Cats Movie Review from a Stage Fan
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- čas přidán 27. 08. 2024
- A review of the new 2019 Cats musical film from the perspective of someone who's a nerd for the stage production (complete with clickbait looking thumbnail because CZcams likes to bury my videos so hey, why not?)
Hey guys, I did not anticipate making this video. I went to see the movie on a whim Christmas night and after seeing it, it just seemed like my opinion went against everyting else I've been hearing and reading about this, so I thought it was worth sharing. Hope you enjoy it and don't forget to check me out on Patreon to help support the channel! 100% of ad revenue earned from CZcams is donated to charity so everyting you see is supported by viewers like you!
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Unless otherwise specified, all products have been purchased by me, all reviews and thoughts are my own and music you hear in this video is by me. Links mentioned in older videos may no longer be valid. Check the upload date and if you have any questions, email a link to the video you're asking about along with your questions to dusty@dustinhunter.com. Thank you!
Thank you for this review!! I was getting really frustrated with looking for reviews and every single one started with the reviewer saying that they hated the stage play. Like, “why would you expect to like the movie, then”? Your attitude is much more similar to how I would approach this film.
Jodie Marshall Haha thank you! I’m glad I’m not alone in noticing that! I kept thinking, “Why are you surprised you didn’t like a movie version of a play you didn’t like?! Why are you reviewing this?!”
I was reminded of Roger Ebert’s review of the first Sex in the City movie. Which, if you have never read it, begins with “I am not the person to review this movie.”
Sort of like the Downton Abbey movie. If you haven’t seen, or didn’t like the series, don’t review the movie! My husband never watched Downton. That was something I watched with my best friend. When the movie came out we went to see it and when I got home Jeff asked me how it was. I told him, “It was excellent! It’s exactly what I wanted! It was two hours of them cleaning house!” He thought I must have been joking. But no. That’s what it was. And I loved it. He would have hated it. But he never watched the series! He was smart enough to stay home and let my friend and I enjoy the movie! Haha!
Exactly! Or even the "I've never seen the stage production and never heard the music".... Then why the heck are you reviewing this movie? Lol! Thank you SO MUCH for providing a review from someone who appreciates the source material!!!
Pink Girl neva seen the boardway musical, et look great but it just neva happin!!! I sed lit just ignore ppl becaus I alweys wanted tu see it!!! It’s is weirdo en the best kind uff way, thiy shuld editted the mouse with kid faces, but the rest uf the movie I kinda loved ❤️ 💕 if anythin I Hope et becomes a cult........but atlees I finally find a safe plaice!!!
Jodie write your own review omn Rotten Tomatos
I disagree that it was made “for kids” but I appreciate your review as another long-time stage production fan.
It's for children, AND for adults who still have that childlike part of them that can switch off the analytical/critical part of their brains for two hours and just have fun watching it.
I agree! I never thought I'd like "Cats" but a friend in high school lent me her VHS copy of it and I fell in love. The film wasn't terrible at all, but I don't think it's a musical that's for everyone's tastes.
Paegin Sims I didn’t say that it wasn’t for kids, merely that it wasn’t produced specifically for kids, like Joseph was.
I don't think it's only for kids but it's definitely a movie and story that can be enjoyed mainly by kids, and adults with a childlike wonder. No adult I know is going to take humans dressed as cats and singing big Broadway numbers all that seriously.
I’ve watched several reviews that commented on how sexualized the cats were and how people regretted taking their children to see it. Lol
I just dont understand why they didn't have cat muzzles. James Cameron made cat people in 2009 so I know cgi cats that aren't in the uncanny valley are a possibility. Urgh.
Christine St John I think because James Cameron’s designs had a total CGI makeover whereas these are humans with CGI fur placed on top of them. That would be the difference maybe? However I know what you’re talking about. I had to work to get past the human noses at first! Haha!
Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer's song was the original London arrangement. Its growing on me. My first was the VHS.
Finally a review by someone who knows the musical! Every single review has been “I was confused because I’ve never seen the play. What’s going on?” Like truly, it isn’t that hard to follow. However, I will say that it took my YEARS to get into the stage production. It always turned me off and I grew up around musical theater. But once you accept the silliness of what it is, it’s a fun experience. Same with the movie which I did enjoy for the most part.
Jorge Flores Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this! I’m glad to hear I’m not alone in noticing the trend of people reviewing it who have no familiarity with the stage production (let alone any love for it).
It IS an odd play. Even the stage production is a bit ridiculous and people make fun of it a lot (which I admit I also laugh about - in Six Degrees of Separation and in the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt there are plenty of jokes at the play’s expense). It makes me wonder what people were expecting. It’s not a drama. LOL
My daughter wanted to see it (turned 7 today) so I took her, having never seen the play.
It's strange, but I kind of liked it,,, sshhe loved it.
It got me curious enough to check out the play version, and now I'm a bit sad I've never seen it live. The stage production looks like so much fun! Also Rum Tum reminds me of David Bowie mixed with Tim Curry and that is right up my alley ❤
Heather MayLeigh First, happy birthday to your daughter! Second, I’m glad she liked the movie! That’s so cool! It reminds me of when I saw the play and fell in love with it!
Your description of Rum Tim Tugger is spot on!
Jorge Flores aren’t a lot of films we see silly . If I want to be bored I’ll stay home & with my Persian cat Kitty Cattrall I need to move back to The City.
Jorge Flores we must be related I thought it was a good movie the only complaint I hate roaches they make me want to throw up. I love the Guardian of The Galaxy & the Thor moves I guess I just like men who are Hot oh I’m just a girl who likes hot men.
I love listening to you talk! You have such a comforting essence about you
Danielle Filkins Hehe! Thank you!
My mom had the stage production on VHS and I grew up watching it and hearing about it. We had T.S. Elliot's book of poems on the coffee table. I named my cat Elliot after the poet.
So, I haven't been excited to see this movie. I'm glad you liked it and came on here to tell us because it definitely makes me want to give it a chance.
E Lynn I honestly wasn’t excited to watch it and I didn’t think I would. I had figured it would be terrible. Then when it got such HORRIBLE reviews I thought I would give it a chance... just to see HOW bad it was. I think you would find it strange... because it is. But I’ll tell you this: that stage production that was filmed and released is FAR more embarrassing to sit through than this movie. I LOVE Cats and I have that production on DVD. Do I like it? Of course! But does it look like it was filmed by someone who had only seen three porn movies from 1972 and figured “THIS is how you make a MOVIE!” ??? Absolutely. I break a sweat when I watch that. From sheer embarrassment.
