- CAUGHT STEALING
- Starring: Austin Butler, Regina King and Zoe Kravitz
- Directed by: Darren Aronofsky
- Rated: R
- Running time: 1 hr 47 mins
- SONY/Columbia Pictures
Our Score: 3 out of 5
The following is from my review of Darren Aronofsky’s last film, “The Whale” –
“As a filmmaker, director Darren Aronofsky can be very hit or miss. On one side of the spectrum, he created a masterpiece with “Requiem for a Dream.” On the other hand, I give you “The Fountain.” “The Whale” is another fine achievement and one that should be seen and appreciated.”
The above line holds true still with the director’s latest film, “Caught Stealing.”
Hank Thompson (Butler) is a one time baseball phenom whose bad decision making has led him to his present stage of life – working as a bartender. When he comes home one night he is met by his friend Russ (Matt Smith) who tells him he must leave town to take care of his ill father and asks Hank to care for his pet cat. When Hank comes home the next night to find a couple of tough guys looking for Russ – and giving Hank a terrible beating – Hank begins to realize there is more to the story then Russ is letting on.
Mr. Aronofsky directed Brendan Fraser to an Academy Award winning performance in “The Whale.” The star of “Caught Stealing” was Mr. Fraser’s biggest competition for the award, Austin Butler, whose portrayal of Elvis Presley is one of the best biographical performances ever put on film. Mr. Butler is well cast here, playing Hank as an easygoing person whose past continues to haunt him while he now deals with both the police and the criminals who are convinced Russ gave him something besides a cat.
The story is one of deceit and double cross and you’re not really sure who is who as the film progresses. Peppered throughout the film are references to Hank’s baseball glory days, though except for giving the film a clever title, they really offer nothing to the story. Hank could have been an up and coming scientist and found himself in the same situation due to his bad decisions.
The cast is strong, with Butler and Ms. King giving storng performances. Special mention to Mr. Smith, whose mohawk adorned Russ gives the film a kick in the pants every time he is on screen.
The story is a little formulaic but the biggest problem I had with it was Hank’s almost superhero like ability to run, dive and hang off buildings despite recently having a kidney removed is pretty, well, you know what I’m saying.
On a scale of zero to five, I give “Caught Stealing” ★★★