Minority Mindset

During its debut weekend, I was among many who caught the movie “Caught Stealing.” To put it simply, Austin Butler’s film about a man in the wrong place at the wrong time provided an enjoyable, exhilarating viewing experience. As several critics have noted, even TopMob’s review included, Darren Aronofsky’s newest work might be darker and more violent at times than his past films, but it offers a more uplifting and entertaining journey compared to his previous projects.

In simpler terms, Olivier Assayas’s film portrays the story of Russia in the 21st century, focusing on a character inspired by real-life figures, such as a playwright, media mogul, and political strategist (played chilling by Paul Dano). This character helps put Vladimir Putin (delivered well by Jude Law) into power and works tirelessly to maintain his rule. He manipulates news, invents stories, stirs up discord, and teams up with the most radical segments of society to keep his chosen leader in office. As the movie races through significant events from the post-Soviet period, we witness a nation that was brimming with freedom and potential shut down and descend into brutal dictatorship, all under the guise of safety. Evidently, something similar could never happen anywhere else.

When films are screened for European audiences, the crowds are often very honest and vocal when responding. If an audience doesn’t like a film, they may boo and even walk out of screenings. However, when a feature is received well, audiences are generous with their praise, often resulting in lengthy standing ovations. This was particularly the case with Smashing Machine, which received a 15-minute standing ovation in Venice. Johnson was very emotional in receiving such a reaction and shared his gratitude on Instagram, saying:

Walt Disney World was initially conceptualized with the whole family in focus. As such, each park within the resort features specialized play zones tailored for children up to 12 years old. Over time, some of these areas have been replaced or removed. For instance, the “Honey I Shrunk The Kids” play area at Hollywood Studios was a popular choice; upon entry, it seemed as if kids had been shrunk to ant size due to the giant blades of grass and enormous toy props. Alas, it ceased operation on April 2nd, 2016, giving way for the construction of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.