I love how you made the review in a positive way. I watched the movie 2 times already with my boyfriend and we loved the movie, it was entertaining. Forget those negative reviews because people who gave the movie negative review did not understand what a real masterpiece looked like.
I’m glad someone made this, I am a HUGE fan or the stage play, and most of the reviews I seen have people who say “I’ve never seen the actual stage play.” And have no knowledge of its true beauty.
Thank you!
I don't think this movie was marketed to kids at all. Maybe that's an issue.
For kids? Ok no. It's a magical experience for all ages. I enjoyed the movie but one thing that killed me was the two cats in sneakers that did break dancing moves.
That was horrible. Also, what was with their hair? Eww
“A stage play for little kids” That is layered with overt sexuality??? Are you kidding?!
Giovanna Aguilar No, I’m not. Because I don’t think either the film or the play is layered with overt sexuality.
If you WANT to see it, you’re probably going to see it. I didn’t see it. Other people haven’t seen it either. If YOU see it and think it’s bad for your kids, don’t take your kids. Plenty of people have left comments saying that they didn’t see overt sexuality in this (nobody in any review I have seen has said the play contains overt sexuality).
A friend just called me today and said her whole family saw it, some liked it and some didn’t but nobody saw anything sexual in it.
Giovanna Aguilar When you saw the play, where did you see the overt sexuality? I’m curious. Unless you meant the film and then, same question. When you saw the film, where did you see the overt sexuality AND do you think children would pick up on what you’re seeing and see it as sexuality as well?
@@DustinHunter I thought Rum Tum Tugger's song from the '98 VHS/DVD was pretty sexual. I thought the movie was pretty tame, tbh.
Vikki P It’s never been my favorite number but mostly because it’s a bit of a cringe to sit though! Haha! I always thought he was supposed to be like Elvis. Shaking his hips and making the girls scream. I guess I don’t see sexuality in that in a way that’s bothersome. Then again, plenty of people freaked out about Elvis’ hip shaking way back when. I just think of it as silly I guess. Haha!
@@DustinHunter Don't know what Vikki saw, but the McCavity duet posted to YT sizzles. As do some of the Victoria dance routines - with Plato for example. And the Jellicle Ball dance moves. Pretty erotic stuff.
As someone who has seen the stage show, but also an artist that works with 3D modeling, the film wasn't the complete shit show people are making it out to be but the CGI was a mess. There were parts where the faces and fur moved at separate speeds, parts where the cats were quite literally hovering off the ground, and places where the lighting just looked incomplete (making it look like a CGI cat was cut and pasted into a fully rendered world). It's horribly unfortunate, because the music was there, and I feel like a few of the actors/actresses really brought their A game, but this thing needed a minimum of another 6 months in post production. It became clear, pretty fast, that the director has just never worked with something that needed this level of post production before and underestimated how long the CGI would take. They would have been better off delaying the film to make it something worthy of the Cats name. Instead they rushed it out the door to get it out in time for award consideration, really disappointing.
Rummycaek Thanks for this. I agree. I think this was rushed for the holiday and it would have been better to just hold off until it was ready. I’d never heard of a film releasing a second edit WHILE it was still in theaters. That really shows how much they needed more time. And it is unfortunate because many of the performers were really, really good.
Rummycaek Also your name looks like a Jellicle cat. Well done. Haha! 🤗👌✨
I read that the studio insisted on this film going up against the opening of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker because they thought young girls would pick it over Star Wars. Which seems pretty sexist, especially considering the new Star Wars trilogy has a female lead. They should have held Cats back and finished the CGI.
I disagree that only kids can/should review a kids movie.
Also, I cannot imagine kids liking this. I saw it and I think kids would react to it like I reacted to Watership Down when I was a child in the 70s: "I shouldn't be watching this."
(whispers) I liked Watership Down when I was a kid. I was probably in 3rd or 4th grade when I saw it.
I think only children must mature faster. LOL! We're alone all the time, what else is there to do?
@@DustinHunter I was like 6 when I saw it. Definitely matured me :'(
Mike Amato I can imagine! Especially if you didn’t know what you were in for.
I was probably 12 or 13 when I saw Cats, which I think was a perfect age for me. Parents should make their own decisions about what and when their kids watch something though.
My mom was also big into explaining things to me that other kids were just banned from (I was also interested though, not all kids can sit still that long LOL). For example, I was allowed to watch horror films but she would also show me the behind-the-scenes stuff so and we would talk about how gross, but also how neat it was that artists were able to do things like turn people into wolves with makeup and prosthetics. Those experiences are actually what got me interested in makeup and led me to become a makeup artist.
But again, all people are different. All kids are different. Certainly all parents are different too. When I give reviews and share my thoughts, they are exactly that: MY thoughts. Not THE truth, just my own opinions. I believe it’s important for people to make their own decisions, because one persons experience is not the same as another’s.
Thank god I was thinking I was the only one! I thought it was cute and I’ve never seen the stage production. I cried when Mr. Mystaphils (sp?) brought old Dudurontomy back 😿 I kept looking to see if she was in the basket 😹 my gf was laughing at me. I LOVED the way the tails did stuff with the emotions and/or song ❤️
My favorite was the bedroom with Rumpleteaser and the sister and them putting jewelry on. I didn’t see what people were talking about it being sexual at all.
I liked when Jen Hudson did the final song when she did the crescendo I literally said out loud “holy shit” and felt blew back.
My favorite was the beautiful ghosts. Thank you SO much for doing this review I was beginning to feel crazy for liking it. I will watch it again when it comes to streaming.
Thank youuu. I've been looking everywhere for a review from someone that's actually seen the show before.
lauraafjs Thanks!
I've seen it twice now. I love this film so very much. Thank you for the review.
Lushscreamqueen - Schlock Treatment. Hahaha! Oh my! Thank you for that! I didn’t even THINK about that one LOL! Too funny!
Thank you for the comment! I’m glad you liked it. I think this movie has come down with a case of the Jerry Springer. Where it’s just popular to bash so everyone is trying to outdo one another with the most outrageous insults.
Do you think you’ll see the new edit when it’s released? I think Sunday theaters will have access to it. I’m sort of curious to see if I can spot what has been changed! I can’t imagine it would be too much. Seeing as how the film is really already done. Technical errors most likely.
Yeah, I noticed that as well. (I haven't seen the movie yet--just the previews and stuff on CZcams.)
