A Cat-astrophe on Screen: A Review of “Cats”
In the heart of London, under the cloak of night, a young cat named Victoria is abandoned near a bustling alleyway. She quickly finds herself amidst a tribe of Jellicle Cats, who introduce her to their world through a vibrant, song-and-dance-filled tour. Victoria learns about their unique way of life and the special event that’s about to unfold: the annual Jellicle Ball. This is no ordinary gathering; it’s a competition where each cat shares their story, vying for the ultimate prize – rebirth into a new life. The stakes are high, and not everyone plays fair. The menacing Macavity lurks in the shadows, attempting to eliminate his rivals through devious schemes, making the night perilous for any cat who crosses his path.
Director Tom Hooper took a gamble, unleashing a psychedelic spectacle upon unsuspecting moviegoers. The trailer for “Cats” sparked immediate debate: would it be a glorious triumph or a memorably bad film for the new decade? Many hoped for the latter – after all, singing cats with human faces competing for the chance to be reborn is, at the very least, an intriguing concept. The cast was undeniably impressive, featuring principal dancers from the Royal Ballet and the New York City Ballet, alongside acting heavyweights like Sir Ian McKellen, Idris Elba, and Dame Judi Dench, all delivering their lines with impeccable British accents (except for Taylor Swift, whose presence remains a mystery). Yet, Hooper achieved the seemingly impossible: he transformed a project brimming with potential into an utterly unbearable viewing experience.
The Flaws of “Cats”
The issue isn’t solely the visuals, although the eye-searing CGI and excessive glitter do create a distinct, albeit bizarre, atmosphere. The core problem lies in the film’s inept and incoherent direction. The plot is so convoluted that it’s easy to lose track of the narrative thread, leaving viewers bewildered. The musical numbers, which constitute the majority of the film, feel surprisingly lazy for a production of this scale. It’s as if the actors gave up after their initial costume fittings and simply stopped trying. While Jennifer Hudson’s final song is supposed to be heart-wrenching and James Corden’s jokes are meant to be hilarious, none of the intended emotional manipulations land. Idris Elba manages to radiate charisma even under layers of ridiculous makeup, but his charm can only do so much.
A Broadway Misfire
What thrived on Broadway should have stayed there. The legendary, campy musical, which captivated audiences for decades, may have worked well on stage, but its adaptation required a completely different approach. By focusing solely on the technical aspects, the filmmakers failed to capture the essence of the story – the acceptance of outcasts by society. From song to song, the plot becomes increasingly muddled, and the characters’ motivations are nearly impossible to decipher, even with the best intentions.
In short, seeing “Cats” in theaters, even for the sake of amusement, is a doomed endeavor. Within the first ten minutes, your brain will adapt to the onscreen madness, but then you’ll lose all sense of what cats and people look like, where you are, and any sense of humor you might have had. For the remaining hour and a half, you’ll envy those viewers who manage to fall asleep, as they’ll emerge from the screening with minimal psychological damage.