Sling Movie Rental of the Week, Apr. 14-Apr. 20
Before you immediately go clawing Cats (2019) apart, hear me out. It’s not nearly as bad as I was anticipating; it is a trainwreck, but it’s one you can’t look away from. Cats is a must-see movie, in so much as nothing I write here can prepare you for what you’ll see. I hope all of you Staying In and Slinging will give it a try, since you most likely have nothing else to do.
One thing we can all admit (even the movie’s cast) is that the CGI leaves something to be desired. As one of the longest running shows on Broadway, one might wonder why it hadn’t already received the fancy feature film treatment like some of its theatrical friends (Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, Mamma Mia!, and Les Miserables, to name a few). But when you break down the logistics of bringing “Jellicles” - the fictional felines - onto the film screen, it’s not as easy as it seems. The Broadway show works because we know they’re humans; our suspension of disbelief allows us to still enjoy it knowing the limitations of live theater. So I can understand the filmmakers’ choice to keep those same human-like cats in the adaptation. It just didn’t turn out all that purrty.
But really, let’s stop kitten around and take a look at the cast. We’ve got Judi Dench, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Taylor Swift, James Corden, Jason DeRulo, Ian McKellen, Rebel Wilson, and so many more. Can a movie drenched with that much star power really be all that bad? Maybe so, but let’s give them the benefit of the doubt here: this might be the *one* movie that mars these A-listers’ otherwise consummate careers. Don’t you want to see that for yourself?
All jokes aside, there is some paws-itivity in Cats. Despite what the critics say, I actually liked Rebel Wilson’s performance and saw it as a shining light. And while I originally abhorred the thought of America’s Sweetheart Taylor Swift playing the femme fatale Bombalurina, I also had a soft spot for her performance. She really nails her solo number, bringing some much needed energy and charisma to the screen.
But purr-haps what we’ve lost focus on is that Cats is actually an award-winning film. It took home six Razzies, including Worst Picture, Worst Director, and Worst Supporting Actor (Corden) and Actress (Wilson). So even if you consider yourself a film snob like I do, you can feel good knowing you’re watching a prize-winning film. Whether you’re laughing at it or with it, Cats is the movie you need during your coronavirus quarantine.
Cats is now available to rent for a one-time purchase of $5.99.
Other new movies now Available:
The Gentlemen
Underwater
A Thread of Deceit: The Hart Family Tragedy
Adam Ferrera: Funny as Hell
Agent Toby Banks
Butt Boy
Double Belgian
Maserati: A Hundred Years Against All Odds
Ray & Liz
Soundwave
Abominable
Doppel
Getaway
Goldie
Green Rush
Ouijageist
Pigeon Kings
Talking About Adultery
The Fittest
Click here to find out more about Sling’s catalog of On Demand movie titles