@@DustinHunter I will indeed see its "New and Improved..now with added Catness" version. Mostly to see what they THINK this is what the punter wanted all along. Some people will never get that Musical Theatre thing. I heard someone say there was too much singing. I may introduce locally the Midnight screening with Onsie Kitty Pyjama show down here in Australia (This constitutes copyright of this idea) :-) I loved your review. I loved this movie. Its quirks are what make it great,
While we're at it, nobody's mentioned that a black ballerina is in whiteface, playing Victoria the white cat. (see also: Jane White as the Queen in the original "Once Upon a Mattress")
I don't really think of Cats as a "for kids" film and I also don't really agree that a film shouldn't be reviewed by anyone who isn't a kid, cause alot of adults feel in love with Cats too, but I did really appreciate the review.
I'm so glad that there's people who actually like Cats putting up review stuff for the movie version. It's great to see internet reviews that don't just dump on Thing I Like for upwards of 12 minutes. Cats isn't made to be this grand, sweeping epic, it's just a bunch of cats dancing around and singing songs about each other for two hours- I have no idea why anyone would expect anything else from something called "Cats: The Musical".
Important cats lore question: aren’t all the names the cats sing to each other like “old deuteronomy” their second names? The third name is reserved for each individual, right? :P
Barackus Yes. The first name is what the family calls the cat. Something like... “Puddles” or “Bob.” The second name is the name they use in the songs and that’s a name that only one cat ever has. So where their might be several “Bob” the cats, there would only be one, “Bobbadorfus Fishstickagus.” The third name is something only the cat knows themselves and they never, ever, ever tell anyone.
In all honesty, I love that you are so committed to the campy, nerdy, brainy-meets-showgirl nonsense that is Cats that you specifically went to see it in it's initial form to find out if it was really so bad and draw what you could from it. I love following dramatic works with a history too, including this one and I am a swarn cat lady who'll take a classic literary reference where I can get it. Sooner or later I will watch this film. For the songs. And the sets. And Mistofolees's alice-in-wonderlandish suit, which I very much envy.
Myra Groenewegen Haha! You know when you read a comment and think, “They get it!” LOL! Thank you so much.
It’s a great suit and he was super cute to boot! The sets were really something - they should try making some of their money back by opening a theme park with them. Ha! Thanks again.
For "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteaser" they went back to the original melody/arrangement that's only on the Original London Cast album, and was supplanted on Broadway and beyond by the more familiar music. I'm not sure why they went back to this version because my understanding is Webber was very dissatisfied with the original version and that's why he rewrote it.
Thank you. I will give it a chance... and remember the sense of wonder I felt as a young man seeing it for the first time...
I enjoyed your review and liked your take on the movie as a musical theater lover. However, I am not sure I agree with your assertion that people older than 13 should not review the film. Adults review movies made for kids all the time for example, Disney movies, and love them. Some movies marketed to kids can appeal to adults, like the Toy Story series. Some, you can clearly tell are made just for children and parents just have to resign themselves to sitting through them, like the Smurfs! Anyone should be able to review this movie on all levels of participation.
annoir I completely agree. My point wasn’t that adults should not review kids movies (or even this movie). It was sort of an expression. What I meant was that the reviews I’ve been seeing have been looking at it “through grown up eyes” and having an expectation for it to be something that it isn’t.
I think sometimes it helps to let go. You might even say see things through our “child’s eye” perspective.
I hope that makes more sense. Thank you for the comment! I enjoyed your take on it and I agree with you! I’m glad you liked this review!
@@DustinHunter Oh gotcha! My mistake! Yes, it's like people review a movie for what they THINK it should have been. You gotta go into a movie with the attitude of "SUSPEND DISBELIEF." I won't see this movie in the theater, but would definitely watch it when it comes to a streaming service, and I will keep your comment in mind!
I have to share with you, I recently had to do this for the HBO series, Watchmen. I have never read the comic or seen the movie, so some stuff made no sense to me, especially the scenes with Jeremy Irons. I just rolled with it and accepted the world that Watchmen was presenting to me because the show is soooo good. I assumed that all would be revealed, so I started coming up with my own scenarios based on what I had seen so far. I was completely WRONG, but that's OK! Still loved the show.
@@annoir They did suspend their disbelieve, theyre just not biased and nostalgic for the property that's all.
Thank you for being the only online personality to be honest about your love of Cats. I too love the stage show, love the cast recordings, and am looking forward to seeing the movie. Again, thank you!
ilreput1 Thank you for commenting and you are so welcome! I would warn you, it’s going to be weird! Haha! And as a fan it’s going to be easy to pick apart. But I truly think if you walk into the theater with that feeling you had when you first fell in love with the play, it’s enjoyable. The actors were great. The live singing is great. Mungojerrie DOES sing like Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins but the actor is British so I have to think he’s putting on that horrendous accent out of tribute for Dick Van Dyke! Haha! 🤗
BTW I’m Mark Jabara, from Australia, and I think you’re adorable.
ilreput1 Well thank you Mark from Australia! I LOVE my Australian viewers! I have often said they are some of my favorites because they’re nice, have a great sense of humor and I want to go to Australia one day so I need to be nice to them so they can show me around. LOL!
Dustin Hunter I’d be more than happy to. I visit the USA every couple of years. I have family there, and one of my dearest friends, Tabatha (hairdresser) who I’ve known since she was 15, lives there. One day!
ilreput1 We can swap! You show me around there and I’ll show you around here! Haha!
Most of the many, many fans who fell in love with the stage production weren't kids. I never saw it live but love it based on the CZcams postings, first viewed when I was in my 50s. It's fun and inspirational. That being said, it's refreshing to run into a review by someone who knows the original story and songs.
G. Moeller Thanks! I’m glad you liked it! And I agree with you - of course adults like the stage production! We are all allowed to like what we like, whether it’s horror movies or cartoons! The point I was trying to make was that many people reviewing this seemed to be holding it to some kind of “adult” standard and I think it’s more enjoyable if you let go of the skepticism and embrace more of a “child like” mindset - people saw this wanting to hate it.
The stage play was one of the Concept productions of the time. Cats was basically A Chorus Line for cats.
I did love Beautiful Ghosts. Tne stray orphan, Victoria, The White Kitten, deserved her own song.
Bonnie Plattner Ha! That’s a wonderful way of looking at it and I think you’re exactly right. I had never thought about it that way before. Great comparison!
Why arent their more theatre Cats fans creating these reviews? I totally agree with your take in J. Hud and Taylor, they are both very talented but i dont think their voices were suited for these particular songs. Macavity is also my favorite song and I really wish they had a demeter. My greatest disappointment with this movie is the dancing, the fast camera movements couldnt do any justice.
