If you did not see the original, why are you even thinking of this movie? Go see Richard Jewel.
If you are like me you watched Cats on Broadway, watched the movie when it was still on VHS, and watched it at your local players theater after that. I worshiped this movie for years! So, like you I HAD to see this movie as a right of passage. Here is what I thought.
The writers decided no millennial could figured out the concept of Heavyside Layer, which proved to be true. I mean how many reviews screamed "What's a Jellicle Cat!?" What idiots. For any one reading this, a JC is imaginary ok? Like elves and storm troopers. So, the writers decided they have to explain why cats are trying to be chosen because clearly no young viewer has the imagination to simply say "Who cares? Enjoy the songs".
I digress, the movie drags until the "Old Deuteronomy" song. Then it is similar to your memories. Pun intended. Gus the theater cat was weak, Gandalf isn't a good singer and a great song lacked. In fact all of your songs are sung in a different tempo so, you won't be singing along. However, they added a NEW SONG I think called Beautiful Ghost. When Hayward sings it, you are stunned. Her voice is like an angel. Your mouth will hang open, go for that song. Taylor Swift does one song, Macavity, and she rocks it. The bright side of the movie. Oh and Taylor is hot even in a CGI cat suit!
Finally, Memories. The song you came to hear. Jennifer Hudson's voice was simply too strong for this song. Memories is a delicate, end of your ropes, gutter song. Sung as your last chance. Jennifer belted it out like she was at a Super Bowl concert and it just didn't fit. My wife and I walked out saying this. With all this going against it, we liked it. Would I watch it a hundred times like the original? No...
6 out of 9 found this helpful.
Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Tell Your Friends