by Emilia Ippolito

Award winner British director Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech) gives cinema goers an unusual Christmas gift this year : Cats on the big screen

Cats as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s worldwide musical success premiered in the West End in May 1981: London was a different planet then!
The musical recently closed only just last year, whilst it continues to be staged on Broadway

It tells the story of ‘Jellicles’ cats : TS Eliot’s original idea in his Old Possum’s Book Of Practical Cats : a precious little gem for poetry and of course, cats’ lovers...! The successful music is by A L Webber and script and lyrics by both Webber and eclectic Trevor Nunn: a treat in itself

In case you were wondering who on earth the ‘jellicle ‘ cats are, here : these are cats awaiting their next life : as we know, they are supposed to have nine; so once a year they all attend a Jellicle Ball, during which they tell their personal story and where the Old Deuteronimous (Judy Dench) decides who amongst them deserves a new life

We see a remarkable cast singing and dancing about their past and their potential future : Francesca Hayward, Taylor Swift, nasty Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Laurie Davidson, Robert Fairchild, Ian McKellan, hilarious Rebel Wilson and even James Corden give very good performances of singing and dancing

I was extremely surprised by both negative reviews and Corden’s dismissive and critical attitude towards the movie : I don’t think anyone forced him either into Cats or into that role ?

One thing I can assure you of: ignore reviews on this one, go see it for yourself and you will enjoy; of course you shouldn’t expect Mendes‘ or Nolan’s master scripts or highly intelligent narratives, however this is a perfect Christmas treat !

A personal message to cats lovers - I am certainly one - you’ll even get tips on how to address our stylish and wonderful feline friends: you won’t regret the experience!

Director: Tom Hooper

Cast: James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba,Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson, Francesca Hayward