Cats movie reviews – what did the critics make of the film adaption?

Reviews have dropped for the film adaption of Cats – what did the critics make of it?

Since its world premiere in 1981, the musical Cats has become a worldwide hit with productions in over 30 countries seen by more than 70 million people.

Now a film adaption of the stage musical is on its way to cinemas, currently scheduled for release in the UK this week (December 20)

The Cats movie features an all star cast including Taylor Swift as Bombalurina, Ian McKellen as Gus the Theatre Cat, James Jordan as Bustopher Jones, Jennifer Hudson as Grizabella, Rebel Wilson as Jennyanydots, Idris Elba as Macavity, Judi Dench as Old Deuteronomy and Jason Derulo as Rum Tum Tugger.

However despite the line up of big names – and direction from Tom Hooper, who previously directed the Les Misérables film adaption – the movie has failed to impress the critics.

Cats reviews

BBC – 2/5
“Cats isn’t the cat-astrophe that everyone either feared or hoped for back in July, but it isn’t a triumphant vindication of Hooper’s vision, either.” – Read the full review

The Guardian – 1/5
“The queasy fears prompted by one of the most disturbing movie trailers ever seen are realised in full in Tom Hooper’s jaw-dropping feline folly. Read the full review

Evening Standard – 2/5
“There are moments when this film seems not so much an adaptation of a nonsense classic as a horror story, nearly as obscene as The Human Centipede.” Read the full review

The Telegraph – 0/5
“A sinister, all-time disaster from which no one emerges unscathed.” Read the full review

However there are some positive reviews…

The Financial Times – 4/5
“Cats lands on its feet with terrific choreography, Judi Dench, James Corden and Taylor Swift.” Read the full review

Daily Mail – 4/5
“I actually think that eight out of ten cinemagoers will say that they’ve enjoyed it, as long as they go along prepared for what they’re about to see, which is essentially a feline-themed ballet.” Read the full review

Cats is in cinemas from Friday, December 20 across the UK.

Alongside the film release, an accompanying soundtrack is available to pre-order to download or stream here.