This was so heartwarming to watch its really great to see a positive review of cats that's actually critics flaws and casting my favourite film review of the year ❤️
I want to see this movie so bad but I can't talk a single person into seeing it w me.
Then go by youraelf It is worth it!Write and review the movie yourself on Rotten Tomatoes
@@howardmcomber8578 maybe. . .
I’m not sure if you found someone to go with you or if you’ve gone by yourself already, but if you haven’t seen it yet and can’t find someone to go with, I really recommend going by yourself!
I went by myself and had a great time, as a fan of the stage production, it was interesting and just an overall positive experience.
For me, the material was handled wrong. The performances are great, the art direction, no so much. But that's okay. "Cats" the movie might just not be a movie for me.
They should have let the actors wear actual cat costumes.
trisha Hernz or just pour some catnip on some actual cats and film that!
trisha Hernz OR... and hear me out... WE all dress in actual cat costumes and go see the movie.
Yes Dustin don’t bag people for not having seen the play, it’s a shit movie
MAXI PAZ Move along.
Thank you for this review!!! I have not heard reviews from people who actually enjoyed the stage production. I myself is a huge fan of the stage production, I specifically enjoy the stage movie that was made in 1998 "Cats". So when I went to go see the movie I was hoping for nothing more than to see "cats" as a movie. And I love every bit of the movie, while understanding that it has flaws! I've noticed that people who know nothing about Cats went to see the movie and hated it. I don't think the movie was really intended for those types of people. it is very refreshing to hear a review from someone who actually is a big fan of the stage production of cats thank you for making this review.
I watched the movie. I have never seen the stage version although was familiar with some of the music. I really enjoyed it. Some of the performances were amazing. I am particularly impressed with Francesca Hayward. Thanks for doing this review. It is nice to see some positivity shown for the film. I think it is being unfairly reviewed by many.
Two Men and a Canoe She was brilliant wasn’t she?! Seriously outstanding! I loved her!
Write and review the movie yourself on Rotten Tomatoes
I took my kids and you're absolutely right, they loved it! We've had the 1998 version on CZcams daily. It was weird, and funny in its weirdness, but with that childlike wonder about it, I kinda love it. Thanks for shining a light on how the film should be seen
"There is a ball gag. I hate those!"
Me: Ummm...
"Someone gets hit in the balls."
Me: Ohhh...
Thank GOD I’ve been waiting for an actual Theatre person to explain this!! I learn nothing from everyone saying “I dont get it” over and over and over.
When you said ball gag, I seriously thought you meant a ballgag fastened around Victoria’s mouth and I just 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It is fun to see a fan of musical describe their experience and who this show was designed for. Seeing your eyes light up as you describe your excitement and understanding was a great joy. Plus understanding of what you may not like is not necessarily true for everyone else is very true. I think people tend to forget how daring and brave to make this film.
Thanks for sharing and being who you are.
This was the review I was looking for. I'm still not planning to see this in the theatres, but I've been baffled (although occasionally amused) by reviewers who have no clue of the source book or haven't seen the stage production ever. Your analysis is very appreciated. :) I think even with the stage production suffers from trying to force a narrative into a book of fun silly poems. :)
Finally, a review that isn't bashing this movie to kingdom come. I saw it and absolutely loved it. The CGI cat people didn't bother me at all; I had a character exactly like that when I played DnD. Like you, I first saw the musical at 12 or 13, and fell in love with it from the get go. It was such a joy to see the songs from my childhood brought to life with all this new technology, and hear them remixed for a new era of music. I'm going to try to go see it again before they pull it from theatres.
I’ve never seen the stage production of Cats, but I went to see the film with an open mind and I absolutely loved it. After the film, I thought that a lot of reviewers blew it out of proportion when they gave it their negative reviews on it. It was honestly not bad at all as they were making it seem. Yes, there were a few awkward scenes, but it didn’t make the film bad. There were just little things I didn’t understand like one mentioned in this video, the naming of the Cats. I understood the first name, but I didn’t understand the other two until now, so thank you for elaborating a bit on it. Also, I think it received a lot of negative criticism because it became such a popular thing for people to criticize that I feel a lot of people went in to see this film with the mentality that they were already going to hate it. That’s why a lot of the videos from people who didn’t like it, sound repetitive. So, thank you so much for this honest review! :)
It's such a breath of fresh air hearing someone who was an actual fan of this musical review this film. Thank you.
Write and review the movie yourself on Rotten Tomatoes
I liked it too.. didn't like some parts but did like the movie. One other youtuber stated something that hit the mark. They were all missing cat noses/upper lip makeup. I do think that may have helped them identify as cats much better.
People thought I was joking when I went alone to the movie premiere on christmas, wearing a cat shirt and kept talking about how excited I was for the trainwreck. The only thing I couldn't quite get over was the uncanny CGI but that's extremely easy to ignore when you're there because you love the musical. I basically had the entire theater to myself and I was shamelessly yelling and moving my feet to the beat of Skimbleshanks and Mr Mistoffelees, 10/10 would do it again
I'm in a strange place with this. I enjoy the music, and it works so well as a musical. There's something about the scale in the movie though that looks off, and the roaches and mice, and the added "plot points"... At that point I realized that I would, on the whole, just prefer rewatching the video version.
I watched the stage show when I was 18, and because I didn’t know anything about it I spent the entire first half so confused about what was going on. Then in intermission I read the synopsis sentence on the posters and finally understood the play so I get why people hate the movie if they don’t know what the play is about. I got sick of watching reviews from those people, thank you for creating one as someone who loves the stage show.
I have the 1998 version and mungojerrie and rumpleteaser’s song is my favourite. I’m sad they’ve changed it :(
I saw the movie this afternoon...there were exactly seven people in the audience. This movie could have been great. The actors worked hard and the scenes had an Alice in Wonderland quality to them. The main problem is the CGI, in that the characters do not look like cats!! Instead, they look quasi-primate. Their faces are mostly bare in the way a monkey's face is hairless as compared to a body covered in fur, and the tails move like they are prehensile instead of feline. It is bizarre and disappointing. If they had been clad in real costumes and theater makeup it would have been easier to suspend reality and enter the alternate universe. That said, I enjoyed other aspects to the film and am not revolted in the way so many reviewers are going on about it. I like that it was quirky and dreamlike.
I agree. The creepy human/feline mutant thing is just WEIRD. I still want to see it tho just for the dancing.
I was thinking about making a simular video just because every review starts with 'I've never see cats and no nothing about it'
I'd love you to start a musical film review series
charmax88 Aw! Haha! Thank you! Do you have any favorite musical films??
