Review of Cats Don't Dance (1997) by Bryce F — 24 Mar 2011
The soundtrack to this movie is going to be stuck in my head for days now! "Cats Don't Dance" was Warner Bros.' take on creating an animated feature that could combat the Dinsey cartoon empire of the 1990s.
I'd say this one's just about on par with those, and in my opinion, is underrated. I find it interesting that this movie captures the caricature essence of the golden age of Hollywood, much like the old Looney Tunes cartoons (picture Bugs Bunny's classic "Ya see, ya!" impression of Edward G.
Robinson), and yet this film was clearly aimed at a younger audience that wouldn't recognize half of the 'classic Hollywood' references (not to say we didn't enjoy them!). I think that's just one of the many factors that made this brightly colored, catchy themed animated film appeal to me now in a different way than it did when I was younger.
The film's a bit fast paced for its genre's typical arc, but heck, it sure does make up for it with some awesome songs by Randy Newman! All in all, this film reminds me of how "starry eyed" some of us used to get when thinking of the classic movies this feature embodies (most notably, "Singin' In The Rain"), and how in a way this served as an inspiration for any of us that wanted to end up in the entertainment world (Although, why do directors always have to be portrayed as fruity snobs?) It's a great feel-good animation that makes any starry-eyed kid think he/she has a chance.
As Danny (Scott Bakula) says, "See you in the movies!".
This review of Cats Don't Dance (1997) was written by Bryce F on 24 Mar 2011.
Cats Don't Dance has generally received positive reviews.
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