Why Most People Don't Like the Movie 'Cats'

The highly anticipated adaptation of the iconic musical 'Cats' to the big screen was met with a mix of reactions, but predominantly negative ones. Critics and audiences alike found flaws in the transformation, often citing poor costuming, CGI, and plot that failed to capture the essence of the stage production. In this article, we delve into the reasons behind the movie's lukewarm reception, focusing on the visual elements, performance choices, and the broader cultural context.

Visual Elements and CGI

One of the primary criticisms revolves around the visual aspects of the film. Unlike the stage production, which managed to immerse viewers in a highly detailed and theatrical environment, the movie's reliance on CGI to portray the feline characters was seen as a major misstep. The first trailer, in particular, earned harsh reviews for making the cats appear utterly terrifying, which initially dampened any potential excitement.

Many viewers were disappointed by the decision to use CGI for the cat characters. This choice, made in lieu of the vibrant and detailed costumes worn by the performers on stage, was seen as a significant departure from the source material. Fans of the stage show appreciated the memorability and personality brought to character through their elaborate and colorful attire, hence the movie's lack of this aspect was a major letdown for them.

Performance Choices and Stunt Casting

The casting choices also faced criticism. While the movie featured several professional dancers, the heavy reliance on CGI left many feeling that the dance sequences lacked the authenticity and precision that the stage show is known for. Additionally, there were concerns over the number of non-dancers being cast in high-profile roles, particularly when it comes to the dancing-heavy show.

One of the most notable elements of the film was the extensive use of CGI, which resulted in cats that looked inhuman and less engaging than their on-stage counterparts. The movie's version of the famous cat characters, such as Grizabella and Old Deuteronomy, while better than some of the supporting performers, still fell short of the emotional and physical performance standards set by the stage show.

Cultural and Fandom Context

The movie's reception was also influenced by the broader context of the musical's fandom. The 'Cats' musical has a unique and dedicated fanbase that deeply loves the stage show. This group tends to be more critical of any adaptations, leading to heightened expectations. When these expectations were not met, it resulted in a backlash that extended beyond just the film's quality but also to the use of CGI and the preservation of the original costumes.

The film faced additional scrutiny from the 'furry' community, where some viewers felt that the movie's portrayal of the feline characters flirted with or outright exploited this niche fandom. This fueled further criticism and made the movie even more polarizing.

Comparison to Other Stage-to-Screen Adaptations

When compared to other successful stage-to-screen adaptations, such as 'Les Misérables,' 'Chicago,' and 'Sweeney Todd,' 'Cats' stands out as an outlier. Unlike these productions, which have garnered widespread acclaim and maintained strong fanbases, 'Cats' was met with mixed reviews and, for some, a general sense of disappointment. The lack of substantial support from the original fanbase, combined with the poor visual and performance choices, contributed to its failure to resonate with a broader audience.

For many, 'Cats' is seen more as a novelty than a serious adaptation. The belief that the show's unique charm and appeal cannot be fully captured on film has led to a consensus among critics and fans that the movie is at best a guilty pleasure and at worst a failure in its execution.

Ultimately, the combination of inappropriate visual choices, questionable casting, and a failure to capture the spirit of the stage show led to the movie's underwhelming reception. While the film has its defenders, the majority of critics and audiences remain unconvinced by the adaptation, leaving 'Cats' as a case study in how potentially successful adaptations can still falter due to poor decision-making and execution.