@@DustinHunter ha actually no! But I love hearing you talk about something you're passionate about
I'm a fan of the stage production as well and I agree with you on all your points. In the end, I was entertained and I enjoyed it, despite some of the weirdness. It'll be interesting to see side-by-side comparisons of how the new edit will change things.
It is for kids. Because as a kid, when inwayvhed the stage production, I thought “yeah! That’s exactly how kitties act.” Watching it as an adult, makes me super uncomfortable. Like they’re having a big kitty orgy. 😬 Ah to be innocent again. 😂
He liked the movie??? The mind boggles.
Who's "he?" Who are we talking about?
I haven't watched the film yet. I saw the pbs showing of the stage play when I was in musical theatre in high school and I love cats (the animals) but I did not respond to the production in general. This film is likely not for me. But I do appreciate you giving a view of the other side of the coin: from people who have seen the stage performance and knew what they were getting into ahead of time. It's a different take and interesting because I keep wondering where the Cats fans are and why I haven't heard more from them regarding this movie. I finally found you at least 😊
Aw thank you! This is a sweet comment! I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
THANK YOU!! I really liked it. Why are people so hateful about this film. Its cute. Its dance and music. Vfx was flawed. As far as the polishing of the cats. Didnt mind the cat look. It worked for me.
I saw the Broadway production, I walk out the theater; turned to my mother and said "that was either extremely deep or the BIGGEST rip off of the century! The only thing I actually remember about the play was the song Memory. So... there is no point in watching the film. Thanks for the review.
I am not a fan of the play but I've seen it twice because both my sisters were on productions when they danced so I have a soft spot for the musical just for that. Thank you for this review, I didn't really enjoy the movie outside of 'this is so insane I'm gonna laugh it off' but it's so necessary to have these positive reviews up too, it give us more perspective and makes us realize this movie is more than just awful cgi and weird directorial decisions. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the review!
They should have made it about the Rumpus cat running around and punching people after discovering that his devil may care attitude needs to be tempered by saving people. And culminate in him fighting a villain who has a parallel power set but chose a selfish path. Guaranteed 10/10 from critics and audience... (name which Marvel movie I’m eluding too)
Cats was the first musical I remember seeing or loving so much - when they released the ‘98 version I was 2 and I was obsessed with it for a good few years, probably because I liked ballet style dance and singing so much (and cats, obviously) and I was literally two years old. It is definitely not built like a traditional story and it is for little kids and for adults people who like weird surrealist pieces (still me).
That being said, there were definitely issues with choices made in the film - like it bothered me that they left the noses human and used human fingers and toes, even in the stage play they used makeup for cat noses - but overall the piece was very much indeed for little kids. And I agree with other comments that plenty of films are for kids and still are good for adults and that this didn’t fit that requirement. Still, I liked it even though I did find a few bits cringey from the nostalgia factor for me - and also because some bits were so weird I just found it hilarious.
It is refreshing to see someone review this who actually knows the plot - but it is also HIlARIOUS to see people who aren’t familiar with it try to explain the plot in a review.
Funnily enough the movie version is the version of Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer I know from the English CATS CD. I know they sounded quite differently on the German CATS CD. And just now I watched the stage show and it sounded even different from those two versions. So there must be quite a few different versions of M&R around, even before the movie.
I was curious to see a review from someone who actually likes theater. Thank you! This was insightful
I liked this review, and I'm also waiting with bated breath to hear MagicCatJenny review the film, since I think she's probably the most passionate CATS devotee on CZcams!
Ah..that makes sense about the 3 names. I was wondering what the 2nd name would be. I never saw the play but heard the soundtrack. I fell asleep during half and was thoroughly lost.
Stacey98761 Hahaha! Cats is such a strange play anyway - I mean it’s kind of a hit in spite of itself. I would guess a lot of critics wouldn’t like it, because it IS kind of strange. In Kimmy Schmidt on Netflix there is a hilarious subplot about Cats and what the play ACTUALLY is.
Dustin Hunter hahaha..Well at least I have seen the movie. Darn it.. I dont have netflix, maybe I can log in to my sisters account to see this show Kimmy Schmidts. Lol thanks for the heads up.
Stacey98761 It’s a very funny show! If you ever watched (and liked) 30 Rock, I think the humor is very similar. The Cats references are in the final season I think (it’s not a long running series though).
The Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer arrangement they used in the movie is from the original London version and I prefer it over the Broadway version honestly
I don't get why they cut so much of the naming of a cat and it really bothered me.
I'm so happy for this review. When I first saw the trailer, it truly did make the memory live again for me....I had lost my love of musical theater for the past decade. Cats restored it.
The gift of this terrible movie is a smorgasbord of great CZcams reviews.
I do appreciate this perspective. Most of the reviews I’ve seen are from movie reviewers and pop culture channels. Some have stated they did enjoy the musical, but they aren’t necessarily theater people.
The play definitely appeals to children, but I’ve seen other comments about this movie not being marketed as a kids movie and I agree. From some of the clips I’ve seen, I know my children would have been frightened.
The problem is they are marketing this to a mass audience, and based on the budget, I believe they thought it had mass appeal.
I saw the play in my late teens and didn’t love it. I enjoyed some of the songs and the dancing, but parts of it dragged and were a bit boring. “Memory” blew me away. In a live performance, that song alone is worth the price of admission.
There were a lot of strange decisions that created problems for this movie. Instead of the CGI fur, they should have worn costumes and makeup. Not necessarily what was used on stage, but something similar that would work on film. And yes, nailing the proportions would have helped, too. For the movie, either changes should have been made to create more of a story or let it play out as it does on stage. They tried to make more of a story, but it’s muddled and confusing to the uninitiated. Make “Memory” the end of the movie. I know there’s a song after it in the play, but that song could easily be moved. “Memory” should be the last thing people hear before the credits.
I did enjoy the 1998 version, but thought it was over edited. It was hard to enjoy the dancing. Hopefully the movie didn’t make the same mistake.
Les Miserables is my favorite and I did love some of the choices the director made on that film, including the live singing. I think it added authenticity. However, he completely ruined it in other ways (extreme close ups, cutting bits from my favorite songs, Russell Crowe, to name a few). I don’t really trust him as a director of musicals and I worried about what he might do to Cats.
AnotherJenn42 Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this! I appreciate it and it was interesting to read!
