Rent-a-Cat (reviewed)

When Sayoko, proprietor of an entrepreneurial rent-a-cat business, proclaims as fact that “there is no such thing as a bad cat,” most will have personal evidence to the contrary. However, suspending disbelief and cynicism for this saccharine sweet film is not such a hard task. Young Sayoko has an uncanny ability to attract cats and is willing to share her windfall with lonely individuals. But she is not so good at attracting people and longs to have a companion to fill the void her cats can’t fill. “Rent-a-cat” delivers on subtle charms, cute cuddly cats and a bittersweet ending. (110 min.) 2 1/2 out of 4 stars.