Review of Cat's Eye (1985) by Tom H — 14 Sep 2007

I hate it when the twist ending is "everything you thought happened really did!" That's not a twist ending, that's just an ending, so don't play it like it's a twist. Cat's Eye is basically three vignettes somehow linked because the cat of the title finds his way into each of them for a cameo (or should I say ca-meow! Pun intended!). Despite the strength of the actors, in particular James Woods, the movie fails because of the pointless, dull stories. Oh sure, there's a little bit of anticipation in the "will they, won't they" way, but nothing in the "what will they" way. You probably don't understand. Take, for instance, the second of the vignetters, which is about a man who has to walk around a tall building on the five-inch ledge. Will he fall off? Will he get around safely? These are the questions you're asking, and there's really not much else to it. There's nothing coming that's going to SHOCK or SCARE you. It plays straight and safe, no surprises here. The chances that Teague did have to surprise are essentially wasted, leaving me to wonder who is really at fault here -- King or Teague? See it if you must, but don't get too down about it if you miss it, as you're not really missing much.

P.S. I do applaud the filmmakers on choosing Drew Barrymore to play the little girl, as opposed to someone like Dakota Fanning, who would be most people's first choice, probably. Barrymore proves that she can play any part here, and the magic of special effects makes her look like she really is ten years old.