Austin Butler is Caught Stealing hearts in a cat caper

Sony Pictures Entertainment is presenting a catty little film titled Caught Stealing at the tail end of August. The storyline is adapted from the book of the same name by author Charlie Huston himself for this cinematic project.

Actor Austin Butler plays Hank Thompson, a hunk who is haunted by PTSD dreams after a tragic accident derailed his sports career. Thompson works as a bartender and is in the process of dating Yvonne, played by Zoe Kravitz, in New York in 1998. A series of events involving neighbors and nearby mobsters leads Hank down a dangerous and bloody path towards a new life.

Austin Butler solidifies his place in the world of film as the next James Dean, or at least the second coming of Brad Pitt, while carrying Caught Stealing on his broad shoulders. Just when fashionistas think the boxer brief hybrid has come and gone, along comes costume designer Amy Westcott to bring the underwear back in style.

There are homoerotic scenes where Butler is placed in awkward positions wearing next to little clothing and one wild interaction with Russians who practically spit-roast him.

There are cameos galore with important representation and surprises. Not only should ticket holders not leave before the ending credits finish rolling, but the graphics team has made the text pop and twist in all directions. It's a sign that the cast and crew had fun with this kitty caper.

While Caught Stealing walks the line on camp at times, the gritty and realistic portrayals from the cast offset it. The situations that Hank Thompson finds himself in are outlandish, such as a Shabbos dinner, but it's never boring to watch.

Animals can upstage humans onscreen and Tonic, as a cat named Bud, runs away with his opportunity, even with one paw tied behind his back.

Director and producer Darren Aronofsky continues to not shy away from unusual challenges people experience in life, such as bodily functions and graphic wounds.

There are artistic set pieces and props from this time period that will also keep viewers on their toes. The classic rock soundtrack and fresh original tracks from British band IDLES will entertain listeners along the way.

Folks should buckle up for a rollercoaster of a ride with many unpredictable twists and turns executed by a skilled team. Don't be a scaredy cat and check out Caught Stealing, clawing its way into theaters on August 29, 2025.