As a content creator for solcat.net, I’ve taken a look at the sequel to the popular 2001 film, Cats & Dogs. To be frank, expectations weren’t sky-high for Cats & Dogs 2: The Revenge of Kitty Galore. Sequels, especially those arriving almost a decade later, can often miss the mark. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find this movie offers more entertainment value than anticipated, making it a reasonable choice for a family movie night. While it’s not a cinematic masterpiece, it certainly surpasses some of the less memorable children’s films released in recent years.
One of the film’s strengths lies in its energetic pacing and abundance of action sequences. For younger viewers, this constant movement and playful chaos will likely hold their attention throughout. The animated animals themselves are genuinely appealing. Whether you’re a cat person or a dog enthusiast, the characters are designed to be both cute and comical, ensuring broad appeal across the audience. There’s a definite charm in seeing these furry agents engage in secret missions and humorous antics.
Alt text: Animated dogs Butch and Diggs, main characters from Cats & Dogs 2 movie, prepared for a mission.
The voice acting is another highlight. The cast is undeniably talented, injecting considerable energy into what is, at times, a rather predictable and cheesy script. Marsden delivers a likable performance as Diggs, the lead dog. Nick Nolte steps in to replace Alec Baldwin as Butch, providing his signature gruff voice to the hardened canine character. Christina Applegate brings a sassy edge to Catherine, while Bette Midler clearly relishes her role as the villainous Kitty Galore. Roger Moore’s voice work as Tab Lazenby, the head of the feline spy agency M.E.O.W., is a particular treat, offering a clever stream of James Bond parodies that will likely amuse adults in the audience. This subtle humor layered within the film adds an extra dimension for parents watching with their children.
Alt text: Evil cat character Kitty Galore from Cats Dogs 2 movie, scheming and plotting revenge.
However, Cats & Dogs 2 is not without its flaws. The plot is undeniably thin and relies on numerous eye-rolling moments of cartoonish logic. While this is to be expected in a children’s film, some plot points feel particularly contrived. Furthermore, despite a substantial $85 million budget, the CGI animation occasionally falls short of expectations. In certain scenes, the integration of the animated animals with the live-action environment appears less polished than one might hope for in a movie of this scale.
The humor is also somewhat inconsistent. While there are genuinely funny moments, many of the gags are predictable and don’t quite land. That being said, there are comedic gems scattered throughout. A memorable parody of Silence of the Lambs provides the film’s standout laugh-out-loud moment, showcasing the writers’ ability to inject clever humor when they hit the mark.
Alt text: Live-action character Shane and animated dog Diggs from Cats & Dogs 2 movie interacting in a scene.
Chris O’Donnell, as the live-action character Shane, Diggs’ former police officer partner, unfortunately delivers a less compelling performance. His over-the-top acting feels out of sync with the tone of the film and represents a low point in his otherwise respectable career.
In conclusion, Cats & Dogs 2: The Revenge of Kitty Galore is a passable family film that offers enough lighthearted entertainment to keep children occupied, particularly on a rainy day. It’s not groundbreaking cinema, but it provides a decent dose of animal antics, action, and some genuinely funny moments, especially thanks to its talented voice cast and Roger Moore’s playful Bond references. Parents seeking undemanding entertainment for their kids could do worse than settling in for this sequel. It earns a respectable, if not enthusiastic, rating.
