Cats (2019) Movie Review: A Theatrical Misstep
Introduction
“Cats” (2019), directed by Tom Hooper, is a film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved stage musical of the same name. With a star-studded cast including Jennifer Hudson, Idris Elba, James Corden, and Judi Dench, the film aims to bring the whimsical world of T.S. Eliot’s poetry to the big screen. Despite the high-profile cast and the popular source material, “Cats” received a mixed to negative reception from critics and audiences alike. This review examines the film’s plot, performances, and overall impact, along with information on where to stream or purchase it in the United States.
Plot Overview
The film follows the Jellicle Cats, a group of felines who gather for their annual Jellicle Ball, where the tribe’s leader, Old Deuteronomy (Judi Dench), will choose one cat to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a new life. The narrative unfolds through a series of musical numbers as we meet various cats with their own stories and talents. Victoria (Francesca Hayward), a newcomer to the Jellicle tribe, serves as the audience’s guide through this fantastical world.
As the evening progresses, the mischievous Macavity (Idris Elba) attempts to disrupt the proceedings by kidnapping Old Deuteronomy and eliminating his rivals, creating tension and chaos among the cats. The film culminates in a series of musical performances and elaborate dance routines as the cats vie for their chance to be chosen.
Performances
The film’s performances are a mixed bag, with some standout moments overshadowed by the film’s other issues. Jennifer Hudson, as Grizabella, delivers a powerful rendition of the song “Memory,” showcasing her vocal prowess and emotional depth. Her performance is one of the film’s highlights and provides a glimpse of the talent that could have been more fully realized in a different context.
Idris Elba’s portrayal of Macavity is menacing and charismatic, although his character’s motivations and actions are somewhat underdeveloped. James Corden and Rebel Wilson, as Bustopher Jones and Jennyanydots, respectively, provide moments of levity and humor, but their performances are hampered by the film’s overall incoherence and reliance on slapstick comedy.
Judi Dench, as Old Deuteronomy, offers a dignified presence, but her role is limited by the film’s focus on spectacle rather than character development. The supporting cast, including Taylor Swift as Bombalurina and Ian McKellen as Gus the Theatre Cat, contribute to the film’s eclectic energy, but their performances are overshadowed by the film’s other shortcomings.
Direction and Cinematography
Tom Hooper, known for his work on “The King’s Speech” and “Les Misérables,” brings a grandiose visual style to “Cats.” The film’s direction and cinematography attempt to capture the theatricality and imagination of the stage musical, but the results are often unsettling. The use of digital effects to create the anthropomorphic cat characters has been widely criticized for its uncanny valley effect, leading to a visually jarring experience.
The film’s set design and costumes, while elaborate and colorful, can be overwhelming and distracting. The blending of live-action and CGI creates a surreal and sometimes uncomfortable visual aesthetic, detracting from the musical’s intended charm and whimsy.
Themes and Analysis
“Cats” explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the desire for renewal, central to the original musical. However, the film struggles to convey these themes effectively due to its disjointed narrative and overemphasis on spectacle. The emotional depth and charm of the stage production are lost in translation, leaving the film feeling shallow and disjointed.
Streaming and Purchase Options
For those interested in watching “Cats,” it is available on several streaming platforms in the United States. You can stream the movie on Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. Additionally, it is available for rent or purchase on services like Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies, Vudu, and YouTube. These options provide flexibility for viewers to access the film on their preferred platform.
Conclusion
“Cats” (2019) is a film adaptation that struggles to capture the magic of its stage predecessor. Despite a talented cast and ambitious visual style, the film is marred by unsettling special effects, uneven performances, and a disjointed narrative. While Jennifer Hudson’s performance and some of the musical numbers offer glimpses of the film’s potential, the overall experience is overshadowed by its shortcomings. For those interested in exploring this adaptation, it is available on various streaming and rental platforms, but be prepared for a viewing experience that may not fully resonate.
Cats 2019, Cats review, film adaptation, Tom Hooper, Jennifer Hudson, Idris Elba, James Corden, where to watch Cats, Cats streaming, Cats rental, Andrew Lloyd Webber, musical adaptation.
