Urban Square

While the story won't set the world alight, there's a real comfort to this smoothly animated urban noir. Kinda similar vibes I had while watching the methodical mystery-thriller 'Domain of Murder'. Systematic to the core in its concise style and suitably paced story structure, yet well done enough to keep you watching as it zips on by. Even if the surprises aren't much of surprise thanks the standard cliches and contrived inclusions. Adventure, danger and romance on the ebb and flow. Like pages ripped right out of Mike Hammer novel.

Fiction becomes reality for a down on his luck screen writer when he witnesses a murder hit and now becomes a target. The police don't believe him because they couldn't find the body. However his story catches the attention of a rogue detective (And for some reason he reminded of Burt Reynolds ala Sharky's Machine). The type who gets the "You're off the case!" speech because of his methods.

Backing up this genre piece is an outstanding music score. So fitting in capturing the right mood to the on screen action from the swooning low-key blues to the upbeat, progressive rock. Thrills are lit (especially when you see the weaponry used by Burt Reynolds in the final standoff), cue in the chilled romantic montages and a never give up attitude with such reckless abandonment.