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Cat Run
Cat Run
Cat Run
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Cat Run
Directed byJohn Stockwell
Written byNick Ball
John Niven
Produced byBill Perkins
Ram Bergman
Derrick Borte
StarringPaz Vega
Janet McTeer
Alphonso McAuley
Scott Mechlowicz
Christopher McDonald
Karel Roden
D. L. Hughley
Tony Curran
Michelle Lombardo
CinematographyJean-François Hensgens
Edited byBen Callahan
Music byDevin Powers
Production
company
Lleju Productions
Distributed byEagle Films (United States)
Universal Pictures (International)
Release date
  • April 1, 2011 (2011-04-01)[1]
Running time
102 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$30,000 (US)[2]

Cat Run is a 2011 American comedy action film directed by John Stockwell.

Plot

[edit]

Andorran prostitute and single mother Catalina "Cat" Rona is hired to participate in an orgy in Montenegro along with other escorts, for powerful men including former U.S. Senator William Krebb. When the senator kills one of the women, security is ordered to murder the others present to avoid witnesses. However, Cat escapes with security footage of what happened contained on an encrypted hard disk drive. An official manhunt for Cat ensues, having been framed with false charges, and the cruel assassin Helen Bingham is hired to retrieve the HDD and kill Cat. Meanwhile, Americans Julian Simms and Anthony Hester decide to open a detective agency to raise money. When they read in the newspaper that Cat is wanted by the police, they decide to seek her out, expecting to receive a reward. However, they cross the path of Helen and they end up helping protect Cat from the killer. When Helen is betrayed by those who hired her, she decides to help Anthony, Julian, and Cat retrieve the HDD and their freedom.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Cat Run was shot in Serbia and Montenegro.[1]

Release

[edit]

Cat Run was released April 1, 2011. It grossed $30,000 domestically.[2] Universal released it on home video on June 19, 2012.[3]

Reception

[edit]

Rotten Tomatoes, a review aggregator, reports that 20% of 15 surveyed critics gave the film a positive review; the average rating was 3.6/10.[4] Metacritic rated it 33/100 based on nine reviews.[5] John Anderson of Variety called it "an often stylish but wearying action thriller that fails even to be convincingly tongue-in-cheek."[6] Todd McCarthy of The Hollywood Reporter called it "a self-consciously sleazy comic crime saga composed of facetious elements whose shelf life has long since passed."[1] Mark Olsen of the Los Angeles Times called it a return to "late-'90s post-Tarantino crime thrillers" that are "cut-rate knockoffs" of Quentin Tarantino's style.[7] Scott Tobias of The A.V. Club rated it C+ and called it a "generic 'hip' thriller" that is well-suited to late-night cable.[8] Gerard Iribe of DVD Talk rated it 1.5/5 stars and called it "the poor man's version of Smokin' Aces".[3] Paul Pritchard of DVD Verdict wrote, "It lacks a unique voice, and though it does entertain in bursts, it is overlong and frequently guilty of lacking direction."[9]

Sequel

[edit]

Cat Run was followed by the 2014 sequel Cat Run 2, with Scott Mechlowicz and Alphonso McAuley reprising their roles as Anthony and Julian.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Cat Run

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Cat Run is a 2011 American action comedy film directed by John Stockwell and written by Nick Ball and John Niven. The story centers on two inexperienced private detectives who must protect a high-end escort holding key evidence to a government scandal from a hired assassin. Starring Paz Vega in the lead role as the escort Catalina "Cat" Rona, alongside Scott Mechlowicz and Alphonso McAuley as the detectives, and Janet McTeer as the antagonist Helen Bingham, the film blends elements of thriller and humor in its portrayal of a chaotic pursuit. Released on April 1, 2011, in limited theatrical distribution by Lleju Productions and , Cat Run features supporting performances from actors such as as a corrupt senator. The production was filmed primarily in , including at PFI Studios in , contributing to its gritty, international feel despite a modest . With a runtime of 102 minutes and an R rating for , , and , the movie emphasizes high-stakes action sequences and comedic mishaps among its protagonists. Critically, Cat Run received mixed to negative reviews, holding a 20% approval rating on based on 15 critic scores, with the consensus stating, "This movie is fiercely uneven, feeling like two different movies awkwardly mashed together." On , it scored 33 out of 100 from nine reviews. Commercially, it underperformed, grossing $30,000 domestically and $65,708 worldwide during its limited run. Despite this, the film found a niche for its blend of over-the-top action and lighthearted tone, later becoming available on streaming platforms like .

