Over the last few years there have some quite innovative children’s movies to hit the theaters. Ranging from Toy Story with its innovative computer graphics to the most recent ‘Harry Potter’ movie with it’s combination of intrigue and action that has propelled it into the number one spot last year.
With a few duds also appearing, Spy Kids being one of them, the writers really should have been able to understand the sophistication of the junior audience and realize that slap stick movies with funny characters no longer fulfill the desires of every child.
As computer graphics begin to revolutionize the way companies make movies it is important that the movie does not lose continuity and that the graphics blend in well. Toy Story is an excellent example of how computer graphics should be used – the graphics were very good but nothing special, this allowed the viewer to enjoy the story and relate to the characters.
The Harry Potter movie, perhaps being a little to ambitious, had some flawed
computer graphics - it was pretty obvious that the Quiddich game was computerized and although this didn’t detract too much from the movie it was still disappointing.
<The Premise>
The storyline really could be taken directly from a James Bond movie. Twisting the characters from Bond movies we see the evil megalomaniac being a cat, and many of his evil spy friends also being cats from differing countries, with mannerisms that could also be taken from a ‘Pink Panther’ movie.
The dogs are really non descript, perhaps based on characters from movies like ‘Bill and Ted’s excellent adventure’, ‘Dumb and Dumber’ or ‘Wayne’s world’ – they really meander through all the problems and still somehow manage to success
The general premise of the movie is the traditional fight between good and evil – however this movie does not stray from this and makes the movie too linear.
<The Movie>
Dogs are man’s best friends; intent on defending man in all circumstance, however the cats are evil and intent on Global Domination. Throughout the ages cats have attempted this domination – in fact we find out that in Ancient Egypt cats enslaved man forcing them to build monuments and pyramids – luckily the dogs managed to overthrow these evil cats.
Mr Tinkles the master cat, perhaps akin to Dr No in Bond movies, is thoroughly evil and is totally domineering in the cat world. Despite being a little crazy he commands the cats. His disdain for humankind is obvious from the beginning, and in a scene that could be taken from ‘Weekend at Bernies’ we find that his knowledge of human kind is really poor as he imitates the dead owner of a company.
Meanwhile, Professor Brody, sort of a mad scientist, is trying to design a serum that will stop any human from being allergic to dogs. Mr Tinkles does not like this and is determined to get the secret of the serum and manipulate it to use for his own dastardly plans.
Butch, an old dog who is disillusioned with humans after a particularly bitter experience, heads up a team of dogs whose job it is to protect the serum. His team are made up of Peek – a computer genius geek dog; Sam, a sheep dog whose abilities are more akin to a clowns than a spy; and Lou an untrained puppy who happens to be thrust into the limelight after a mix up at a farm.
The story involves the cats attempting by any means to get rid of the dogs while gaining the serum; the dogs often fighting against extreme odds and karate cats have their work cut out as they try to survive.
<My Opinion>
The movie is very linear with an uninvolved plot and a story that tries to teach us about loyalty and friendship. I realize that the movie is a children’s movie and I am sure that it is cute and fun, but I feel the writer’s underestimate the ability of children to assimilate complicated plots – for instance my children have read Harry Potter and understand the fairly complicated plot twists in these books very well.
The animations are generally good although at times you can see the transition from real animals (with computerized mouths) to animated animals – this is generally when we come to the fight scenes – these are well done but not quite convincing.
I feel that the storyline really spoils the movie – the concept is good but the plot is limited and a little flawed.
The movie probably alienates half of the world as many of us are cat lovers, and I am sure that none of my cats would have anything to do with world domination.
<Conclusion>
Man children will find this movie funny in parts, some of the karate scenes are funny, as are the one liners – however I feel that this movie will not have the long lasting appeal of Toy Story.
The movie is perhaps to long and linear for adults to enjoy too much and thus I advice you buy the VHS and lock your children in their rooms when they watch it!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Production Year: 1993 - Family - Original Language: English - Classification: Universal - Starring: Michael Caine, The Muppets, Jerry Nelson, Frank Oz, Dave Goelz, David Rudman, Steve Whitmire
Family - Director: Sarah Ball - Original Language: English - Classification: Universal - Starring: Neil Morrissey, Noddy Holder, Alison Steadman, Stephen Tompkinson, Chris Evans, Elton John, Bob The Builder
I found this film very boring indeed! It reminded me of those old films, you know where the two dogs and a cat get lost and have to find there way home, except I enjoyed those films! I would imagine that even children would struggle with it!
TheReaper 04.01.2002 14:56
Good op - though I do not really agree - I liked it anyway... TR
offy 02.01.2002 22:51
Superb title! This film sounds a bit disappointing, but I still want to see it as the trailers looked fun. I'm sure some of the scenes are played out daily by my cat and dog.
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![Cats And Dogs [DVD] [2001]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78545313.jpg "Cats And Dogs [DVD] [2001]")
Jan 2nd, 2002
very helpful by (100%):
