Keanu (2016)
Divided we fur.
It's hard being a gangsta had to be on the line for a tagline at some point for this movie. If it wasn't someone really missed an opportunity. This entry is certainly a bit more than I expected- whether that's for the better or worse you'll have to read on to find out. Put the kids to bed for this one, it's time to quest for kitty.
Our plot here is pretty straightforward, but somehow rather efficient with it's little turns and twists. A drug dealer has a pet kitty, the gangster version of the Boondock Saints rolls up and guns his place down, in turn finding the little kitty but loosing it when the cops show up. From there, the cat happens to find it's way to a man whose just been dumped and he quickly becomes attached to it. Now that a bond has formed, a local gang breaks into his house and steals his cat, prompting him and his friend to do whatever they can to get back his cat - including pretending to be the aforementioned legendary killers.
It's super simple, but it does keep rolling with a few twists and turns throughout. The performances are well done, with the two main stars alternating between feigned "hard killer" and their original quirky selves. The gang has some minor character to themselves as well, and does experience at least some details and bonding over the course of the movie, but this movie isn't really entirely focused on the idea of character growth as much as it is it's adorable little kitten driving point. That being said, one of the characters does sort of find himself over the course of the movie, so there is some there.
The cat does a wonderful job of being cute, and even participates in a few action scenes. Those (and the other) action scenes are actually quite well done, complete with some cool flips and slow-down effects. It's also not entirely unexpected that some of them include some comedy - at least one of which actually got a good laugh out of me. Overall, there was actually much more action (that was done much better) than I would have expected out of something I predominantly thought was going to be a comedy.
Suddenly, budget Boondock Saints
Now, it's not all sunshine and poker chips though. Some people are gonna get offended over some of the language - which the movie even kind of makes a joke about right before sending up a swarm of it. Some might take offense to the portrayal of gangs and drugs or strip joints. Some people just like to be offended and should really get over it. The movie has some rather strong attempts at emotional parts, at serious moments - and in contrast to the comedy and action they do sometimes work pretty well, but some of them also end up feeling a bit overstated in comparison.
Effects during action scenes are pretty well done, and there's a certain music video portion that's done quite snazzily, but when it comes to costumes there's nothing outside of the ordinary. I mean, you might think some of them interesting when it comes to trench coats or vests I suppose, but it's all fitting with a modern time and in turn doesn't stand out that much. It "does it's job" you might say. There are also some cute little movie-kitty Calendar shots. The most elaborate effect you will probably see is the slow-down during some of the actions, although the rest are believable for what it's worth.
Jokes are gonna be hit or miss, as I always say. The movie did a fine job of keeping me happy, of being entertained - and for a comedy movie, that's the most important thing. Yes, getting those out-loud laughs (which one scene did) are great, but the main thing about comedy is that it should keep you in a good mood. Some jokes have a progressive payoff - steadily building in use until their comedy-climax - and some are just quick little one-shots. It's a pretty solid blend, although my lack of before-hand viewing of anything Key and Peele does prevent me from being able to say that fan's of their stuff will love it, because I don't know what their stuff is through experience.
The main players, including the cutest little star in the movie.
This little kitty-caper ended up being far better than I would have expected. It might take a person who isn't as offended by things as I am to enjoy it despite language and content. The cat is adorable as promised, and the fact it even gets in on the action scenes is more amusing than I feel it should be. Jokes will depend on the person, but overall I had a fun little viewing, and can't say that it wouldn't be worth a rent.