Cat City

I give props to the Huffs, they have a lot of really good friends to come on IMDb and sing the praises of this film. One tip for next time, maybe don't have EVERYBODY give it 8 to 10 stars and declare it a modern-day indie Out of the Past because it looks that much more conspicuous for a movie in which the leads don't even seem interested. In fairness, I have never seen Rebecca Pidgeon actually convince me she isn't acting, because she doesn't do it well, but that may be a particular style honed working with Mamet. The only thing to recommend this is Dennehy and he doesn't get nearly enough screen time. Anyway, friends (or hirelings) of the Huffs, just for down the line, a little moderation goes a long way when working the con.

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.

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.

From the chilling opening scene of CAT CITY to the surprising, uneasy yet satisfying final scene, this 90-minute thriller takes you on a suspenseful ride of greed, love and jealousy with millions of dollars at stake.

Starring Rebecca Pidgeon, Julian Sands, Brian Dennehy, Alano Massi and Shawn Huff, director Brent Huff, who co-wrote the screenplay with William Shockley and Douglas L. Walton, keep you wondering how this mix of murder, deceit and revenge turns out.

CAT CITY, which stands for Cathedral City in California, is the setting for the film amidst its towering desert windmills. Nick Compton (Julian Sands) swings a development and real estate arrangement for the supposed Cathedral City Casino with his lawyer (Shawn Huff) that includes an underhanded senator.

In the meantime, Nick's wife Vicki (Rebecca Pidgeon) hires a detective (Brian Dennehy) only to discover that Nick has more than one shady transaction in the works. When the casino deal goes south, investor Vance Roland (Alano Massi) wants his money back at any cost. The film includes adult situations with some profanity and violence.

See the movie. I give it a thumbs up.

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.