Caught Stealing (#720)


As I began to write this review, I realized that most of the films I have seen lately have one thing in common. All of them were about real people—as opposed to aliens and grotesque creatures, and it has been refreshing. In addition, I recognized that every movie is overwhelmed by what I consider foul language. Filmmakers rely on the "f" word to fill the dialogue. But the best thing is I believe I understood what was going on in most of the latest films I've seen. For example, the movie I saw on Labor Day, CAUGHT STEALING, was about a young man who was a terrific baseball player in high school, but never pursued it as a career. He appears to have a good life, has a girlfriend, and works as a bartender in the neighborhood—until his kooky neighbor asks him to take care of his cat while he is away. And then his nice lifestyle changes 180 degrees. He is pursued and beaten up by a couple of lowlifes for no apparent reason, and the rest of the film is him trying to avoid confrontations. I think, for no particular reason, I liked it, but not to the point of urging any of you to rush to the nearest multiplex and buy a ticket. 85% of critics and 85% of audiences gave Caught a thumbs up. But, to me, it wasn't that understandable or that good.


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