Narrative and Characters

Plot

The film opens at a lavish political orgy in , where high-end escort and single mother Catalina "Cat" Rona () witnesses the security team murder fellow escorts after an incident involving former U.S. Senator Bill Krebb (), part of a broader government cover-up involving illicit activities and corruption among high-ranking officials. escapes with a containing video evidence of the crime, making her the target of assassins and corrupt authorities desperate to silence her. Childhood friends Anthony Hester (Scott Mechlowicz), an aspiring chef, and Julian Simms (), a womanizer, have recently launched a fledgling agency in after their personal ambitions falter. Their first major case draws them into Cat's orbit when she seeks protection, thrusting the inexperienced duo into a high-stakes pursuit across as they attempt to safeguard her and the evidence. The pair, aided by their resourceful receptionist Dexter (D.L. Hughley), navigate betrayals and alliances while evading pursuers. The narrative escalates through intense chase sequences, including high-speed car pursuits through urban streets and brutal shootouts in remote locations, as Cat, Anthony, and Julian are relentlessly hunted by the ruthless assassin Helen Bingham (Janet McTeer), a methodical operative with a penchant for efficiency and violence, alongside Krebb's enforcers and other corrupt figures. Bingham's pursuit is complicated by internal double-crosses within the conspiracy, leading to shifting loyalties and additional action set pieces, such as a fierce hand-to-hand brawl involving rival hitmen. In the climactic confrontation, the group uncovers the full scope of the , revealing and sex scandals tied to international politics and Senator Krebb's operations. Anthony and Julian, with Cat's help, outmaneuver their adversaries in a final showdown, allowing the protagonists to escape while partially leaking the evidence to the public, though the cover-up endures with lingering threats.

Cast

Paz Vega stars as Catalina "Cat" Rona, the alluring high-end escort and single mother who witnesses a high-profile murder and becomes central to a political conspiracy, forcing her on the run across . portrays Anthony Hester, the more level-headed and aspiring chef of the inexperienced private detective duo who takes on Cat's protection case. plays Julian Simms, Anthony's boisterous and womanizing best friend, providing comic relief as the agency's enthusiastic but hapless partner. embodies Helen Bingham, the elegant yet lethal assassin dispatched to silence Cat and eliminate any loose ends in the cover-up. appears as Bill Krebb, the sleazy and corrupt U.S. senator orchestrating the scandalous government operation. In supporting roles, plays Sean Moody, a ruthless Scottish contract killer involved in pursuing . Branko Djurić portrays Branko Jakovic, a Serbian mobster connected to the escort ring and the ensuing chaos. is cast as Dexter, a key figure aiding the detectives in their investigation. The casting reflects director John Stockwell's emphasis on international talent to enhance the film's European settings, with actors like the Spanish-born , British McTeer, and Scottish Curran bringing authenticity to the multinational intrigue. For emerging performers like McAuley, the film marked a prominent early lead role in a feature, building on his prior supporting appearances.

Production

Development

The screenplay for Cat Run was written by Nick Ball and as an original script, centering on an action-comedy that merges buddy-cop tropes with thriller elements involving a high-end escort entangled in a . Lleju Productions served as the primary production company, with director John Stockwell brought on to direct, leveraging his prior experience in energetic . The project was developed as a independent production with a reported of around $25 million, incorporating cost-saving measures such as overseas to enhance the European setting's exotic appeal while controlling expenses. Leads and were selected for the roles of the novice detectives Anthony Hester and Julian Simms, valued for their on-screen comedic that drives the film's humorous dynamic.

Filming

Principal photography for Cat Run took place primarily at PFI Studios in Belgrade, Serbia, with additional shooting in Montenegro, beginning on October 5, 2009. These Eastern European locations were selected due to tax incentives and lower production costs, providing economic advantages over filming in the film's narrative setting of Washington, D.C. The production faced logistical challenges, including a week-long delay when approximately 80% of the cast and suffered from food poisoning while shooting in , requiring medical attention at a local facility. An international mix of talent contributed to the effort, blending American leads with regional support staff amid the evolving script, which saw daily additions during filming. Jean-François Hensgens employed dynamic techniques to capture the film's chase sequences and action set pieces, utilizing the contrasting medieval architecture of and the post-conflict urban landscapes of for visual depth. Stunt coordination drew on local expertise for high-energy scenes, including pursuits and the film's notable sequence. Director John Stockwell, drawing from his background, fostered a collaborative environment that allowed for script flexibility and subtle adjustments in the buddy comedy elements, integrating American-style humor against the Eastern European settings. In , editor Ben Callahan refined the footage to achieve the final 102-minute runtime, while composer Devin Powers crafted the score in to underscore the action-comedy tone.

Release and Commercial Performance

Distribution

Cat Run had a in the United States on April 1, 2011, distributed by in partnership with LLeju Productions across 102 theaters. The film saw an international rollout in select European markets later that year, including a at the Fantasy Filmfest in on August 19, 2011, followed by theatrical releases in on October 6, 2011. Marketing efforts focused on the film's action-comedy elements and its cast, particularly starring as a high-end escort, with official trailers highlighting thriller aspects and the ensemble including and . Promotion was limited due to its independent status, emphasizing screenings at festivals like the Fantasy Filmfest rather than widespread campaigns. For home media, released Cat Run on DVD and Blu-ray on June 19, 2012. Digital streaming became available on platforms such as shortly thereafter, with video-on-demand options emerging around mid-2012. The film received an MPAA rating of for strong bloody violence, , , and language, with a runtime of 102 minutes.