I laughed when you talked about the over-editing in the 90s version of Cats that you can buy on DVD because I’ve always thought the same thing. That version makes me sweat with embarrassment when I’ve watched it! I also know a lot of people can’t go see the live show and some of them have very fond memories of that DVD so I don’t say much about it out of respect for their... Memory (eek, that one was bad).
I appreciated the decision to make the singing live in this movie. It does add some interest to it. I’ve said this before in the comment here: I think Cats is a hit in spite of itself so the choice to remake it in any way is a bit bold. It’s a strange play with a thin plot stringing together song and dance numbers. Someone here described it as A Chorus Line for cats and I think that’s a brilliant description.
I think it would probably translate better as a 2D animated kids film. But it wouldn’t have been nearly as marketable.
Either way, I’m not sad that it exists. I had a good time watching it and I want to see it again. Some people are astonished that I would think of Cats as a kids thing, others have agreed and said their kids loved this movie. It’s always up to parents to decide, kids are all different. For ME, seeing it at about 12 years old was the perfect age. ALMOST a teenager but still enough of a kid to get excited about people jumping about like cats.
Dustin Hunter: When Cats was released in 1998, I remember someone describing the editing style as a music video. Couldn’t agree more.
I had a conversation with my sister and her husband on Christmas about this. They love Cats and were disappointed about the reviews. I said the same thing I did when Les Miserables and Into the Woods came out: I wish people would do their research about a musical before going to see the movie. A lot of people wrote horrible reviews because they didn’t understand what they were going to see. (Singing the entire play and the dark second act, respectively) I saw a one star review on IMDB for Cats from someone who only saw the trailers and refused to see it because it looked horrible. It would be nice to have a separate score on these websites from people like you who understand the source material.
They were still planning on going to see Cats because they love the play. They’ve seen it countless times and I’m sure they’ll love it. Their reaction will likely be similar to yours. (I obsess about certain plays, but they pretty much love every musical they’ve seen. I volunteer with them at an outdoor theater where they have Broadway quality shows during the summer. I’ve only lived here a year, but they’ve been there for the past seventeen. I think they saw it twice a week the summer they did Cats.)
I’m going to see it, too, when I can catch it on a small screen (vertigo prevents me from watching movies in the theater). Overall, I enjoyed the play and think the movie deserves a chance. I’m crossing my fingers about the director.
I can't speak for the film because I haven't seen it, but the trailers didn't win me over. As a fan of stage play, I was more bothered by how Misto was shown to be painfully skittish and shy in the trailers. That's not him. He's aloof, not skittish and shy.
Just wanted to say thank you for this review! I haven't seen the movie yet, but I am a big fan of the play; it has a near and dear place in my heart...so i was excited when I first saw the preview, then a little skeptical. But most reviewers I've seen so far, they start out saying, "I've never seen the play production... the story was very confusing to me...." So I wanted an honest review of the movie from someone who understood the original story. (And you've read TS Elliot's book!! Eeeeee!) So that's how I found your video actually, searching for a review from a fan, thank you!
Thank you so much for making this video. I watched this film without even having that much knowledge of the stage show aside from watching clips when I was younger. I loved this film and thought the lighting and performers were wonderful. I feel bad that Cats is getting so much hate and some of it I find to be very unfair and just plain mean. Francesca Howard was my favorite part of the film and I only wish there was even more dialogue for Victoria in this. I have a newfound love for the musical now too.
Thanks for posting this! I was looking for a review like this, of someone who's familiar with the stage production. I've never gotten to actually see it, but I had the album, knew the story and the songs backwards and forwards, had an expectation of what it would be, because how could you not know what Cats looks like, even having never seen it. That's so weird that they'd change one of the best songs! The thing that had me coming back to it.. ok I was older than 12, but only by a couple years, was how funky the music was. Those intervals between the notes, they weren't obvious, they sounded cool. You knew before playing it that this key sig was not gonna be C major or A minor. But I feel like instead of talking about how the music still holds up, and how great the performances are, that instead it's gonna be the Ishtar of the 21st century, and that just ain't fair.
Apollostowel Haha! Thank you! It’s nice reading a comment from someone who understands the musicality as well! As a musician I can nerd out about stuff like this too! Thanks for the comment! I am glad you enjoyed the video!
I watched this expecting to laugh but it was surprisingly eye opening, now I actually want to give the movie a chance and go to the cinema with an open mind. Thanks for the review.
okaay, I get it now. this is the only positive review that actually 'opening' my eyes.
the moment you started explaining to see it in the perspective of a kid, the whole 'jarring story' kind of make sense. I worked on a paper before about story-making for kids and how different it is to compose for children between the age 3-5 to children the age 6-12. from every review I've heard I kind of get the gist of the story but it doesn't make sense because as I've read the creator of this movie didn't want to make it animated because he didn't want to market it as kid's movie or something along the line. this in turn I think made him to put the decision of using a lot of sensual dances in the movie itself to market it as more mature film.
this just defeat the whole 'magical' world of a kid story telling that this play had. I know from researching it myself the way a kid telling a story is way different than an adult telling a story. the way the creator present the dance in the film kind of the big mistake, I think..? I know kids don't see it like that, but it's still a bit out there with the sensuality...
I very much appreciated this positive and cheerful review of an all time favorite musical of mine. Most of the cats reviews are focused on the cgi and “lack of story” and they usually just bum me out because I really wanted more people to experience the beautiful nature of this musical and the message it has. Thank you for making my night 💗💗
You offer such a wonderful perspective. I have a younger cousin who made her stage debut with a professional theater company in Texas this year doing a production of Cats. At first I didn't think it was my cup of tea(I'm 23 almost 24) but the stage show and the story has its own whimsical charm. I wasn't planning on seeing the movie to begin with(negative reviews and all) but you have convinced me otherwise. Thanks for giving me something to do tomorrow.
AquaSarah7 Thank you so much! Also how exciting for your cousin and I’m glad you found the charm in it. It’s such a strange play really... it’s kind of astonishing that it’s a hit. I mean... it’s people... dressed as cats... singing songs about cats... while bounding around on stage. What part of that sounds like it’s not something you would have done in front of your parents when you were six and screaming, “WATCH! WATCH! WATCH! WATCH! OH YOU WEREN’T WATCHING!”
I hope you enjoy the film. At the very least if you hate it I hope that I didn’t ruin your day! LOL Thank you!
What a refreshing perspective on this movie! No, I don't think I will go. I have seen the stage play and totally enjoyed it. I bought the book and read the poems around that time because I like T.S. Eliot, and it is an interesting part of what he wrote. Your take on this is kind, and I just appreciate your gentle, kind, comments.
