Movie Review: Caught Stealing
One-liner: A brutal, intense and relentless crime thriller with a wicked sense of humour and a solid ensemble.
From director Darren Aronofsky, known for films like The Wrestler, Black Swan and Noah, comes Caught Stealing, an action crime thriller based on the novel by Charlie Huston. The film centers on a young New York City bartender who becomes caught in a nightmarish shakedown after agreeing to look after his neighbour’s cat. He quickly discovers the brutality of the Russian mob following a nasty altercation, landing on the receiving end of a vicious beatdown.
Set in the 1990s, the soundtrack takes you back to a time before cell phones and screens dominated our lives, creating a breakneck action-adventure about a man on the run from his past as a former baseball hopeful. His entanglement leads to collateral damage, forcing him to think quickly as his options narrow. Not knowing who to trust, he becomes a pinball in a dangerous game, needing to get street-smart fast to save both those close to him and his own life.
This is an unconventional film for Aronofsky, feeling more like a Guy Ritchie thriller from that era. The New York setting is a refreshing backdrop as the blood starts to flow and the wacky comedy hits you over the head. A grungy crime thriller with a wicked sense of humor, Caught Stealing features the oddball characters you’d expect from a Ritchie caper, but with a harder edge -it doesn’t let you off with a self-assuring wink.
The director maintains a crazy, full-tilt energy throughout Caught Stealing and with Austin Butler at the helm, it becomes much more than just an action thriller. Butler has the physique and looks of an action star but also delivers in the acting department. The supporting cast shines, with Vincent D’Onofrio always a contender, Zoë Kravitz as Catwoman personified, and Matt Smith as a hilarious mascot for the crazy energy, making this film a “lock, stock, and smoking barrel of fun.”
“New York hits different…”
There’s a pent-up energy to Caught Stealing that you’d expect from its genre, with an extra layer of finesse in its action and exploits. Remaining somewhat elusive and unpredictable, this element keeps you on your toes as anything can and does happen. It’s a fairly brutal and intense encounter with no mercy shown, keeping you engaged and entertained.
While not overly intellectual, the film offers enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. You can appreciate the grit of this action-packed showdown in the hands of such a bold filmmaker. There’s never a dull moment; the oddball characters and unconventional humour keep things ticking along as the protagonist stumbles upon one new challenge after another. As a dexterous “bag-of-money” type thriller with a smorgasbord of villains, Aronofsky masterfully subverts expectations.
Caught Stealing is a fun, dynamic, edgy and well-acted crime thriller that operates on the same level as the work of Guy Ritchie. While fans will immediately note parallels, there’s also a little hint of Pi in the mix, giving audiences a good balance of excitement and engagement. We’re left trying to keep up with this free-flowing and enthralling shoot-’em-up, featuring an unconventional action hero who is essentially just a kind neighbour who discovers just how unforgiving New York City can be. The punk edge of the film is felt throughout, making it a surprisingly enjoyable old-school crime thriller with a finger on the pulse. It may not be regarded as one of Aronofsky’s best films, but it demonstrates his versatility and he has a great time directing something in the action realm with composure.
The bottom line: Intense
