In Case You Haven’t Heard: ‘Caught Stealing,’ Sputnikfest

A film featuring an ex-baseball player caught between two feuding New York City gangs is one Pete’s pics, Manitowoc, Wis. has an annual festival about a Russian satellite, and a popular horror franchise is back at the theaters in this edition of “In Case You Haven’t Heard.”

Here’s one of Pete’s pics: Darren Aronofsky’s “Caught Stealing” is a fun watch. The film, starring Austin Butler and Zoë Kravitz, has solid performances and great action – crucial elements to a caper film. Butler plays an ex-baseball star who is down on his luck while fighting a drinking problem. He finds himself in the middle of a dispute between two warring gangster factions in New York City.

There is a shocking twist halfway through the movie that you will most likely not see coming. “Caught Stealing” is a good film to see in theaters – where, ideally, all films are viewed – but it will probably create serious buzz when most people stream it at home. Check it out. 

If you are looking for some September weekend fun and are in and around the Manitowoc area, or don’t mind a road trip, do what you can to check out Sputnikfest. The Rahr West Art Museum puts on this gem of a festival every September. The event is in honor of a freak accident that happened in 1962, where part of the Russian satellite Sputnik fell from space and coincidentally crashed on a Manitowoc street, right next to this great museum! There are costume contests, great food, and really fun people. Do yourself a favor, and check it out this Saturday, Sept. 6, starting at noon!

As expected, there is a bit of a letdown now that the summer movie season is officially over. That does not, however, mean that theater going fun has to end, as there are still really solid films opening. The only flick opening in wide release is “The Conjuring: Last Rites.” This is the fourth film in the series and the 10th overall under the “Conjuring” umbrella, which includes four ‘Conjurings,’ three “Annabelle” movies, and “The Nun” one and two.

They are not all gems, so check reviews before viewing. The latest installment stars Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, who reprise their roles as the Warrens – paranormal investigators who decide to take one last case. I’m sure it goes swimmingly. Opening in limited release is a movie I highly recommend called “The Threesome” starring Zoey Deutch. It’s a rom-com that’s actually funny, thoughtful and has a great twist. I saw a screening at the Wisconsin Film Festival at the Barrymore, and the audience absolutely loved it. Let’s go to the movies!

Well, just when you thought Taylor Swift was all washed up, she proves us all wrong and breaks records on Spotify yet again. As of last weekend, her new album “The Life of a Showgirl” broke records on the music streaming platform for the most pre-saves on Spotify’s countdown page. Holding the previous record was, you guessed it, Taylor Swift for her 2024 album “The Tortured Poets Department.” “The Life of a Showgirl,” Swift’s 12th studio album, drops Oct. 3. Seems like she’s really getting the hang of this music thing.

Season five of “Stranger Things” is right around the corner, and the social media teasing for new episodes has already started ,thanks to one of the show’s creators. Ross Duffer shared a photo from the editing suite and posted that episode one is ready to go. Frank Darabont will direct one of the season five episodes – pretty cool! The show will be released in three increments – Volume 1 drops Nov. 26, Volume 2 on Christmas Day, and the big finale on New Year’s Eve. Sounds like a fun and creepy way to ring in the new year.

Editor’s note: For more movie and entertainment talk, join host Pete Schwaba weeknights from 6 to 8 p.m. for “Nite Lite” on the Civic Media radio network.