Have you ever had one of those moments on the playground as a kid where you tell someone, something and by the time it gets back to you it’s completely different than how it started? Sometimes games like that are fun but sometimes they can be some of the most painful experiences in our childhood. Let’s be honest, sometimes it sucks when things get lost in translation. It can be downright devastating or heartbreaking. Sometimes that happens when you translate a form of entertainment from medium to another. Sure, it can be down well, much like IT: Chapter One & Two. Other times you can see what the filmmakers were going for but somewhere missed the mark, just by a hair. Here’s looking to you Ghost in the Shell. Other times, those adaptions are regrettably terrible. Video game movies, in particular, are the worst at this.
Films like Double Dragon, Super Mario Brothers and Assassin’s Creed – just to name a few. Are all examples of the ever growing “video game curse” that exists when translating a video game property to the big screen. Whatever the reason is, we just haven’t quite mastered it yet. However, we are holding out hope for Sonic the Hedgehog, Mortal Kombat or Uncharted. The original Broadway production of Cats hit stages May 11th, 1981 in London. The production drew inspiration from the 1938 poetry of T.S. Elliott. Specifically, his collection, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. Cats is one of the longest running, most praised, most celebrated plays ever to step paw onto a Broadway stage. Andrew Lloyd Webber created a world of wonder with music that is still celebrated today.
And so, you’d think amongst its’ quite impressive cast featuring the likes of Taylor Swift, Sir Ian McKellen, Judi Dench, Idris Elba, Rebel Wilson and more – Cats should be the cat treat you didn’t know you needed until you saw this movie. Cinematically, Cats tells the story a group of cats, calling themselves Jellicles, who put on a yearly talent show to see who will win the gift of reincarnation. While its cast is impressive, perhaps the real star of the show, is the production design. Eve Stewart does a remarkable job at creating a world amongst the eye sight of cats in a colorful world of wonder. Set among a forest of brighter colors, Cats carries a unique visual presence that choses to embrace the darker tones of said colors. Those colors are even more vibrant when met with the cinematography of Christopher Ross. Ross and Stewart create a visually stunning experience for viewers. There is nearly just as much attention in the background as is the foreground.
That’s really the nature of Cats – its’ business. Lee Hall and Tom Hooper attempt to take the nearly two-and-a-half-hour production and condense to well under two hours. The final result is messy, uninspiring and left curious as to why you should even care for the characters. The opening frames open up with Victoria (Francesca Hayward) being abandoned by her human owners and thrusted into a world of singing cats. While the majority of those within the tribe are used to this competition, audiences are experiencing this world through the eyes of Hayward. An element of the film which could have been an advantage for the narrative. However, by the start of the second act it feels more like a parlor trick than actual narrative device.
Something definitely indeed got lost in translation when making this movie. There are certain moments within the film that feel as though they work well on a Broadway stage but not necessarily a film setting. Dance sequences come across as filler. While impressive, they feel misplaced with its cinematic adaption. Amongst its strengths, however, does exist some scene stealers. Rebel Wilson, James Corden and Idris Elba are among the more memorable cast members. Wilson and Corden adding in the comedic flavors – truly making them standout most among the cast. Laurie Davidson’s Mr. Mistoffelees is another among the stand-outs. Elba, while strong with the material given to him, feels underutilized. Building his threat level, only to have him fall into forgettability towards the end.
Overall, Cats, smells more like a litter box than the curious felines it aims to be. A truly impressive cast that runs together is one of its biggest shames. Not to say that there aren’t memorable moments, but they are far and few between. Laurie Davidson, Idris Elba, Rebel Wilson and James Corden stand out the most amongst the cast. Thanks to impressive musical numbers, fantastic comedic elements and a thrilling antagonist in Elba. Sadly, Elba feels suffocated and underutilized in this litter. Some elements of the Broadway play don’t translate well to the world of the big screen. Set design and cinematography help elevate the film a bit but this litter is a bit too overwhelming. Lack of character development, an overcrowded narrative and inconsistent pace will define Cats as the runt of the litter this season.
RORSCHACH RATING
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Cats is property of Universal Pictures. We do not own nor claim any rights. Music by Beggars