Slamdance 2023 Film Festival – I loved MAD CATS. It’s the story of hapless drifter Taka (Sho Mineo) who is tasked with far more than he can handle when his brother turns up missing. Written and directed with whimsy by Reiki Tsuno this supremely silly film works hard to be nothing short of goofy effervescent fun. It does have its faults, it’s not purrfect. Still, this one is from the heart of its creator. A sincere, madcap feline diversion that entertains.

As mentioned Taka’s brother, famed archeologist and cat lover Mune (So Yamanaka) has gone missing. One of Taka’s only possessions is a picture of him and Mune. In the same picture, Mune is holding his beloved black cat. Meanwhile, a Yakuza-style clowder of femme Fatales continues to pursue Taka. What are they after? At the same time pet store owners are under attack and are being terrorized. Can Taka find and save his brother before he is killed by the dangerous group of black-clad gangsters? What do they have to do with his brother’s disappearance?

Along the way, Taka befriends Takezo (Yuya Matsuura), a resourceful if belligerent homeless man. The two bond over a stolen can of food and resulting in both of them being chased by the mysterious. Enter Ayane, who not only saves their lives but teaches them a thing or two about self-defense. It is here that the film sags. Taka, Takezo, and Ayane have a common enemy and the three plan their next move. Tsuno seems to have trouble with what to do in the second act and how to develop his characters. There are moments that seem to meander as character development slowly rises to the surface. Thankfully the film picks back up again when Tsuno is in his zany element and we reach a satisfying conclusion.

MAD CATS is Kung Fu Hustle for cat lovers. From frame one Tsuno aims to entertain and his sincerity in doing so is apparent. His script and directorial choices are filled with a charming amount of frivolity that may chase away the more rigid viewers. lending to the insanity is impeccable editing by Reiki the Cheetah. Reiki nabs jokes from thin air with savagely timed cuts and it is a joy to watch. In particular, a pet store commercial featuring nefarious store owner Jake Watson (Michael Aaron Stone) is a gem of comedic cuts.

Tsuno is a filmmaker that is far more interested in entertaining than challenging his audience. He creates a strange world of species fluidity that focuses more on who the characters are rather than what they are. At the same time, he comes out, guns blazing with almost unbeatable energy to open the film and spends the rest of the movie trying to match it.

Overall though MAD CATS was more fun than a ball of yarn or a toy laced with catnip.

7 Out of 10