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.

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.

I disagree that it was made “for kids” but I appreciate your review as another long-time stage production fan.

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.

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer's song was the original London arrangement. Its growing on me. My first was the VHS.

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.

I love listening to you talk! You have such a comforting essence about you

“A stage play for little kids” That is layered with overt sexuality??? Are you kidding?!

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.

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.

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."

I don't think this movie was marketed to kids at all. Maybe that's an issue.

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.

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.

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've seen it twice now. I love this film so very much. Thank you for the review.

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.

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.

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

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.

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".

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.

Thank youuu. I've been looking everywhere for a review from someone that's actually seen the show before.

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.

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 💗💗

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 ❤️

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!

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. :)

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!

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.

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...

The stage play was one of the Concept productions of the time. Cats was basically A Chorus Line for cats.

Truly appreciate this review from someone who appreciates the theatrical production and had a foundation of understanding

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.

That was very pleasant to watch. Thank you for this nice and calm review. :)

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.

Thank you, THANK YOU for this review! I've been scanning KZfaq reviews all over the place, and all I've seen is hate and bashing, and it's SO relieving to see a level-headed, positive review from someone else who knows the stage play and loves it. I may give my own too at some point, considering I made a level-headed review to the trailer when it came out. x3 I loved it when I went to see it, and I pretty much agree with you on all the points that they could have changed or done differently (I haven't seen this mentioned in other comments, but the version of Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer that they used is from the original 1981-82 production; you can find the original soundtrack on KZfaq in fact. I myself do prefer the newer version, but I feel this was an alright throwback to the original, which seems to be the idea as a whole here; to rebuild the idea of the original, considering other little lyrical cues from other songs, like "I might mention Mungojerrie, Rumpleteazer, Griddlebone" instead of "I might mention Mungojerrie, I might mention Griddlebone"). Mostly, I felt I loved it more in hindsight than I did watching it in the moment. It's stuck with me and I wanna see it again when the edits come out, have a fresher perspective. xP Also the new song is utterly gorgeous and I was brought to tears. This is a lovely, comprehensive little review, and I'm glad to have found it, thanks for adding a positive perspective amid all this chaos. =)

I want to see this movie so bad but I can't talk a single person into seeing it w me.

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 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

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

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.

They should have let the actors wear actual cat costumes.

Never heard of you before today, Dusty, but now I'm glad I have!

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 KZfaq 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.

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).

I haven’t seen it (though I saw the musical as a kid and have the book of poems) but I’ve heard the shitstorm about it so I’m glad that you’ve done a more balanced review. It sounds a lot like they rushed it out for the holidays, without remembering that they can’t be as nimble as say online media (like the Aviatin Gin parodying the Peloton ad that they got out within a week). Will you review the new edit?

New Viewer, new subscriber, nice to see a stage fans opinion :D thank you Dustin

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.

It's such a breath of fresh air hearing someone who was an actual fan of this musical review this film. Thank you.

I took my kids and you're absolutely right, they loved it! We've had the 1998 version on KZfaq 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

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'd been hoping to see a review from someone who had seen and liked the play. So I really enjoyed this video, much more than the reviews that start out, "I didn't see the play and I don't know what this is about."

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! :)

I’m here because you made that Mr. Mistoffelees joke in your Halloween video, and I trust your opinion on this subject! Now I want to take my kids.

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!

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.

Finally, a review from someone familiar with the show! I've been looking for one. And now, I shall get back to watching 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.

"There is a ball gag. I hate those!" Me: Ummm... "Someone gets hit in the balls." Me: Ohhh...

I was curious to see a review from someone who actually likes theater. Thank you! This was insightful

Dustin, thank you for being so low key and not kooky and OTT like a lot of your fellow KZfaq reviewers of the film.

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 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 😊

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.

Is this the most grounded awesome review I saw of anything ever? :O

Thank you for doing this review! Ive seen a lot of revies for this movie, im generally into movies, and all of them have been bashing the movie without knowing or enjoying the play itself. I got into the musical when i was like 14, the anniversary production on dvd was, together with the lion king, the first dvd i ever bought. I love the songs, i liked the costumes, i adored the choreography.... and still do all of that. Here in germany it opened yesterday, so i hope to be seeing it in the next days. Thank you again for your thoughts on this. Have some awesome days ❤

I'd love you to start a musical film review series

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

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 was thinking about making a simular video just because every review starts with 'I've never see cats and no nothing about it'

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.

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

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.

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.

The arrangement for “Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer” is actually from the original London version. What “CAT” did you dress up as? I dressed up as Rumpleteazer ages ago. I’ve been trying to find the pics. I haven’t seen the movie yet, but I have listened to the highlights. Do they include all the songs in the movie? Like “Battle of the Pekes and the Pollicles”, “Growltiger’s Last Stand?”, etc....? Also, do they do all of “Skimbleshanks” in the movie? In the highlights a portion of it is cut. Just going by what I’ve listened to, there are certain elements of certain songs where I prefer what they did in the stage version versus this one. Like “The Gumbie Cat”. I think it sounds better with the 3 cats doing those close harmonies. I also wish “Macavity” had stayed a duet. Oh! And “Mr. Mistoffolese” sounds weird.

This is the first video I have seen of yours, but I subscribed because you seem so incredibly sweet and it’s very refreshing ☺️☺️

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. 😂

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 liked this! You should do more movie reviews!

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.

Thank u! Finally someone with a REAL 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...

Thank you for an honest and objective review of this movie. Not many out there.

Yaaaaaaaaaaaasssssss 😂 I love this so much lol. I'm down for more stage to film reviews :)

Yes!! Thank you. I was beginning to think I'd need to make a review myself because all the others I've seen all start with "I don't like cats, I've never seen the stage play", and that drove me nuts. I loved the film. It needs some work, sure, but I think it's far from the tragedy people are making it out to be.

So refreshing to see a positive review!

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.

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 :-)

Hi Dustin. I have just seen the movie today over here in England after seeing so many terrible reviews. I have searched to find anything positive & am so pleased to have discovered your review. Over the past 30 years i've seen the musical around 12 times in London and on tour & particularly love the music. My feeling is that if you go to see it with an open mind & a desire to have a good time ( much like a child would ) then you will enjoy it. If you go having seen the poor reviews & look for the faults, thin plot line or negativity then that's what you will get from the experience. Sure, it's not perfect but then neither is life & in my view this movie is like life - it is what you make it. I thought Skimbleshanks was amazing, i thought Jennyanydots & Mr Mistoflees were a touch disappointing but on the whole i loved it & I'd see it again tomorrow - but next time i'd take my grandkids.

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.

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.

Thanks, I really enjoyed your review and I agree with you on most of the things you said.

I don't get why they cut so much of the naming of a cat and it really bothered me.

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