My husband was 12 when he saw it and he was mesmerized... I bought him a copy of the ts Elliott book with two tickets to the London revival inside and so I did see the stage musical a few years ago at that time. This is what surprises me about most reviews. Not only have they typically not seen cats the musical in any format, but they also do not know many musicals. So why review it then? I'm probably going to see it as I like watching movie adaptations.
Thanks for your review
Thank you Dustin. I know you from your makeup and skincare videos. 😺 I just went out to see Cats tonight and I also really liked it! I wish they built the train engine for Skimbleshanks, like they did in the musical. That would have been really fun to see. I saw Cats the Musical at the Palladium in London in 2014 and Nicole Scherzinger was Grizabella. Seeing the movie tonight makes me want to go see the play again. Now I just have to wait for it to return to London.
Thank you for an honest and objective review of this movie. Not many out there.
Two things. 1 My husband's comment that stuck with me is that if you aren't already a fan of the show you probably won't like it.
2. When I saw it there was a family with kids there and they walked out halfway through and didn't come back. I honestly don't believe this is for kids. I think it can be enjoyed by kids but it's not for kids
Coralynn Jarvis I hear what you’re saying and I don’t disagree. To your point though, there could be any number of reasons why people might leave a theater (especially a family with kids in tow). I wasn’t trying to say that adults shouldn’t like it or that it’s only meant for children. I think what I was trying to say is that I’ve seen a lot of reviewers hold this up to be something it isn’t. Someone in the comments said earlier, “It’s called Cats: The Musical! What are you expecting?!” Haha! I loved that.
This has been a funny video for me because SO FEW of these comments are from regular viewers on my channel. I never noticed until now, how much context plays a role in what people hear you say - meaning the people who have been watching me for years know what I mean when something flies out of my mouth. “Strangers” who are watching me for the first time have been hearing things I didn’t necessarily intend to convey. It doesn’t bother me, I just find it interesting and I learned something new about myself from this video.
At any rate, thank you for the comment and for taking the time to watch this! I appreciate it!
It makes sense that the source material was made for kids. The trouble is that they targeted adults for this movies especially with all the sexual innuendos.
Thank you for this! I have been trying and trying (quite unsuccessfully) to find a review of this movie from an ACTUAL Cats fan, knowing it would be a very different review. People have not seemed the grasp the fact that this is meant for young children. It would be almost as if these "reviewers" were saying, "Well, my husband and I just saw the new Baby Shark movie last night for our date night and it was terrible. The costumes were horrid, the scenery was trash, there was no plot, and the music was repetitive garbage." It. Is. Not. Meant. For. You. A part of me really wishes this would've been made as a cartoon instead of the CGI. I think that might've made a been difference in how non-Cats fans perceived the film and who it was written for. But what's done is done. I'm looking forward to taking my 5 year old grandson to see this so he can experience the magic, the magic that I saw as a child in the 80s of seeing it for the first time. Again, Thank you so much for this video. I had never heard of your channel before but now you'll have a new subscriber.
beth berger Aw thank you so much for this comment! I appreciate it! You mentioned a lot of things that I said in conversations about this too! I think if it were animated then people would have reviewed it differently - it also might have translated better as well.
Just to be a responsible CZcamsr here, I would suggest looking up the aspects of it that people are finding inappropriate to determine for yourself whether or not it’s something you need to worry about. I know some have found it overly sexual (one person has been commenting on this video that it is... and commenting... and commenting... and commenting! LOL!) I personally don’t think it’s inappropriate for children. I asked my husband what he thought and he gave me the funniest look and said, “NO!” Haha! He’s an elementary school teacher so I figured he would be a good judge.
He said, and I would tend to agree, children SHOULD NOT have the context to pull anything sexual out of this movie because they shouldn’t have that knowledge.
Apologies for the long rant about that, I just want to be thorough in my reply. Thanks again! I appreciate the comment!
Not gonna see the film, but I do want to see the play. Nice review! Kind and polite, very refreshing! I hope to see more reviews of the films you like, well done
Truly appreciate this review from someone who appreciates the theatrical production and had a foundation of understanding
Dustin, thank you..... I have been trying to find review from a stage fan. I was a stage fan to a great degree when I was small/young. I really loved the movie! I loved the railway cat number and I my favourite cat and sing magic Mr Mostafelees.
I will say that I (against the tide, against the current!)... memory was spoilt by Jennifer Hudson.. I am sorry.. I think elaine Page did it with much better sensitivity starting by almost whispering then ascending..ascending..ascending....till she appropriately reach a crescendo but Jennifer hudson's style of all high notes ad the continuous snot from her nose... she was for tme the worst bit in the movie......
Very true the proportions are terrible and CGI is also terrible and unfortunately this gave all the negative critics the opportunity to completely slay the movie... I agree it's a little kids movie and the little kid inside me loved it!
But all in all, I really love dit and found it even visually pleasing.. in terms of the sets and choreography
Thus, I must thank you again for the only positive review so far. Ash :-)
mflibertine Thank you so much for the comment and sharing your thoughts! I was hoping, when I made this video, that I would hear from people who were also fans of the stage musical!
I have to tell you I kicked myself when I was done with this for not bringing up Mr. Mistoffelees. He was, by far, my favorite character in the movie! Something about the actor came through the CGI and I even found him cute! Haha! I enjoyed the more insecure interpretation of him because it allowed him to find his greatness and self-confidence. He could have started out confident and been a very “one note” character.
I was also glad they included Cassandra (the Siamese/Abyssinian looking cat in many of the stage productions) as she was my favorite cat when I was a kid. I remember, even though she only sings a couple lines, the thunderous applause she would always receive at the end of the play! I was happy they gave her more lines but I missed her singing, “Were you there when the Pharaoh’s commissioned the Sphinx?” in the opening number!
One of the weirder things about the play is how the cats in the chorus change. They change names and they change characters often. So I wasn’t even sure if they would include her, or how she would act if they did.
@@DustinHunter Hey Dustin, yes for sure Mr Mistoffelees (I never know how t spell his name) is very cute in the movie and yes there is I agree good growth of confidence within his character which was not the case on stage. Nonetheless, I did like the stage Mr Mistoffelees too! I'm happy I did not upset you with my remarks about Jennifer Hudson... Did you see Elaine page performing it, she I think is way superior in her interpretation of the song. Another note that some people might find prejudiced but I don't care so here goes! Both james Cordon and Rebel Wilson (I do like Rebel not James) both being put into the movie for people to laugh at their "fatness" and how gross they both were, I thought was the only downfall of the movie and actually the only part I would take out! And Judi Dench in a basket...now that was really reeky and so off putting! ...errr.
