A review with discussion questions for the 2019 movie CATS
Reviewed by the Princes
Movie: CATS
Rating: PG
Age Suggestion: 10+
Running Time: 1 hour and 50 minutes (Shorter than the musical!)
Release Date: December 20th, 2019
Stars: 3 out of 5
Themes: Responsibility, belonging, Hope, friendship, Competition
Warnings: There a few scenes that might be scary for sensitive younger viewers as well as some drinking and cursing. There are stories of crimes as well, but not a whole lot that we would consider offensive or anything that might be concerning for a parent or guardian.
Quick Summary:
Cats has always had a wide range of reviews, but it’s still a wildly successful musical. The musical was based off a poetry book and does not have a typical story structure. The confusing story structure, strong fantasy elements, and dramatic musical numbers turn some people off of the production and make others huge fans. Being aware of the story before you see the movie Cats it is a good idea.
The cats are all getting together to tell their tales. It’s a Jellicle Ball! They’re deciding which of the cats gets to start a brand new life as a younger cat. Each cat presents their stories in song. The CGI in this movie is really something else. If the cat/people don’t freak you out and you’re a fan of a good musical- you might really enjoy this movie! Don’t let the critics scare you away. This is a well done version of a very strange musical that has always drawn in a great deal of criticism.
Discussion Questions:
| 1- Which cat was your favorite? And Why? 2- What was your favorite song? 3- If you were a cat, what would your name be? 4- Victoria is new to the group, so she doesn’t dismiss or leave out anyone because of what others think of them. How do you think that helped other cats? 5- All of the cats wanted a brand new life of being someone else. If you could be anyone in the world, who would you be? |
Review:
-Characters & Acting: This is a star packed movie with great singers and actors, all showcasing their incredible abilities. It is also full of wonderful dance numbers by some of the best in the business. All together, if you want to hear incredible singing or see wonderful dancing, we don’t think you’ll be disappointed. The characters are all very different and showcase different relateable struggles, from being discontented with life, gluttonous, lethargic and lazy, sick and old, outcast due to rumors, to being over confident or being self conscious.
-Script & Story: The story, as I said earlier, has always drawn a lot of criticism because it doesn’t conform to a typical storyline. It is a strange fantasy tail of cats wanting to be reborn. Even though the stories presented in a unique way, there are still the same lessons you’d find in your typical storyline. Stories of redemption, love, and acceptance that are always relevant. The script does a good job of condensing a very strange musical into something slightlllly more plot driven that a wider audience might enjoy.
-Film Quality: As technology gets better, so do films such as this. The CGI is great, which makes people uncomfortable, because seeing your favorite actors and singers covered in hair and with ears and moving tails is a bit unnerving. But overall, the film is beautifully done!
–Favorite Moments: Memories, a song I have heard a thousand times, was given a whole new life and meaning. I’ll never look at it the same again after watching this movie. Taylor Swift also wrote a new song with the creator of the musical to include in the movie, it fits right in and really ties in the story of the main character, making her very relatable. I loved it and enjoyed hearing her sing. I think a lot of the scenes with Victoria at the focal point are the ones to be remembered.
Would I Like It? And Is It Worth Seeing?:
It is up to you. If you go into this with an open mind, knowing it will be strange and very different than anything you have seen before? Yes. If you are expecting something like phantom of the opera , Hamilton, or Les Miserables – probably not. If you are expecting a great cast with beautifully done music numbers and dance scenes – absolutely. It all depends on you and what you go into the movie with!
This is a well done movie version of a very strange musical. Cats has always drawn a great deal of criticism as well as praise. The movie creators condensed a very interesting story into something that everyone can watch. The music has always been praised and certain scenes moved me to tears. There is an incredible raw story of the desire to start again that I think will resonate with everyone. I definitely didn’t agree with all the other reviews I have read and definitely did not regret going to see this movie! It was well done and I enjoyed it.
–What to check out next:
You can get the new movie soundtrack here! And the 1981 soundtrack here!
If you enjoyed this review you might like our discussion guide for The Greatest Showman, Aladdin, Instant Family or 5 Lessons from Frozen 2.
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