Keegan-Michael Key & Jordan Peele’s latest cat caper film will leave you wanting less swearing and more cat.
‘Keanu’ opens inside a cocaine operation somewhere in a distressed part of Los Angeles, which we soon discover, is being targeted by a competing drug cartel. Within minutes everyone inside becomes victims of a bloody shoot out except for an adorable kitten who belongs to the head of this organization. The kitten escapes and through the title sequence he embarks on a Milo and Otis type adventure through the streets of Los Angeles. As the kitten leaps over sleeping homeless people and leaves paw prints on wet cement, you cannot help but swoon over every kitten maneuver.
The cat finally takes refuge on the doorstep of Rell Williams (Jordan Peele). Rell has just gone through a devastating breakup and seems to be having a hard time coping. A meowing kitten on the doorstep seems to be the remedy to his outlook on life. Rell introduces his adopted pet that he names ‘Keanu’ to Rell’s cousin, Clarence (Keegan Michael Key). Clarence is charmed by ‘Keanu’ as much as Rell is and the two agree they can leave the kitten behind for one boys’ night out. When Rell and Clarence return home, they discover Rell’s house has been broken into and Keanu has been abducted. The lengths at which Rell and Clarence go through to recover Keanu becomes the heart of the film.
The film feels like one extended SNL sketch that plays past its punchline. Keegan Michael Key and Jordan Peele perhaps best known for their comedy sketch series ‘Key & Peele’ on Comedy Central are unable to justify the 97 minute runtime. At times the film is airless as though it does not have enough to say and Key and Peele have to improvise their way between scenes. Key and Peele definitely understand comedic timing and the film offers several great laughs but sadly the jokes wash off you once you leave the theater.
The adorable Keanu does not get as much screen time as you might hope. Keanu is merely the bounty that all parties involved are interested in recovering including a black drug cartel run by Method Man and a latin drug cartel headed by Luis Guzman. A cast with predominantly actors of color finds itself caught up with racial stereotypes and explicit language all in the interest of cheap laughs. You will laugh, but you will leave wanting more cat.
