Cats (2019)

Plot Summary

Cats tells the story of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles. On the night of the Jellicle Ball, each cat hopes to be chosen by their leader, Old Deuteronomy, to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a new life. The movie weaves through various musical numbers, each revealing the personalities and backstories of different Jellicle cats. The narrative is essentially a compilation of character sketches, with each cat performing solo or ensemble songs that shed light on their hopes, struggles, and desires.

The central story follows Victoria, a white cat portrayed by Francesca Hayward in her film debut, as she navigates this enchanting and secret world. Through her eyes, audiences are introduced to diverse characters ranging from mischievous kittens to proud and wise elders. The movie combines elaborate dance sequences, memorable musical performances, and digital effects to bring these felines to life in a unique blend of live-action and CGI.

Main Cast

• James Corden as Bustopher Jones: A portly and genteel cat known for his love of fine dining.
• Judi Dench as Old Deuteronomy: The venerable leader of the Jellicle tribe who decides which cat will be reborn.
• Ian McKellen as Gus the Theatre Cat: An aging actor cat who fondly recalls his past glories.
• Idris Elba as Macavity: The mysterious and villainous cat who disrupts the Jellicle Ball.
• Jennifer Hudson as Grizabella: The Glamour Cat who sings the iconic "Memory." A central emotional figure searching for acceptance.
• Rebel Wilson as Jennyanydots: A motherly cat who keeps the mice and cockroaches in order.
• Taylor Swift as Bombalurina: A confident and flirtatious cat who performs energetic dance routines.
• Jason Derulo as Rum Tum Tugger: A rebellious and charismatic cat who enjoys being the center of attention.
• Francesca Hayward as Victoria: The curious and innocent newcomer to the Jellicle tribe, guiding audiences through the story.

Director and Writing

Tom Hooper, acclaimed for his direction of dramatic and musical films, helmed the project. The screenplay was written by Lee Hall, who adapted it from the stage musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, which in turn was inspired by T.S. Eliotlassic poetry. Hooper's vision for the film was ambitious, aiming to utilize cutting-edge visual effects and choreography to reimagine the theatrical experience for cinema audiences.

Music and Songs

The soundtrack largely features songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber's original score, known for its memorable melodies and ballads. A standout is "Memory," performed by Jennifer Hudson's Grizabella, a haunting and emotional highlight of both the musical and the film. The songs are performed by the cast themselves, with many showcasing their vocal talents. Additionally, the film utilizes elaborate dance choreography to showcase the characters' personalities and emotions.

While Cats is an English language film, it falls under various categories including Hollywood Movies and has been dubbed in other languages such as Hindi and Urdu, making it accessible to a broader international audience. However, unlike Bollywood films, Cats does not feature traditional Indian-style songs but focuses on Western musical theater standards.

Reception and Legacy

Upon its release, Cats received mixed to negative reviews from critics, with some praising its ambitious visual effects and performances, particularly Jennifer Hudson's singing, while others criticized the CGI transformation of actors into cats and the overall narrative coherence. Despite its reception, the film has become a talking point for its uniqueness and as an attempt to bring stage musicals into the cinematic realm with modern technology.

Conclusion

Cats (2019) stands as a bold and imaginative adaptation of a beloved musical, showcasing a remarkable ensemble cast led by standout performances. Its melding of music, dance, and visual effects provides a colorful and immersive experience into the whimsical world of Jellicle cats. Whether you are a fan of the original stage show or simply enjoy musical fantasy films, Cats offers an opportunity to explore a classic tale through a fresh, cinematic lens.