CATS (2019) Review
Directed by Tom Hooper
It’s hard to absorb something if you don’t have any idea what they’re talking about. What’s a jellicle cat? What exactly is this film trying to show on its first ten or so minutes? Tom Hooper’s adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s fantasy musical is an ambitious letdown.
I admit I haven’t seen the play, like ever. And the only thing I know about Cats is that it’s about cats and the song ‘Memory’ which I first heard from ‘School of Rock.’ I thought that was my issue, that I’m not familiar with the play, or with the story. But even my companion who saw the musical before was a bit clueless at times. So, I was not alone on this.
It’s already hard to understand their accent at times, and there are terms that I really don’t understand. Some say you should have read the synopsis before coming in to the theater but that defeats the purpose of a story unfolding through your eyes. So, yeah, the writer should have at least take in to consideration those who are not familiar with the musical. Because as much as I am interested in what’s going on with the film, I don’t understand any of it.
I lost interest in the movie on its first twenty ten to minutes. The introduction of the characters was really tedious. I only figured it out that they were introducing different types of cats after thirty minutes. I was really clueless.
I can’t say that the film is bad though. I mean, the boldness of the choices the film made. The performances and the visuals were amazing. If you’re only in it for Jennifer Hudson’s performance of Memory, then you won’t be disappointed. But if you’re in it for the story, then you’ll maybe as clueless as I am at times. The second half of the film gets better though, but it won’t take your interest back fully.
You’ll be weirded out, you’ll be wowed at some of its visuals. But all in all, Cats is a mess. I didn’t find any connection with the film and I was already bored when the film starts to move forward with its story. I was really interested when this was announced and as a fan of movie musicals, there’s just not much for me in here.
1.5 OUT OF 5 STARS
‘Cats’ is now showing in cinemas nationwide from United International Pictures Philippines. Rated PG by the MTRCB.