Title: Catch .44
Directed by: Aaron Harvey
Starring: Malin Akerman, Nikki Reed, Deborah Ann Woll, Brad Dourif, Forest Whitaker and Bruce Willis
Running time: 94 minutes, Rated R, Available on Blu-ray
Tess (Malin Akerman) and her two friends Kara (Nikki Reed) and Dawn (Deborah Ann Woll) are given a task to intercept a drug shipment for crime boss Mel (Bruce Willis), but the job turns out it’s not as simple as anticipated.
This film is fast paced, but confusing as hell. Director Aaron Harvey (who provides the commentary as the only special feature on the disc) does an homage to non-linear storytelling much compared to Tarantino films, and the film is filled with random dialogue and obscure pop culture references.
I thought the characters could’ve been interesting had we were able to really get to know them, the story is really jumbled and I really didn’t see the point in going to a diner in BFE just to find out it’s a set-up. It was one big build up to nothing special. Forest Whitaker is really creepy and I really didn’t care for his character. He was just kind of there to stir stuff up and be a raving obsessed lunatic who happens to be on Mel’s payroll. Bruce Willis takes on a different role as the sleazy crime boss Mel, but his whole long drawn-out bit about pecans was really random and seemingly unnecessary. Maybe it was a private joke that should’ve remained that way.
The special effects were decent for the modest budget, and director Harvey was really proud of the title cards and credits that he got done for free; I agree they looked impressive, unfortunately that’s the only real positive critique I can give for this film. I don’t think Aaron Harvey should give up on filmmaking, and I promise to have a clean slate when reviewing his next attempt.
Total rating: D
Reviewed by: JM Willis
