Le prix de la trahison

"Cat City" is a well written movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. It is anything but predictable as the director, Brent Huff, takes you on a roller coaster ride of greed, deceit, and revenge. The cinematography is outstanding with clever camera angles, beautiful scenery, and consistent theme throughout. The cast does an excellent job portraying the characters and captivating the audience. I was especially impressed with Shawn Huff's performance as "the other woman" and of course, Brian Dennehey. This film keeps you on your toes while providing non-stop entertainment. I would highly recommend viewing "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.

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.

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.

...even tho I had to watch this film dubbed by Amazon to Spanish, something that was about to make me skip it, I was almost immediately grabbed by the slowly developing plot. (are you getting this, Amazon? Dubbing is for illiterate morons, invest in subs).

True, what the rate busters say it is predictable, the acting is cardboard cliche sometimes but it's not so evident and keeps you watching until the end which, for me at least, was a coin in the air.

Since this isn't going to be aired in any theater anywhere at this time, do watch it; I assure you it will be worth your time. Oh, and watch it 'til the end, the two closing songs are prime musical material.

In sum, a solid indie, 7/10.