by Jo Johnstone
Every now and then a film will come along that is so silly it throws away all film logic and taste. Despite the sensible, Brandy drinking film critic in your head you just have to like and admire it.
Cats & Dogs is one of those films that despite its silliness leaves you with a warn and goofy feeling. The film dramatises the eternal feud between man's best friends and our feline companions. Add in celebrity voices, animal CGI and Bond style espionage you have a riot of a film.
Every now and then a film will come along that is so silly it throws away all film logic and taste. Despite the sensible, Brandy drinking film critic in your head you just have to like and admire it.
Cats & Dogs is one of those films that despite its silliness leaves you with a warn and goofy feeling. The film dramatises the eternal feud between man's best friends and our feline companions. Add in celebrity voices, animal CGI and Bond style espionage you have a riot of a film.
Set around the Brody family as Doctor Brody, (Jeff Goldblum) is about to discover a cure for dog alligies. As a cure would give dogs the advantage over their feline rivals, K9 agents are tasked to protect the doctors laboratory. When the previous agent is captured, the dogs must infiltrate a new spy into the Brody house in the form of beagle puppy Lou, (Toby Maguire). Although Lou relishes the chance to become a secret agent, his growing affection for the family threatens to let evil master cat Mr Tinkles, (Sean Hayes) take over the world.
The story is an overdone and dramatisation of the classic dog/cat feud. Instead of claw fights and hissing the characters have been given espionage gadgets and human characteristics. This is in no way a film to be taken seriously, as it is clear it does not take itself that way. If you can switch off the logic and sense buttons for just a while the film is pure fun. The made up history, the cute animals, the one liners mean there is enough humour for everyone.
The film also constantly references popular culture, from the obvious James Bond to a spliced in Matrix nod. This again adds to the film humour and gives the audience something to watch out for.
The story is an overdone and dramatisation of the classic dog/cat feud. Instead of claw fights and hissing the characters have been given espionage gadgets and human characteristics. This is in no way a film to be taken seriously, as it is clear it does not take itself that way. If you can switch off the logic and sense buttons for just a while the film is pure fun. The made up history, the cute animals, the one liners mean there is enough humour for everyone.
The film also constantly references popular culture, from the obvious James Bond to a spliced in Matrix nod. This again adds to the film humour and gives the audience something to watch out for.
The cast is led by Jeff Goldblum and Elizabeth Perkins as Mr and Mrs Brody. The pair act well against their CGI animal counterparts and portray a family blissfully unaware of the world around them.
The voice cast is lead by Toby Maguire as young pup Lou. Maguire is not known for his comic talents on or off the screen but as Lou he delivers the pups enthusiasm and playfulness. Mixing funny one liners with more heartfelt interactions with his human family Mcguire's never been cuter on screen.
Alec Baldwin continues to prove he can be epic in any sized role with his turn as Butch. Leader of the Brody operation and Lou's mentor, he is funny with brilliant comic timing.
Despite the two previous actors impressive turns the film is stolen by one character, antagonist Mr Tinkles. Voiced by Sean Hayes, Mr Tinkles is a fluffy white cat with a desire for world domination. His cute exterior is contrast with his hilariously evil persona which Hayes clearly loves playing. Funny and sarcastic he's a villain you cannot help but love.
By no means a great overall film but for a bit of silliness this is superb. A good voice cast and humour lift this film into the realm of guilty pleasures. I challenge anyone to keep a straight face as Mr Tinkles gets his ultimate comeuppance.
And for all us dog lovers it proves our point that despite some being nice there is something very suspicious about cats,,,
The voice cast is lead by Toby Maguire as young pup Lou. Maguire is not known for his comic talents on or off the screen but as Lou he delivers the pups enthusiasm and playfulness. Mixing funny one liners with more heartfelt interactions with his human family Mcguire's never been cuter on screen.
Alec Baldwin continues to prove he can be epic in any sized role with his turn as Butch. Leader of the Brody operation and Lou's mentor, he is funny with brilliant comic timing.
Despite the two previous actors impressive turns the film is stolen by one character, antagonist Mr Tinkles. Voiced by Sean Hayes, Mr Tinkles is a fluffy white cat with a desire for world domination. His cute exterior is contrast with his hilariously evil persona which Hayes clearly loves playing. Funny and sarcastic he's a villain you cannot help but love.
By no means a great overall film but for a bit of silliness this is superb. A good voice cast and humour lift this film into the realm of guilty pleasures. I challenge anyone to keep a straight face as Mr Tinkles gets his ultimate comeuppance.
And for all us dog lovers it proves our point that despite some being nice there is something very suspicious about cats,,,
RSS Feed
