Film Review: Cats Is A Beautifully Strange, Cult Classic
It should be noted that I did NOT like the Broadway musical, nor did I really understand the storyline of it, which is why I was happily surprised by Cats. From the minute it begins, it is super weird, and feels like the living fantasy of a experimental theater director that learned how to do CGI effects. Yet, it is so peculiar, you HAVE TO WATCH IT!
At first, it is off-putting to see cats that look like human beings. Moreover, there are scenes with tap-dancing mice and cockroaches that look human, as well, which again makes you gleefully “Huh?” The first half of Cats, in particular, lives in this, “What the heck am I watching?” space that keeps your eyes glued. It is both visually stunning and weird; with James Corden’s Bustopher Jones and Rebel Wilson’s Jennyanydots adding to film’s outlandishness. They are hilarious and unabashedly embrace cat jokes like, “Cat got your tongue?” This “tongue and cheek” silliness works because Cats is unlike any film….EVER! Yet, it makes sense that, in the latter half of the film, when Cats embraces the humanity of its story, that viewers are able to see how powerfully wise its messages are on happiness, redemption, forgiveness, and family.
CATS – Official Trailer [HD]
I was moved to tears at hearing Jennifer Hudson’s Grizbella singing “Memory.” Directed by Tom Hooper, the film, along with JHud and Judi Dench’s mystical turn as Old Deuteronomy, breaks down this legendary track into parts to have the audience absorb it as a lesson on finding happiness again. Juxtaposed against the gorgeous, Taylor Swift song, “Beautiful Ghosts,” as sung by the lovely and elegant Francesca Hayward as Victoria, each track encapsulates the film as a push for people to find peace. It is a story about getting joy in your life; whether it be for the first time ever or, once again, after losing it tragically from the poor decisions we all can make at loving a toxic person. The delivery of this message is so stunning that it confirmed Cats is a cult classic in the making.
CATS – A Look Inside
Ian McKellan slurping milk like a cat. Okay! Dame Judi Dench, draped in fur, and singing how cat owners should consider feeding them salmon paste. Well, alright! Jason Derulo molly wopping the dance floor in a cat suit. SURE! Rebel Wilson teaching baby mice etiquette. I’ll take it! Idris Elba evaporating into my eye-sight in a pimp hat. OF COURSE, I WILL ACCEPT THIS! Cats is one of those films that will keep you talking, and, in conversation, will have you appreciate how crazy it is from concept to delivery. From catnip roofies to a hot air balloon that makes you reborn again, I appreciate its imaginativeness and, more importantly, I love its surprising heart. Cats Comes Out On December 20.
