Why So Blu?

Catch .44 (Blu-ray Review)

Up next is the independent film Catch .44 starring Bruce Willis, Forrest Whitaker, Malin Akerman, Nikki Reed, Deborah Ann Woll, and Brad Dourif. The film was picked up by Anchor Bay for release on Blu-ray and DVD. Catch .44 is being marketed, or at least the back of the box says, it’s Reservoir Dogs meets The Usual Suspects. I’m not really a fan of that type of marketing, because I usually like to let the film stand on its own two legs instead of comparing it to previously published material. I mean with a cast like the one in Catch .44, why would you need to compare it to something else? Is Catch .44 any good, though? In doing some research, meaning that in reading other people’s reviews on the film, I do believe that most of them missed the point. This may or may not be a controversial review depending on what your feminist stand points may be. That or if you think Quentin Tarantino is the only human being that can make caper films. With that teaser out of the way let’s get to the review. 

 

Film 

Catch .44 is the latest entry into the caper gone wrong niche of films to hit the Blu-ray format. Not only that, but Catch .44 is a DTV (direct to video) film with a pretty cool cast of characters involved. Tes (Malin Akerman), Dawn (Deborah Ann Woll), and Kara (Nikki Reed) are a band of women you do not want to mess with it. Their job is to intercept (double cross) a drug delivery for their boss Mel (Bruce Willis). It seems simple enough, but when everything goes to hell in a hand basket, those left standing will have more questions than answers.

Mel likes pecans, and controls the criminal activity in this neck of the woods. Ronny (Forrest Whitaker) is Mel’s enforcer. Ronny is there to make sure everything goes as planned and to tie up any loose ends. Ronny also has secrets of his own.

Now to get rid of the gripe that I have – more like a double gripe. I have read some reviews that have blasted the film for being a wannabe carbon copy of Reservoir Dogs and every other Quentin Tarantino film out there. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Maybe it’s due to the marketing? The back of the Blu-ray box says “In the tradition of Reservoir Dogs and The Usual Suspects.” I can almost see how that can be misconstrued as being a copy cat of a film. You know, because QT is the only person alive that can make films that other people will not say he copied from. That’s one part of the component of this semi-rant.

The second part is due to the leads of the film. Tes is our protagonist. She is a fiery female who doesn’t take crap from any man and is the leader of the female pack. She speaks her mind and lets her female crew know what’s up. All three females are also very hot. I get the sense that some men may get turned off by a group of beautiful, strong, independent females whose roles are normally played by men. Tes, Dawn, and Kara do their thing with precision, but it’s the circumstances that surround them which screw everything up.

Personally, I enjoyed the film a lot! The script and direction are top notch and just because the film did not get a theatrical release (at least I don’t think it did) does not mean it’s amateur hour. The cast is awesome, and it’s great to see Bruce Willis play a major sleazebag. It’s great to see Forrest Whitaker play such an unconventional role, and it’s pretty cool to see several beautiful women taking care of business. Rawr.

Catch .44 is a fun little romp of a caper, but don’t go in there thinking it will change the way caper films are made. It’s not revolutionary by any means, but it is a whole lot of fun.

Video 

Catch .44 is presented in 1080p, 2.40:1, widescreen. Grain levels are amazing, contrast is in check, black levels never crush, and sharpness levels are even. The scenes in the diner are my favorite, because I am a fan of low light. It gives the ladies a very warm look to their complexion. Flesh tones in general look natural, but softness does creep in here and there, but it’s still an outstanding video presentation. Colors are bold in the Louisiana bayou, and you can just feel the heat and humidity sticking to you. Anchor Bay has done a stellar job on the video specs.

Audio 

Catch .44 is presented in DTS-HD MA 5.1. For such a low key caper film no expense was spared on the sound specs at all. Gunfire is scarily real and the awesome soundtrack lights up the soundscape from all sides! Dialogue is crystal clear, and the rear channels handle the ambient sounds without any problems. Clipping, static, and noise are nowhere to be found on this lossless track. You should have no problem following what’s being done or said on this Blu-ray. I couldn’t believe my ears when I watched the film. It left me with a perpetual grin from ear to ear.

Special Features

I would have appreciated a bit of supplements for this release, but all we get is a commentary track, albeit a good one, from Writer/Director Aaron Harvey and Editor Richard Byard. It’s a pretty damn good commentary, because the film relies on the editing a lot, so what better way to know the tricks of cutting a picture than from the Director and Editor themselves.

• Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Aaron Harvey and Editor Richard Byard

 

Final Thoughts 

If you’re in the mood for a crime caper gone bad with a great ensemble cast then look no further than Catch .44. The Blu-ray looks fantastic and the lossless DTS soundtrack will knock you on your behind. The special features are slim, but the commentary track is worth a listen. Ignore the haters and give Catch .44 a spin.

 

 

 

 

Order Catch .44 on Blu-ray!