'Cats' lovers say critics overlooked the music, dance — and some award-worthy acting

” [by Ashley Lee, Dec. 26]: All of the problems of the movie “Cats” should be laid at the feet of Tom Hooper, the director. Chief among the complaints are the artificial-looking costuming and makeup. One need only view the DVD of the London production to see how these were done successfully for the camera. The oft derided breasts and crotches of the movie costuming could have taken a cue from the theatrical versions.

Overlooked in the negative reviews of the movie, however, are the outstanding performances by two of the cats: Gus the Theatre Cat, performed by Ian McKellen. His is a performance truly worthy of nominations. Second, Judi Dench, Old Deuteronomy, with another star turn that adds depth and warmth to this previously aging and somewhat aloof male character.

Also on the positive side are the music and dance numbers — the heart and soul of this show — choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler and performed by the entire cast, with special mentions to Laurie Davidson , Danny Collins and Naoimh Morgan . In the original musical, the plot is minimized, but in the movie the plot assumes a proportion that just gets in the way of the fun.

The plot of that silent film was drawn from the play “Chicago” by Maurine Dallas Watkins, which was in turn based on the true story of Beulah Annan, fictionalized as Roxie Hart, and her murder of her boyfriend. One would have to assume that both the original play and the silent film would have provided an ample basis for aiding the most recent filmmakers in transitioning the musical to the screen — no “rejiggering” required.

⬅️ I listened to this song while standing. And I’m doing it right now when I’m writing this tweet. It’s always easy when you come home to pet your well-fed cat, without even knowing how many cats would be happy with just one sign of attention.

I just watched the movie “Cats” (2019). And this is the initial proof of my love: I came the day after the premiere and watched this film. And nothing more this week. And I stood and listened to Taylor Swift’s beautiful song “Beautiful Ghosts”, reading the closing credits. ➡️

Cats movie = 💩💩

This is the new The Room for the future generation to come. Mark my words.

Movie was Garbage.. Hot,steamy, left in the rain and then a heatwave and then rain again Garbage.

Majority of the audience must have overlooked it as well

There isn’t anyone that loved this movie lol

I'm the only critic that matters for my enjoyment

The entire movie pretty much is on medium close-up on the weird faces, so you can't see the lazy dancing. That's one of the reasons why the movie is terrible.

Ha! No way. My brother-in-law & his father gave it a try, but almost walked out because it was wretched.

What an abomination

Award worthy like the Razzies

With it being 'screening season', I kept feverishly refreshing Universal's selections for awards eligibility, hoping to see this 'delightful' film on their dime. They kept promising screenings were coming soon. Suddenly Cats disappeared from their page. Clawed out by 1917

Michael Bay lovers say critics overlooked sick explosions, cool bros, and ward worthy AXE body spray usage. Just as valid.

Would have been a hit if they used dogs instead....

It's a movie/play about cats. Cats! Seriously. Maybe if they were doing Shakespeare, O'Neil, Wilson ... while dressed as cats, but even then ... Cats! SMH ...

Lol

No we didn’t

I agree, the critics have no music or whimsy in their hearts or minds. Saw stage production and this movie was definitely different but different isn’t synonymous with bad. Loved its

No. They didn't. The public overlooked it because it's a bad movie.

The worst part is the continuous close ups of Swift’s blank face. Ballet dance credits go to English Royal Ballet dancer, Francesca Hayward. She is the star who plays Victoria the White Cat, the principal dancer

“Cats lovers” is a demographic of which I am wholly and blissfully ignorant.

People who liked something say the people who didn’t like it are wrong.

I’m a big fan of the stage musical. I loved the 1998 version done by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Gillian Lynne. I really don’t want to see this because it looks like a poor execution of great subject matter. IMHO

Sooooo cringe

Okay.

Emphasis on 'some'

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'Cats' Box Office Bust: A Tale Spurned by Families'This felt more like an an art house musical,' says one box office analyst in commenting on the clawless performance of the $100 million movie. I'm pulling my hair out with the way you all keep comparing Cats to other movie musicals or making it seem like Hooper somehow screwed up the adaption. It's a bad musical. It was always bad. It baffles me that it was a thing in the 80s. That's it. End of story. Cause it's shit. As is its Director 😤 Fixed headline: Cats fails as a film compared to other musicals because it's awful.
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