Since the recent release of the movie adaptation of Cats, on the 26th of December 2019, the film has received a large amount of critical backlash. Reviewers have pointed to bad character design and creepy CGI as the major downfalls of this movie. However, I beg to differ. This is the defence of Cats; we must accept the obscurity. (spoiler-free)
Throughout the production of the film, it was made quite public that the team were rushing to complete the movie. This has been the main point attacked by critics – specifically, saying that it led to bad CGI work. Aspects including interrupted movements of dances, floating cats and missing fur have been highlighted. While this may be true, I personally don’t really have a problem with the animation. Yeah, there may have been one or two weak spots, but overall it is barely noticeable in the sea of colour and song. And for the huge amount of work that had to be done, they must be credited with the feat it would be to just complete the movie. Regardless of the schedule, anyone would have been bound to make a few mistakes. Is this really a good enough reason to completely disregard the entire movie?
Another point viewers have raised is the character design itself; the cats were grotesque and creepy. Many are complaining about the cats being too human-like and looking naked and wearing fur coats. Yes, they are weird, but that’s the point. The movie follows the story of singing, dancing, magical cats and the part you have an issue with is their appearance? The reader must fully embrace this Jellico world in all its implausibility to really enjoy the story. Additionally, I personally think that human-like cats make this world easier to accept and adds to the overall aesthetic of the movie. The entire film was created to be a full emersion experience and that couldn’t happen with realistic-looking cats.
Another cool aspect I would like to highlight is the amazing music. The whole way through the music was entertaining and interesting and really kept me intrigued. Even the new song produced with Taylor Swift was a fun surprise. This high standard of sound throughout the film makes it what it is and is what we should appreciate. This is a musical after all.
I believe that many have merely misunderstood this movie and need to re-evaluate their perspectives. Once you let yourself accept the silly story it’s telling you, you can really see it for what it is.
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below or on our Instagram.
gabriellemaree 