Caught Stealing

⭐⭐⭐⭐+1/2

Expectation: 😶 (I went in with zero expectations. 100% blind: I didn’t watch the trailer or read the synopsis, and only knew of the cast from the poster)

Reality: 😨🙈🤯

Whenever I talk to more causal movie-goers, they tend to decide a movie is good or bad based on whether they liked it. Meaning, if they enjoyed the movie, it was good, and if they didn’t it was bad. I typically have a hard time explaining to these people that I can enjoy a bad movie and not enjoy a great movie, so I’m happy to have Caught Stealing as a fantastic example of the latter!

Simply put, Caught Stealing is a flawless film. The cast is 11/10 (Austin Butler is so talented. Look how far boyfriend has come since Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure 🥹!!). Every character has clear motivation and purpose. The script is solid — it’s funny, and totally unpredictable. Every time I thought I knew where the story was headed it would take a sharp left turn and I loved that. The music really set the tone and the cinematography grounded the film in its setting. Everything worked together seamlessly.

All of that said, I did not enjoy watching this film. I don’t like crime capers. Physical torture and senseless unaliving really bothers me. I was super uncomfortable the whole time, and not in the horror movie sense where you’re on edge but then the jump scare happens and you get catharsis or there’s comic relief to break the tension. I was uncomfortable in the sense that I hated every single thing that was happening, and while I loved the surprise and unpredictability of the story, I really wanted to leave.

If I’d been watching Caught Stealing at home, I definitely would’ve turned it off, so I’m glad I saw it in the theater because it is truly a great film. I only docked 1/2 a star for not liking it because it’s so well done. I don’t have a single complaint about any scene, any performance, or any part of this film. I didn’t personally like the music, but it fit the film perfectly.

If you are into crime capers, definitely see this, and I always say go to the theater instead of wait for streaming so you can be distraction-free and actually pay attention and take in the story.

If you are like me and crime capers aren’t your thing, I suggest gauging your decision based on your threshold for violence. If it’s low, skip this. If it’s okay or you just really love Austin Butler and want to see everything he does forever, give it a chance! It will probably surprise you.

If you see it — come back and let me know on my contact page. I’d love to hear your thoughts!