Take 32: Caught Stealing

No good deed goes unpunished, as New York City bartender Hank Thompson (Austin Butler)finds out. When his British punk neighbor (Matt Smith) asks Hank to watch his cat while he goes to visit his ailing father, Hank finds himself on the wrong side of Russian mobsters, crooked cops, and Hasidic drug dealing brothers (oh my!) His life is completely turned upside down as he frankly tries to get ahead of the chaos he has been launched it while making time to phone his mother daily to discuss their shared love of the San Francisco Giants.

I went into this film knowing absolutely nothing which is rare and refreshing. I didn’t even really study the movie poster so there were some pleasant surprises. I had seen the lead Austin Butler most notably as Elvis, and he is utterly charming here. He is an unfortunate Everyman with a past- a derailed baseball career ending before it started for reasons. He is very relatable and you are really rooting for him the entire time. His girlfriend, Yvonne is layed but Zoe Kravitz who is always great to see and she is great here as a much-needed positive, supportive essential in Hank’s life—- didn’t see that coming. Another surprise was Regina King- yeah, Brenda Jenkins, THAT Regina King, as Det. Elise Roman who I hadn’t seen in ages in a role that is very unlike her! Matt Smith! Liev Schreiber and Vincent D’Oonfrio are there and I only know this because they are credited since they are completely unrecognizable. Bad Bunny is here! Laura Dern! And Of course Tonic as Bud the Cat—-Yyah, the cast is pretty stacked but none to these names overpower the narrative.

The story itself is pretty good. It’s pretty straight forward with humorous bits, a lot of it dark, and plot twists. So many plot twist. Maybe even one or two too many. It’s like dang, poor Hank. Can the guy get a break?

Definitely a fun and unique ride. There is a likable protagonist, surprises, laughs, shocks, and satisfying moments. Not more much to ask for but still,I felt it could have given a more in certain areas.

My score: 7.7 Lots of good, almost nails it. Almost

Do you agree? I was I just caught trippin’? Let me know in the comments. And until next time…