About the film (courtesy of Universal Pictures):
Oscar®-winning director Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech, Les Misérables, The Danish Girl) transforms Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-shattering stage musical into a breakthrough cinematic event. Cats stars James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson and introduces Royal Ballet principal dancer Francesca Hayward in her feature film debut. Featuring Lloyd Webber’s iconic music and a world-class cast of dancers under the guidance of Tony-winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton, In the Heights), the film reimagines the musical for a new generation with spectacular production design, state-of-the-art technology, and dance styles ranging from classical ballet to contemporary, hip-hop to jazz, street dance to tap. The film also stars Robbie Fairchild (Broadway’s An American in Paris), Laurie Davidson (TNT’s Will), hip-hop dance sensation Les Twins (Larry and Laurent Bourgeois), acclaimed dancer Mette Towley (featured in videos for Rihanna and Pharrell Williams’ N.E.R.D.), Royal Ballet principal dancer Steven McRae, and rising-star singer Bluey Robinson.
Social media really let director Tom Hooper and pretty much everyone involved with Cats really have it. These people have been merciless ever since the first trailer dropped. Being a glass is half full type of person, this would also mean that there is interest in this Broadway adaption and, at the very least, curiosity. As P.T. Barnum once said, “there’s no such thing as bad publicity.” Coincidentally, two years ago to the day, another musical feature was released that was more or less about Barnum. The Greatest Showman (2017) didn’t necessarily sit well with many critics, although I was in the minority of those that thought it was a fun time at the theaters. Being a sucker for musicals, you can pretty much guess where I’m going to fall with this one.
It’s worth noting that Tom Hooper also directed Les Misérables (2012) which I also happened to thoroughly enjoy. In Cats, the vibe is much more playful which should translate to audiences enjoying themselves throughout. Then there’s the fact that we’re talking about an animal that’s always fun to look at and talk about. Just browse through YouTube’s most popular videos to see proof of this.
If you’re already familiar with the play, you’ll be coming at this with a raised eyebrow to see how well it translates to film. If you’ve never seen the play, well then you’re probably scratching your head a bit and trying to anticipate what to expect. There’s no disputing that the music is still great. By casting voice talents such as Jason Derulo, Jennifer Hudson and Taylor Swift, there’s already a good foundation of those that will be very comfortable in this element. James Corden and Rebel Wilson corner the market on comedy while Judi Dench, Ian McKellen and Idris Elba bring with them a very strong acting portfolio. All of this support makes it very easy for the newly christened Francesca Hayward to do what she’s best at, that would be gracefully dancing in a silky smooth way that would make most fleet-footed feline envious.
The fun thing about a production like Cats is that you are able to be up close and personal in a way that you could never be with a stage performance. That is a good thing. It allows something sort of magical to happen and you can just go with it and enjoy the ride. The CGI that’s been the center of much debate, wasn’t a negative factor for me. I thought the various cats looked good. Many of them had physical characteristics to match their human cohorts. Interacting with the obvious green screens was a bit much at times but it wasn’t anything that would make me not recommend this.
All of the music, magic and fun is present with Toby Hooper’s version of Cats and there’s no reason to think or say that he brought any negativity to the brilliant music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. While this may not be everyone’s cup of milk, it’s a very good family alternative if you and family are looking for something entertaining that doesn’t involve braving the crowds to see certain sci-fi fantasy flick. Enjoy the music and playful banter of some humanesque felines, even if they appear a bit creepy/weird looking. You can see it in theaters right now.
