Catnado

I had been looking forward to watching this movie ever since I first saw the poster revealed. Sure, I didn't harbor an ounce of expectations to the movie, but I still opted to watch the movie on the off-chance that it would prove to be a entertaining movie, or a movie that was so phenomenally bad that it proved to be fun to watch.

As it turned out, not surprisingly so, this movie was a catastrophe, pardon the pun. First of all, it was an anthology, and those rarely fare well. "Catnado" was not about to deviate from the usual fare of anthologies, and this was a questionable dumpster fire of a movie. Writers Blake Blasko, Curtis Everitt, Donald Farmer, Blair Kelly, Stephanie E. Kelly, James M. Myers, Melvin Pittman, Tim Ritter, Serena Salieri and Jerry Williams didn't exactly manage to put together something enjoyable here. It was cringeworthy to sit through on so many levels.

The acting performances in "Catnado" were all over the place; some of the performers were fully and wholly stripped of acting talents, whereas other performers actually had a shred of talent to them. Needless to say that I wasn't familiar with a single actor or actress in this anthology. And usually I enjoy watching movies with unfamiliar talents on the screen, but there simply was nothing to enjoy about this 2022 movie.

There was one good thing about "Catnado" and that was some woman being interviewed and managing to do the interview in the style of that video with a lady being interviewed in real life some years ago and someone made an autotune song out of her titled "Backing Up". The female actor in the movie here had her speech pattern, voice and mannerisms nailed down to the point where it was actually fun to watch and listen to.

Visually then this was bad. The movie didn't even have proper effects, which would have salvaged it from being a total and utter dumpster fire. The effects were very low budget and looked ridiculous most of the time.

"Catnado" is a terrible movie. And worse yet, is that it isn't even bad in a way that it becomes fun to watch. No, "Catnado" is just a downright horrible movie. Don't bother wasting you time, money or effort on this dung heap; some of us did so you don't have to, you're very welcome.

My rating of this anthology from directors Curtis Everitt, Donald Farmer, Alaine Huntington, Blair Kelly, James M. Myers, Melvin Pittman, Tim Ritter, Jerry Williams and Logan Winton lands on a generous one out of ten stars.

In a world where cinematic brilliance often comes from unexpected places, Catnado emerges as the unexpected tour de force, a film that could only be described as an extraordinary achievement in modern filmmaking. Directed by the daring trio Blair Kelly, Curtis Everitt, and Donald Farmer, Catnado is more than just a film; it's an exhilarating experience that sweeps viewers up like a whirlwind - or, more fittingly, like a tornado filled with cats. With the tagline "It's like Sharknado, but with cats," this movie sets a high bar for itself from the start, yet it somehow manages to exceed all expectations. From its jaw-dropping special effects to its nuanced performances, Catnado is a symphonic, cinematic masterpiece and a true testament to the innovative spirit of the 21st century.

A Storyline That Pounces on the Imagination

The plot of Catnado seems deceptively simple at first glance, but as the film unfolds, it reveals a layered and thought-provoking narrative that explores themes of survival, human resilience, and the often-underestimated ferocity of feline fury. The story begins with a peaceful town that suddenly finds itself under siege by a tornado, but this is no ordinary storm. In a twist that feels both inventive and terrifyingly plausible, the tornado is filled with cats. Not just any cats, but cats of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments, each one driven to wreak havoc upon humanity.

While the premise could easily have been played for mere laughs, Catnado treats its concept with the seriousness it deserves. The script, full of witty banter and unexpected emotional depth, allows the audience to engage with the characters as they face the surreal yet deadly threat of airborne felines. There's a real sense of urgency as the townspeople scramble to defend themselves, and by the end, viewers find themselves surprisingly invested in the fates of these characters.

Special Effects That Redefine the Genre

In a film about a cat-filled tornado, the special effects were bound to be scrutinized. Yet, Catnado is nothing short of revolutionary in this department. The visual effects team, whose work deserves awards and accolades galore, has managed to achieve something few would think possible: rendering a tornado of cats with breathtaking realism and clarity. From the individual fur strands to the glint of mischief in each cat's eye, the attention to detail is staggering. Each frame is carefully crafted to immerse the viewer in a spectacle of feline fury, and the tornado itself is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Rather than relying on cheap CGI, Catnado employs a blend of practical effects and digital wizardry that creates a seamless, almost hypnotic visual experience. In scenes where the cats burst through windows or swirl menacingly above the town, the effects are executed with such finesse that one can hardly tell where reality ends and the special effects begin. The sheer technical prowess on display elevates Catnado beyond its peers, making it a standout in a genre often criticized for subpar effects.

Acting That Rivals the Classics

The performances in Catnado are nothing short of astonishing. Each actor approaches their role with a level of commitment rarely seen, particularly in a film with such an unconventional premise. The cast, filled with both seasoned actors and newcomers, brings a profound humanity to their roles, grounding the outlandish storyline with performances that feel genuine and heartfelt.

