CATS (2019 movie review)
Janet's TAKE: In #Catsmovie, a thin plot is further hampered by musical numbers that go on way too long. Grade/C-
A couple of
fine singing performances by Taylor Swift and Jennifer Hudson keep this screen adaptation from becoming a complete disaster.
Directed by Tom Hooper
Starring James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson, and introducing Francesca Hayward
Synopsis:
Featuring Lloyd Webber’s iconic music and a world-class cast of dancers under the guidance of Tony-winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton, In the Heights), the film reimagines the musical for a new generation with spectacular production design, state-of-the-art technology, and dance styles ranging from classical ballet to contemporary, hip-hop to jazz, street dance to tap.
One of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history, the stage musical “Cats” received its world premiere at the New London Theatre in 1981, where it played for 21 years and earned the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Musical. In 1983, the Broadway production became the recipient of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and ran for an extraordinary 18 years. -Universal Studios
MPAA Rating: PG for some rude and suggestive humor
Running Time: 110 minutes