Catch ‘Caught Stealing’ for slick, funny, fast-paced actioner

“Caught Stealing” might make you think of a Tarantinio movie, with its clever script, quirky characters and fast-paced action.

‘Caught Stealing’ (IMDb)

But behind the camera is Darren Aronofsky, known for the likes of “Requiem for a Dream” and “Black Swan..” His “Caught Stealing” is part comedy, part thriller, and all action, with characters always on the move and some terrific chase scenes.

Austin Butler (“Elvis” from 2022) plays Hank, a good-natured, hard-drinking bartender who adores the San Francisco Giants and has a lifelong life for baseball in general.

Hank’s life is fairly routine. That is, until his neighbor suddenly takes off and leaves Bud, his cat, with Hank, who has no idea that the neighbor has some vicious Russian mobsters on his trail. The criminals will use just about any measure to ensure Hank leads them to something the neighbor stole.

Now, to save his life along with the lives of his loved ones, Hank has a mystery to solve. And he has to do it fast, because another group seeks Hank’s help, as does a savvy police detective (Regina King) who thinks Hank knows more than he’s letting on.

The film’s 1990s settings lends itself well to some tunes and a soundtrack that keeps pace with the action.

This capable ensemble is so much fun. Additionally, I love the chase scenes and the fight scenes. The violence is sometimes cringe-inducing – one character is beaten so badly he loses a kidney – so squeamish viewers probably should stay away.

Fists are thrown, alliances switch, and the twists and turns come as hard and fast as some characters hit the pavement.

This is great grownup fun that will keep you engaged even after its satisfying finale.

3 1/2 stars

Running time: One hour and 47 minutes.

Rated: R for foul language, sexual situations, violence and gore.

In theaters.

Watch the trailer here.

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