In particular, the lead actors deliver standout performances, blending fear, courage, and a touch of humor with remarkable skill. Their portrayals of everyday people grappling with the absurdity and terror of a cat-filled tornado add a layer of believability that's essential to the film's impact. Each look of shock and every gasp of disbelief is played with authenticity, drawing the viewer deeper into the narrative.

The cats, of course, are the real stars of the film, and their performances are nothing short of extraordinary. From stealthy prowls to dramatic leaps, the feline actors display a range of expressions and behaviors that bring the tornado to life. The directors' skill in managing these feline stars cannot be understated; each cat seems to embody a unique personality, adding depth to the tornado itself as a character.

A Cinematic Symphony of Sight and Sound

The soundtrack of Catnado is as essential to the film's success as the special effects and acting. Every note of the score heightens the tension and enhances the sense of awe, fear, and wonder. The music is masterfully synchronized with the action on screen, creating a sensory experience that sweeps the viewer along with the storm. At moments of high drama, the score crescendos, mimicking the escalating chaos of the cat-filled tornado, while quieter moments allow for a poignant exploration of the characters' emotional journeys.

The sound design is equally impressive, capturing the eerie howls of the wind and the unsettling growls and hisses of the cats as they swirl through the air. The blend of natural and unnatural sounds creates an atmosphere that is simultaneously haunting and exhilarating, immersing the viewer in the world of Catnado and enhancing the emotional impact of each scene.

A Triumph in Filmmaking

What makes Catnado truly remarkable is the delicate balance it strikes between humor, horror, and heart. It's easy to laugh at the absurdity of the concept, but the film quickly draws viewers into its world, making them care deeply about the characters and the outcome of the story. The directors handle the material with a light touch, knowing when to play up the comedy and when to let the drama take center stage. The result is a film that feels both hilarious and genuinely moving - a rare combination that speaks to the talent of its creators.

In the end, Catnado is more than a mere parody or novelty film. It's a powerful, expertly crafted piece of cinema that transcends its genre. This is a film that delights, terrifies, and surprises in equal measure, leaving viewers with a newfound appreciation for the power of storytelling and the magic of movies. Decades from now, film scholars will undoubtedly look back on Catnado as a landmark achievement, a film that redefined what was possible and dared to challenge the norms of its genre.

Catnado is, quite simply, one of the finest films of the past century, a cinematic experience that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. In a world where excellence in film is often limited to the most serious of subjects, Catnado proves that true greatness can come from the unlikeliest of places - even a tornado filled with cats.

I love a good "bad" indie horror film, but Catnado is just bad!

The DVD artwork itself is pretty cool! It looks like we're getting "Sharknado", but with cats. Unfortunately the movie itself doesn't remotely resemble the cover art.

It pains to give this movie such a low rating. I have typically enjoyed the Donald Farmer movies that I have seen, like I said I enjoy indie horror and I typically keep my expectations in check, but Catnado just doesn't have the elements that I typically enjoy in these types of movies. The cheesy special effects are there, but much of the humor falls flat and the movie just isn't interesting. I suppose breaking things up into 6-7 segments that are written and directed by 6-7 people is part of the issue.

Catnado just doesn't go anywhere. There isn't a strong leading actor or actress to carry the film. Rebecca Rinehart is wasted in a brief role at the beginning of the film. There's so many great actors and actresses on the indie scene today. If they would have brought in some more recognizable names it might have given the film a bit more personality and in turn would have made for a more enjoyable film. A stronger cast could have potentially put this in 5-6 star territory.

If you're not a fan of indie horror you can probably pass this one up with no regrets. If you are a fan of indie horror proceed with caution.

Oh, come on. That one ten star.... not even a mother could love this abomination! Seriously. The missus will watch the STUPIDEST movies... she once enjoyed a movie where ghost sharks appeared out of puddles and office water coolers. Even SHE hated this. We watched MAYBE fifteen minutes of it before even SHE was ready to turn this crap off. I mean... I honestly do not even have 500 characters to express just how much we absolutely HATED this complete waste of digital film. And do you realize just how bad something has to be to claim that it is a waste of DIGITAL BYTES!? Oh good Lord.. STILL 25 characters left!? For the love of all that is Holy... DO NOT WATCH THIS! You have been warned!

This movie is the number one, most emotional, and truly stunning piece of media in cinema history. I think everybody deserves the chance to witness this beautifully crafted artwork of a film. From the bottom of my heart, thank you WildEye Studios for this masterpiece.

Honestly, I can't stop thinking about this film... the deaths, the cats, the heartbreak. It all so much for one to handle. But it takes a lot not to cry at such amazingly built scenes, realistic CGI, and epic acting. One of my top three movies. Right above Birdemic and Velocipastor.

I truly wish I could have seen this in cinemas. And I hope that one day, there will be a sequel, it would make all my dreams come true if me and all the loyal fans of this movie if we could just see more! Catnado is such a creative work and the different plotlines make for an interesting story that it's impossible to be bored while watching.

Anybody that tells you different about this movie has clearly never witnessed pure artistic talent. This movie is perfect, it has such a dramatic and unique style. Truly a masterpiece.

I love this movie.

-Sincerely, Catnado's Number One Fan.