminder that some movies take time to find their audiences. Even if Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars mark the end of Chris Hemsworth’s tenure as Thor, he remains an incredible leading man, and Hollywood needs to take advantage.

Source: Polygon