But by God, please play me Mr Mistoffelees ad the railway cat over and over again... that's why I'm planning to watch the movie again! BTW: (I agree very very cute indeed but I thought Robert Fairchild was very cute and I couldn't stop thinking he's very attractive... weird maybe but I thought he was kinda hot!). Cheers! Ash
mflibertine Hahaha! Not weird at all! I leaned over to Jeff about halfway through the movie and said, “I feel sort of strange about finding Mr. Mistoffelees sexy...” Hahaha!
I don’t have any issues with anything you’re saying - I can totally see where you’re coming from re: Rebel and James and I get what you’re talking about.
I’ve heard Elaine Paige do memory and I like it. It’s hard for me to pick a favorite because it’s just not my favorite song! LOL! Terrible! I know!
This is the review I've been looking for. I don't get this musical at all but I never grew up with it so seeing it as a grown ass women was confusing. But coming at it as a musical for kids makes sense. Thanks for a great clarification about the musical and movie
As a cats stage fan you might appreciate that the version of mungojerrie and rumpleteazer heard in the film isn’t actually new. It’s the original version of the song which played to London audiences when the show debuted. It can be heard in that cast album. Would love to know why they chose the first rendition for the film. the broadway version that most know is much better. I don’t think I’ll hate the film either. I’m a total fan of the stage version. anyway fun cats trivia . 😊
C R Yeah I’ve learned this since uploading the video! Interesting!
Making a mistake in a video is always “fun” because you can’t correct it and nobody reads all the comments to see what’s already been said LoL!
That is interesting though! I replied to someone earlier in the comments sharing more thoughts on that song and the version in the film vs the one that I saw in the states! Thank you!
Great and refreshingly positive video. You seem like such a sweetheart! Big hugs to you.
Charity Caviness Thank you so much! That’s really sweet of you! I appreciate it!
I am going to watch it. Because I don’t care what people say. Thanks for your views.
Thank you for this review! I've seen so many of people complaining "it's 2 hrs of singing with no narrative", but have never seen the stage production, either live or filmed. That's all it is. As a collection of whimsical song movement it entranced me the first time I saw it. Still love it. I credit Cats, Phantom, and The Nutcracker as the trinity starting my love for theatre. Whether or not it works good on film should be a seperate from the rest of the production. The only ways to bring this to the screen would either be near directly transcribed (as it sounds it was) or you fill it with additional narrative inbetween songs and turn it into a different animal (that pun wasn't intended).
its the kind of thing though that i dont think someone should have spent $100 million on a film that was only ever going to do well with people who were already fans of the musical.
Jacqui Ferguson Coulda, shoulda, woulda. Haha! I don’t necessarily disagree but that’s probably not what they were aiming for.
I’ve done a lot of things that seemed good at the time, but in retrospect weren’t. Though they usually involve the wrong guy, not spending a hundred million bucks. LOL!
I am glad you enjoyed it and I am really glad to hear a review from a real fan of the show. I shared your disappointment that most of the review videos were from people totally unfamiliar with the stage production or who didn't like the stage production.
I saw the stage play twice and was thoroughly mesmerized by it, loved it. I find the idea of doing a live action movie preposterous. I'm not surprised that it flopped.
Shae Holden Sounds like they should have hired you from the beginning! You could have saved them a ton of money! LOL! Would you mind talking about why you find the concept preposterous? I’m curious to hear your take.
@@DustinHunter The idea of cats with humanized thoughts and behaviors is already a suspension of reality, and the play pulled it off magnificently with the costumes and cat-like movements. We as the audience could connect with the actors...vs. having cat faces CG'd onto people with human hands and feet. That by itself was enough to make me balk at seeing it. The stage play captured the whimsy of a place run by cats. The movie conveys no whimsy...it only promises nightmares. 😳
My question is that musical has run for so long. Why didn't they just upgraded the stage costumes. Is CGI really necessary? Shouldn't they have just taken the stage and turned up the volume to Max.
I had to see it twice. The first time I watched it, I was so caught up in the strangeness of the CGI and just the overall telling of the story. It really wasn't until Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer's song that I finally started getting into it and letting go of all the strangeness about the film. On second viewing I enjoyed it a lot more (even though the cockroach eating is still disgusting).
FestArc Haha! It IS gross right?! I don’t know anyone who isn’t grossed out by that part! LOL!
This makes me so happy. I first saw the stage production of Cats when I was 8 years old (after seeing all of the TV commercials for it and bugging my mom over and over) and I loved it. I introduced it to my little sister and we listened to the CD soundtrack constantly. We got a different version of the stage production on tape and watched that a lot, too. I even lip synced the Mcavity song for my 4th grade talent show (LOL). When I first heard they were making a film version of it, I was worried about how it would translate and as soon as I saw the initial trailers, my immediate thought was: "OK yeah I'm not sure many people will be into this who aren't already fans of Cats." So though my initial thoughts are apparently proving to be true, your review makes me more excited to see it now! I knew I'd go into it already knowing and understanding the story, so I wasn't too worried about myself, but it makes me sad that other people who aren't familiar with the show will see it and be like, WTF this is horrible and I hate it.
Sophia Petrello reference for the win!
Was my favorite queen, Demeter, even in the movie?
Hinatachan360 Yes but she doesn’t have the same role as I’ve seen her on stage, since Taylor Swift sings Macavity on her own (I miss the duet).
ALL of the cats LOOK different from the stage production just because of the CGI. If you want to check her out - in the film Demeter is played by Daniela Norman and is is often shown with Cassandra (played by Mette Towley). Cassandra was always my personal favorite, but I totally feel your love for Demeter! It’s nice to see them and the actors playing them are both intimidatingly beautiful (not that it matters but they are haha!) but the portrayal IS a bit different from the stage play. They’re mostly shown as “mean girls” who hate Grizabella.
Demeter and Cassandra are my favorites
I went with a friend who never saw the play......and she loved the movie...☺️👍
That was very pleasant to watch. Thank you for this nice and calm review. :)
I grew up watching the 1997 movie version, and learned a lot of my English from just watching it over and over again. Overall I really enjoyed this new version, but like you said it did take me a moment to get used to the CGI and it does take an attitude of not comparing it to the stage production for it to be enjoyable. It's not a 1:1 remake, and it will disappoint if that's what you're expecting. One thing that I struggled with was the jokes, not so much because of the quality of the jokes, they just seemed way too modern compared to the setting of the story, so every time there was a joke, it was a bit jarring.