The verdicts are in for the film adaptation of ‘Cats’, and they are overwhelmingly negative. As a lifelong fan who cherished the Broadway version on VHS, it pains me to report that critics have not held back in their assessments of this new musical film. With an Oscar-winning director like Tom Hooper at the helm, and an original song penned by Taylor Swift, expectations were high. However, the reality seems to fall far short. One critic from the Boston Globe summed it up with the memorable line, “My eyes are burning. Oh god, my eyes.”
Scathing Remarks from Critics
Following the lifting of the review embargo, Reddit has gathered some of the most scathing remarks, which include The Hollywood Reporter’s pun-filled “Cat-astrophic” and The Playlist’s bold claim that “theater is dead.” Ouch.
Critics have expressed confusion over the film’s bizarre production choices, including the perplexing decision to sexualize the feline characters. Yes, you read that right—sexy cats. Shudder. One review remarked, “If you were unsettled by the sight of British acting legends with their faces awkwardly grafted onto furry bodies, or the disturbing image of cats with human breasts, you’ll likely find yourself peering through your fingers in horror at the finished product.” — The Hollywood Reporter.
Uncomfortable Comparisons
Another critic, Kyle Buchanan from The New York Times, offered a shocking comparison: “Watching CATS is like stumbling upon an unholy and heretofore unknown genre of porn.” He described moments in the film that were so uncomfortable, they felt as if they were leading to something entirely inappropriate.
Collider echoed this discomfort, stating that “Cats always feels like it’s two seconds away from turning into a furry orgy in a dumpster,” capturing the unsettling tone that permeates the nearly two-hour runtime. The Wrap also chimed in, describing the experience as “painful enough to make your heart race for everyone involved.”
Some Bright Spots
However, not all was lost in the reviews. The Wrap did highlight a couple of standout performances, noting that Jennifer Hudson, Judi Dench, and Ian McKellen managed to inject some emotion into the otherwise disorienting film. “It does enchant a few times,” Robert Abele wrote, albeit cautiously.
So, if your family was planning to catch ‘Cats’ on Christmas Day, it might be worth reconsidering.
Further Reading
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Conclusion
In summary, the film adaptation of ‘Cats’ has received a barrage of negative reviews, highlighting its bizarre choices and uncomfortable themes. Despite a few commendable performances, the overall reception suggests that this cinematic endeavor has missed the mark.