Cat City (2008)

Sadly Over-hyped

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

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.

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.

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.