Cats & Dogs (2001) starring Jeff Goldblum, Elizabeth Perkins, Alexander Pollock, Miriam Margolyes, Myron Natwick, Doris Chillcott, Kirsten Robek directed by Lawrence Guterman Movie Review

Cats & Dogs (2001)   3/53/53/53/53/5


Cats & Dogs (2001) starring Jeff Goldblum, Elizabeth Perkins

The Secret World of Cats & Dogs

Professor Brody (Jeff Goldblum) is working on a secret formula to wipe out dog allergies which would mean that dogs would become the most popular pet on the planet. What Professor Brody and his family don't realise is that they are at the centre of a war between dogs and cats with the dogs secretly protecting him from the cats who are trying to sabotage his research. When the canine agent sent to protect them is kidnapped by cats he is accidentally replaced by Lou, an untrained puppy who becomes distracted by growing fond of the Brody family. With the evil white cat Mr Tinkles stepping up the feline endeavours to sabotage things will Lou be it up to the mark to protect the canine's future?

"Cats & Dogs" has one of the most enjoyable ideas I have ever come across in a children's movie in a long time as it gives us this idea of the secret world of our beloved pets. The whole concept of a feline canine rivalry where they have secret agents and nefarious plans to out do each other is simply wonderfully imaginative. And it is not just imaginative as it is also a lot of fun with plenty of high energy entertainment for young children as we have accident prone dogs and plenty of comic pratfalls as well as some mission: impossible secret agent stuff as well.

But whilst "Cats & Dogs" works for a young audience as intended it is a movie which doesn't quite work for adults at the same time. For me that is a shame as whilst I can appreciate that the colourful and energetic humour is perfect for the intended audience I found myself being too easily distracted. Thankfully the one thing which I half expected to annoy me didn't and the manipulated mandibles and CGI effects of getting the animals talk worked quite well mainly because of the good choice of actors to voice the various animals.

What this all boils down to is that "Cats & Dogs" is a good movie for children and an imaginative one at that which has plenty of energy, colour and comedy to keep them amused. But for me it lacks that something extra which will keep parents entertained at the same time.

Tags: Dog Movies


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