Cat City

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.

(full disclosure: director Brent Huff also directed "Serbian Scars," for which I wrote the screenplay) Film noir is alive and well in "Cat City," a twist-filled thriller that offers up some nice performances and a solid story. Victoria (Rebecca Pidgeon, shining in the lead) is pretty sure her land developer husband Nick (Jeremy Irons) is cheating on her. She hires ex-cop Brian Dennehy to confirm her suspicions, leading to far more than just infidelity. Their new house guest (Alano Massi, in a breakout performance) only complicates things, including revelations surrounding a failed casino project (the "Cathedral City" of the title) and a crooked politician. Before all is said is done guns are drawn, blood is spilled, and the briefcase full of millions ends up changing the lives of more than one person.

Despite its modest budget, "Cat City" does a good job of capturing the feel of a modern updating of the classic double-cross flicks of the 40s and 50s. Director Huff keeps the camera moving, which helps with a script that's heavy on dialog. Pidgeon is great as the smart and sexy wife at the center of things, as is Shawn Huff as the other woman. While Massi takes a little getting used to (the facial hair can only do so much to age a baby face), he has a nice presence and a ton of potential. And Dennehy is excellent as always, a guy who's so effortless at what he does it keeps everyone around him on their toes. Only Julian Sands seems to struggle at times, with his accent coming and going during his quirky take on what's usually the "cad husband who's up to no good" role. However special props go out to William Shockley (who co-wrote the script with Huff and Douglas Walton) - his turn as a Senator on the take might only be for one scene, but it's one of the best supporting turns I've seen in ages. I'd love to see him back in this role and given the whole stage to explore the character.

All in all a solid noir thriller that makes the best of a limited budget by featuring some great locations and even better performances. 8 out of 10.

An outstanding addition to the collection of Modern Noir, Cat City delivers all the familiar elements of the genre in a fresh new setting and story. As noted by other reviews of the film, Palm Springs is an inspired backdrop for this tale of seduction and suspense. The story of a real estate developer who is down on is luck and will do almost anything to secure more financing from a hot young bigwig that comes to town is compelling, as are the characters that get roped into the tale - the developer's insatiable wife, his steamy lover, and the hard boiled detective lured into to surveying them all. Huff masterfully ratchets up the scandal and suspense as the story deliberately clicks towards its extremely satisfying climax.

I highly recommend a viewing of this no nonsense, straight ahead noir thriller.

A throw back film noir thriller with great performances and a lot of style. Rebecca Pidgeon as the femme fatale and Brian Dennehy playing the gum shoe detective. If you like Ms. Pidgeon you won't be disappointed. She's fabulous in the role and has never looked better. Dennehy is solid as ever. All the actors deliver with some fabulous dialogue.

Dennehy, "What ever happened to pencils and paper?" Pidgeon, "They went the way of morals and values." Priceless.

Director Huff does a great job unfolding this highly entertaining who-dun-it. You'll love the plot twist in the end. The beautiful Palm Springs locations only add to the cinematic experience. I highly recommend Cat City.

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.