Cat City (2008)

Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

n my opinion it was a great movie with some interesting elements, even though having some plot holes and the ending probably was just too messy and crammed together, but still fun to watch and not your casual movie that is similar to all other ones.

It's a mild crowd pleaser for people who are exhausted by blockbusters.

In other words,this film is a surreal ride.

While watching typical cable television fare I stumbled on Cat City. I found the desert noir film to be visually stunning with great use of the Palm Springs location. The best way to describe Cat City is to say it's an intensely atmospheric piece. Director Brent Huff creates a gritty, compelling world thick with the air of venality, corruption and desperation.Huff proves to have a distinct visual and directorial style. For the most part the actors deliver. Brian Dennehy as the grizzled detective shines. It's refreshing to see Rebecca Pidgeon stand out in a film that is not written and directed by her husband, David Mamet. Julian Sands pulls off the hapless rogue to the tee.Cat City gets well deserved kudo's from me.

I saw Cat City at a film festival. I love noir thrillers but Cat City fell quite a bit short. The plot is predictable. The dialog isn't sharp at all. And the acting in a couple of the major roles is wooden. Dennehy is fine as a retired police officer now doing PI work but he doesn't get a lot of screen time. Julian Sands was also good as a real estate guy up to no good. The two major roles that were poorly acted were Rebecca Pidgeon as Sands wife -- she's very wooden -- and William Shockey as a dot com millionaire. Shockey got screenplay credit too.It's the kind of movie you'd kick yourself over paying to see at a cinema because it's simply not that good. Tellingly, it appears to be going straight to cable. If you catch it on cable you might pass a pleasant enough hour or two, but it won't stand up well against any good film noir movie.

The start of this tale sets the tone for what would follow in that one witnesses a man being hung. The story changes to a house taken out of Architectural Digest, in the Palm Springs, Cathedral City area, in which a couple are being watched by what one guesses is a private detective spying on them. No wonder, Nick Compton, is cheating on his wife Victoria, an attorney. Victoria has been working with Harold, the P.I. man, who promises to mail her the incriminating pictures.Nick has received a call from a friend, Les, to let Jonas, an associate, stay with them while he gets his bearings as he is settling in Cathedral City. Jonas, in fact, might be hiding behind a friendly facade. One thing for sure, Victoria takes quite a dislike to him. When she receives the envelope, she is shocked in finding out the other woman is none other than Allyson Greene, another attorney in the firm they both work.Things get complicated in this surprising film that came out of nowhere. What attracted us was the fine cast Brent Huff, an actor and director, who has worked extensively on television. Mr. Huff contributed to the screenplay and created a stunning film, not only to look at, but one that keeps us involved in this crime mystery that proved to be a satisfying and entertaining motion picture.The only thing wrong with the film, in our humble opinion, was the casting of Alano Massi in the pivotal role of the dubious Jonas. Maybe it was his lack of experience, but one can see right through him; he is a bland figure. Rebeca Pidgeon plays the cheated wife, Veronica, in her usual cool style. Julian Sands is good as Nick the man who has been playing with dangerous people. Allyson Huff has some nice moments as the conniving woman with no scruples. Brian Dennehy is always excellent and here appears as Harold the former cop who loves fishing and ocean voyages, two things that he will be rewarded for.The film is enhanced by Rudy Harbon's cinematography. He captures all the desert colors in vivid detail. His take on the windmills in the area are almost hypnotic. The musical score by Tor Hyams, add a flavor to the film. We look forward to Mr. Huff's next work because he shows he can deliver with films like this one.

I had the opportunity to watch Cat City at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. I wanted to see for myself what all the buzz was about. The screening was sold out to an enthusiastic crowd. Cat City renewed my faith in independent films. The film noir thriller has both style and substance. A terrific screenplay that kept me on my toes from start to surprising finish. Hollywood should take note that story does matters. The direction, cinematography, costumes and locations were spot on. Brian Dennehy gives an amazing performance and Rebecca Pidgeon has never been better. Cat City is a film that keeps you thinking long after you leave the theater.