```html Austin Butler Charms in Darren Aronofsky's High-Energy Thriller 'Caught Stealing'

Austin Butler continues his impressive career trajectory, delivering a captivating performance in Darren Aronofsky's latest film, "Caught Stealing." The movie, a departure for Aronofsky from his typically intense art-house fare, is a lively and gritty tour of New York City, reminiscent of Scorsese's "After Hours" but with a higher body count. "Caught Stealing" arrives in theaters August 29, posing the question: Can Butler's star power open a film like this?

A Departure for Aronofsky, A Showcase for Butler

“Caught Stealing” stars Butler as Hank Thompson, a former baseball hopeful turned New York City bartender haunted by a past knee injury and drunk driving accident. Adapted from Charlie Huston's novel by Huston himself, the film sees Hank embroiled in a criminal underworld after agreeing to cat-sit for his drug-dealing neighbor, Russ (Matt Smith). When Russ disappears, a rogues' gallery of criminals descends on Hank's apartment, searching for a mysterious key.

Relatability Amidst the Chaos

Despite the escalating violence, Butler brings a relatable and laid-back charm to Hank. The character, originally from California, possesses an openness that sets him apart from hardened New Yorkers. He acknowledges and even helps those around him, a trait that both aids and endangers him. This nuanced portrayal allows Butler to connect with audiences, even as Hank navigates increasingly perilous situations.

Expert Analysis: Butler's Star Power and Aronofsky's Evolution

Film critic and box office analyst, Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore, notes, "Austin Butler is at a pivotal point in his career. 'Elvis' proved he could embody a legend, but 'Caught Stealing' tests his ability to draw audiences to a character-driven thriller. The film's success will hinge not only on Aronofsky's name but also on Butler's appeal to a broader demographic."

Dr. Miranda Banks, Professor of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California, specializing in contemporary Hollywood, adds, “Aronofsky’s move into a more genre-driven, albeit still gritty, film is a fascinating evolution. He’s leveraging his established visual style within a more accessible narrative framework. Butler’s casting is shrewd; he brings a vulnerability and charisma that can soften Aronofsky’s often bleak worldview.”

A Memorable Ensemble Cast

One of the film's strengths is its colorful ensemble cast. Zoë Kravitz plays Yvonne, Hank's feisty paramedic girlfriend, while Regina King embodies a poker-faced police detective. Griffin Dunne appears as Paul, Hank's seen-better-days biker boss. The criminal element is populated by Nikita Kukushkin and Yuri Kolokolnikov as menacing Russian mobsters, Liev Schreiber and Vincent D'Onofrio as exceptionally violent Orthodox brothers, and Bad Bunny in an eccentric cameo as a wild-card Puerto Rican gangster.

Zoë Kravitz as Yvonne Regina King as the Detective Griffin Dunne as Paul Nikita Kukushkin and Yuri Kolokolnikov as the Russian Mobsters Liev Schreiber and Vincent D'Onofrio as the Orthodox Brothers Bad Bunny as the Puerto Rican Gangster

Scorsese Influences and Huston's Adaptation

Aronofsky, while not as overtly flashy as Guy Ritchie, creates a series of unpredictable encounters reminiscent of "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels." The presence of Griffin Dunne further signals Aronofsky's inspiration from Martin Scorsese's "After Hours," with cinematographer Matthew Libatique capturing a similar mix of urban bustle and grit.

Hank's Journey: Redemption or Regret?

The film unfolds as Hank navigates the criminal underworld, trying to protect innocent people while grappling with his own regrets. Huston's script avoids clichés, presenting Hank as a flawed but relatable individual. Unlike a John Wick-esque super-assassin, Hank is an ordinary man caught in extraordinary circumstances. The question remains whether he will find redemption or succumb to his self-pity.

Aronofsky's New York, Butler's Future

“Caught Stealing” offers a compelling blend of Aronofsky's distinctive style and Butler's rising star power. The film's success will depend on its ability to resonate with audiences seeking a thrilling and character-driven crime story. As Hank Thompson navigates the dangerous streets of New York, Austin Butler takes another step toward solidifying his place as a leading man in Hollywood. ```