Synopsis: A goofy anti-social guy investigates the mystery surrounding the  murder of his cat. 

 

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Slapstick comedies tend to fall short of expectations usually. Murder of a Cat is one of those indie films that many people don’t even know about so there likely were no expectations. This film is one of those rare ridiculous comedies that doesn’t disappoint. Produced by Sam Raimi, Murder of a Cat boasts quite the impressive supporting cast featuring the likes of J.K. Simmons, Greg Kinnear, and Nikki Reed. The show one person that steals the scenes is Fran Kranz who plays Clinton Moisey. Clinton is your stereotypical mammas boy. He lives in the basement of his family home. Watches TV all day, collects action figures, eats junk food, and looks like he’s never been to Supercuts. He is a self-proclaimed looser. His best friend is is cat Moisey (clever name). Early on in the film Moisey is found dead on the sidewalk with an arrow sticking out of him. As Clinton ventures out on a mission to find the culprit of this heinous act, he develops a love/hate relationship with a girl named Greta. Both soon discover that they are linked together through their connection with the cat. A series of ridiculous events ensue on their journey to get justice for Moisey.

 

Surprisingly this film comes through on all the aspects that can make a film of this genre fail. On the surface the film appears as a slapstick comedy, however, there are plenty of neo-noir elements in it. The couch potato turned detective would be the most noticeable. The characters all have unique quirks and distinctive personalities. The film is simple in every way, hence making it an easy and enjoyable watch without having you brain scrambled. Sometimes simple is exactly what a film needs to be in order to escape reality and connect with an outrageous story.

 

 

The acting is very enjoyable. The lead character played by Fran Kranz is so stereotypically simple by nature, yet Kranz find a way to add so much character and personality. His deadpan is clever and the serious manner that Kranz portrays Clinton is the heart of comedy that the film produces. Clinton is so serious about everything that you can’t help but laugh. There is no doubt Kranz is an underrated actor on the rise. Nikki Reed plays the weird and endearing Greta. A tough chick, who somehow meshes with the the unaware Clinton. J.K. Simmon is terrific in a supporting role as Sheriff Hoyle, who randomly starts dating Clintons mother. Simmons has such great comedic timing. He is an extension of his State Farm commercial character in this film. A great talent, that finally might get his due come awards season. The semi-antagonist role goes to Greg Kinnear as Al Ford, the sleazy supermarket owner. Kinnear embraces the whacky character role and makes it his own.

 

Murder of a Cat is not a movie for everyone. You need to accept the ridiculousness of the story and the characters to appreciate it for what it is. Kranz gives a terrific performance, and is a name to look out for in the comedy world. The storyline borders follow the mold of a television show more than an actual movie, though that doesn’t detract from the entertainment factor it provides. This is the sort of movie that clears your mind and relaxes you from the rigors of everyday life. The silliness works and the message is simple, be yourself and stand up for what you believe in.

 

Murder of a Cat is currently available in Theaters, On Demand, Amazon, and Apple iTunes

 

Murder of a Cat –  7 out of 10! 

A goofy comedy that will have you laughing