CATS (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.8|5.0 Starsìì 

Cats has everything that marks the long-standing, classic performance but does not attain the mark of excellence. It works cold with its slim storyline and repetitive theme, almost as if its creator did not have enough imaginative genesis to create the broad range and depth of story and characterization needed in a fantasy of this proportion. The audience may feel refunds are justified before the show has gotten even ten minutes into its story. This movie is an excellent academic study on a film that has everything and manages to fail anyway. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Cats interact to determine place in life. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tom Hooper for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Debra Hayward, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, and Tom Hooper for making the film possible.  Characters/cast include: Victoria (Francesca Hayward), Old Deuteronomy (Judi Dench), Mystery Cat (Idris Elba), Grizabella (Jennifer Hudson), Mistoffelees (Laurie Davidson), Munkustrap (Robbie Fairchild), Jennyanydots (Rebel Wilson), Bustopher (James Cordon), Rum Tum (Jason Derulo), Asparagus (Ian McKellen), Bombalurina (Taylor Smith), Skimbleshanks (Steven McRae), and Mungojerrie (Danny Collins). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. The movie borders on exotic with its all-star cast, outstanding makeup and costuming, terrific musical lyrics, and more than good dancing and choreography. But, it lacks earthiness and soul. In that lack, the movie becomes less than the great watch it should have been. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers