CATS the Movie (2019) review

CATS the movie (2019) would be getting a lot of bad reviews right now but to be fair with Tom Hooper and the ensembles and crew that made this musical movie to the big screen, I think it is not so bad. In fact, for a musical that has been very mysterious to me even if I watched it in theater, the movie is a good help to understand its plot. For those who are looking for a storyline behind this celebrated Andrew Lloyd Weber musical, the feline treat is yours to love or hate.

Taylor Swift as Bombalurina in CATS

For the set design, this one offered more to visualize what's going on, from the dumps to the human jungle as where a cat would dwell. An affordable treat for everyone who can't see it in live theater.

Cats is an imperfect movie and there are lots of changes that was lifted from the musical to give a different Cats experience. Non-fans and first-timers may not fully understand it with their complex and uber poetic names that's why "The Naming of Cats" was sung. Let's wait if there's a sing-along version. 😉

The ensemble is no question very talented and the body flexibility is very noticeable. Especially Francesca Hayward whose ballet dancing skills were amazing. You'll have fun with the dance spectacle until the Jellicle Ball.

Francesca Hayward as Victoria in CATS

While Cats features James Corden (Bustopher Jones) and Rebel Wilson (Jennyanydots), their roles were almost forgettable and you can just move fast for the next number. But then Jason Derulo as Rum Tug Tugger was eating his words for the song. They changed Old Deuteronomy! Judi Dench gave the matriarchal appeal for Old Deut but try to research on a certain "back story" and what it implies, you'll begin to ask Tom Hooper a big "WHY?"

Costumes are okay but I hoped that they had completely taken advantage of the CGI time and listened to the critics when their trailer first appeared. Fingers and fingers everywhere when you could have expected furry paws. They missed the noses. The Jellicle Moon appears and the cats tails were like something that a kid should not see. Then Idris Elba's Macavity especially when he strips his coat (was he wearing another cat's fur?) leaves me out of words to say. Sometimes I can see seams from their costumes which could have been avoided. 😩

Jennifer Hudson's Grizabella and Memory were ok but I think went too much over the top. They didn't even gave her a tissue for wiping but I really felt her. There are some awkward shots that makes her head a little smaller.

Jennifer Hudson as Grizabella in CATS

I guess that Cats deserves our opinions but I suggest that you do your research first or watch the clips from YT. Now showing in theaters and bring your family to the Jellicle Ball.

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THE GOOD LIAR movie review

What started from a good relationship turns out to be a well-crafted swindling act in The Good Liar. Two amazing actors, Ian McKellen plays as Roy Courtnay and Helen Mirren as Betty McLeish begin as two lovable characters and their true selves reveal as the story unfolds.

Both started to be very lovable but when Roy shifts as a conman dealing with millions of money, you'll hate him very much and feel bad about Betty. His antics are very well planned and he can get away with it flawlessly.

Ian McKellen as Roy Courtnay

Meanwhile Helen Mirren gets to have your affection effectively and she'll draw you to be concerned of her character, Betty.

Helen Mirren as Betty McLeish

As the story goes along, the scenes are becoming predictable but exciting with hidden twists. You cannot really much distinguish which character is telling the truth as the title suggests. A good eye and playful mind will applaud this wonderfully written screenplay about truth and deception.

The Good Liar is now showing in the Philippines, distributed by Warner Bros. Philippines.

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BEAUTY AND THE BEAST movie review

More than 25 years since we experienced the magic of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. And the live adaptation featuring Emma Watson (Belle), Dan Stevens (Beast / Prince), Kevin Kline (Maurice), Luke Evans (Gaston), Josh Gad (Le Fou) and more will not disappoint when it comes to theaters starting today. It was still as magical and the musical experience it presented more than 2 decades ago will have you inspired and bring back the memories of childhood and love.

Prepare for a grandiose production. Beginning with the provincial life to the Beast's castle, the set detailing is amazing. The castle, accentuated with gargoyles, leaves and coils present the luxurious life of the Beast Prince. Even the provincial life where Belle is, gives a relaxing feeling of the countryside but a rude and nosy neighborhood lies in secret despite the peaceful atmosphere.

The theme Ballroom scene is definitely more magical. Equally grand with "Be Our Guest".

The Ballroom

It will be the delight to hear the songs "How Can a Moment Last Forever" by Maurice, "Evermore" by the Beast, "Days in the Sun" by the young Prince, which are all well-sung and heartfelt by the artists. Emma Watson's keys were a bit lower than the previous versions that we know of.

I think Emma Watson is bit underacting the role. Just my opinion on the grand "Be Our Guest" performance of the dining ensembles. She's okay for the role of Belle had she given more feelings on many parts of the movie. Luke Evans is great! Playing the conceited Gaston and makes him a good villain. Even the animated objects are more felt than the lead role of Belle. But all in all, I still have to commend on the great production effort made on this.

On the gay issue of the role of Le Fou (Josh Gad), I think it doesn't really tackle on his issues and attraction to Gaston. It just gives a comic relief on his role other than being a sidekick of the latter.

Beauty and the Beast is best experience on IMAX 3D.

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