A tribe of cats called the Jellicles must decide yearly which one will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new Jellicle life.
Gonna start by saying that I’m a fan of the broadway production.. and with that.. really.. there was no need or desire to make this movie. Seriously, the play was fine just the way it was.
The most notable objection that every one seems to have to this production is the CGI work.. it’s just.. weird. I quite agree. The fur suits were just a bit off putting, not to mention the “too human” faces. At least the broadway show gave the cats more feline makeup, and noses.. the film did none of that.. it was just.. very uncomfortable.
Other than the CGI work, there were a few issues I had with the cast.
Bustopher Jones: The cat about town – played by James Cordon. The original portrayed this particular cat as being aristocratic. A stereotypical “Fat Cat” on the town. The movie made him simply into a fat gluttenous slob.
Jennyanydots: The Gumby Cat – played by Rebel Wilson. There wasnt a huge difference in the broadway to movie versions.. however, Rebel’s portrayal was.. well.. Rebel Wilson in every role she’s ever been in. Gratuitous slapstick, clumbsy and accident prone. and quite honestly, it wasnt funny.
Also not funny.. her army of mice and cockroaches, which were simply disturbing and weird. As they all had little mini human faces on their CGI bodies.. it went on too long, and was a major turn off.
Mr Mistofoleese was a little disapointing. But, not horrible.. they changed his strong, outgoing, confident character and made him doubtful and a bit introverted.. I wasn’t thrilled with the change, but had no issue with the actor himself.
Now, some good points..
Jennifer Hudson’s portrayal of Grizabella was simply tear jerking and fantastic.. I loved it.. I wasn’t crying. Nope.. YOU WERE CRYING DAMMIT..
Changing the gender of Dueteronomy to female wasnt an issue at all, and Judy Dench did a wonderful job.. and quite honestly, had the best (less disturbing) appearance of the entire cast.
Other than mentioned, there are no real stand out performances, everyone did a great job with what they were given to work with, I feel.
Worth seeing in the theater? it probably wont last much longer, to be honest.. the ticket sales have been just horrible.. but a watch on streaming services, sure, why not. Buying on blueray/dvd? perhaps. I know I will add it to my collection.