Box Office

Cat Run opened in limited release in the United States and on April 1, 2011, earning $30,100 during its opening weekend across 102 theaters, which accounted for its entire domestic gross. This performance yielded a per-theater average of approximately $295, reflecting limited audience interest. Internationally, the film grossed about $35,708, primarily from the in June 2012, resulting in a worldwide total of $65,708. The overall results marked Cat Run as a commercial flop, hampered by constrained and from higher-profile releases during its domestic debut. Adjusted for , the domestic earnings equate to roughly $42,921 in 2025 dollars. Production costs for the film remain unconfirmed, but the low returns indicate a clear financial loss, a common outcome for direct-to-limited independent releases.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Reception

Upon its release, Cat Run received mixed-to-negative reviews from critics, with praise limited to certain technical elements amid broader of its narrative and execution. On , the film holds a 20% approval rating based on 15 reviews, with an average score of 3.6/10. Similarly, aggregates a score of 33 out of 100 from 9 critics, indicating "generally unfavorable" reception. Some reviewers highlighted positive aspects in the action choreography and lead performances. The film's action sequences were described as entertaining and well-executed, contributing to its high-energy pace despite overall flaws. Additionally, the chemistry between leads and was noted for effectively carrying the script's banter in the early acts. Critics predominantly faulted the movie for its clichéd plot, uneven tonal shifts between and thriller elements, and underdeveloped characters, resulting in a experience. characterized it as a "torn messily" hybrid of genres that fails to reconcile its ambitions, familiar tropes without . Variety acknowledged an "often stylish" visual approach enhanced by filming in Serbian and Montenegrin locations but criticized the wearying repetition of action-thriller conventions. Several outlets also pointed to the film's and as feeling exploitative rather than integral, amplifying its puerile tone. Audience reception showed a slight , with a 33% score on from over 1,000 user ratings, suggesting more leniency toward its escapist thrills compared to professional critiques.

Sequel

is a 2014 American film serving as a sequel to the 2011 film Cat Run, directed by John Stockwell. The movie continues the buddy-detective adventures of private investigators Anthony () and Julian Simms (), who reprise their roles from the original, joined by new cast members such as Winter Ave Zoli as a seductive operative and in a supporting role. In the plot, the duo travels from to New Orleans to participate in a cooking contest while attempting to clear Julian's cousin of involvement in a at a , only to uncover a web of spies, assassins, and a linked to a high-stakes gambling tournament. The story maintains the comedic action formula centered on the mismatched partners but omits key elements from the first film, such as the assassin character (). Production occurred primarily in New Orleans, , during 2013, under Lleju Productions, resulting in a 97-minute runtime typical of low-budget fare. The film was distributed straight to DVD and Blu-ray by Universal Studios Home Entertainment on August 26, 2014, without a theatrical release and relying on sales for revenue. Reception was largely unfavorable, earning a 4.3/10 average user rating on from approximately 1,533 votes and a 16% audience score on from over 50 ratings, with critics and viewers alike dismissing it as a diminished, cash-grab follow-up featuring subpar action sequences and overreliance on exploitative elements.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1446147/
  2. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/cat_run
  3. https://www.blackfilm.com/read/cat-run/
  4. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1446147/releaseinfo/
  5. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt1446147/
  6. https://www.metacritic.com/movie/cat-run/
  7. https://www.netflix.com/title/70136070
  8. https://variety.com/2011/film/reviews/cat-run-1117944951/
  9. https://girlswithguns.org/cat-run/
  10. https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/cat-run/
  11. https://www.moviefone.com/movie/cat-run/10054818/credits/
  12. https://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Cat_Run
  13. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1446147/fullcredits/
  14. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/cat_run/cast-and-crew
  15. https://www.crew-united.com/en/Cat-Run__156728.html
  16. https://movieweb.com/exclusive-alphonso-mcauley-talks-cat-run/
  17. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Cat-Run
  18. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/cat-run-film-review-170067/
  19. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/57353-cat-run
  20. https://behindthelensonline.net/site/reviews/cat-run/
  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1446147/locations/
  22. https://pro.imdb.com/title/tt1446147/filmmakers
  23. https://movieweb.com/exclusive-scott-mechlowicz-talks-cat-run/
  24. https://shotonwhat.com/cat-run-2011
  25. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1446147/trivia/
  26. https://www.soundtrakd.com/movie/cat-run-2011
  27. https://www.movieinsider.com/m8843/cat-run
  28. https://www.screendaily.com/distribution/paladin-lleju-to-release-llejus-cat-run-in-us/5022931.article
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JbTsW3QqP8
  30. https://www.slashfilm.com/514391/cat-run-trailer/
  31. https://www.dvdsreleasedates.com/movies/5422/Cat-Run-2011.html
  32. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1446147/parentalguide/
  33. https://www.metacritic.com/movie/cat-run
  34. https://www.popentertainmentarchives.com/post/cat-run-a-popentertainment-com-movie-review
  35. http://leepers.us/cat_run.htm
  36. https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/01/movies/janet-mcteer-in-john-stockwells-cat-run-review.html
  37. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3461828/
  38. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3461828/fullcredits/
  39. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3461828/plotsummary/
  40. https://www.blu-ray.com/dvd/Cat-Run-2-DVD/88406/
  41. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3461828/ratings
  42. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/cat_run_2
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