For those reluctantly dragged to a kids’ movie, “Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore” offers a pleasant surprise. Admittedly, expectations were low for this follow-up to the 2001 hit, but this iteration manages to deliver more entertainment than anticipated. While it won’t be winning any awards, and certainly sits above some truly dire children’s films released recently, it’s a perfectly acceptable way to spend a couple of hours with younger viewers.
The film’s strength lies in its fast-paced action, guaranteed to keep children engaged. The animated animals themselves are genuinely appealing, eliciting both laughs and “awws” from the audience. However, the plot occasionally veers into ridiculous territory, requiring a significant suspension of disbelief. Furthermore, the CGI visuals, despite an $85 million budget, appear somewhat dated and underwhelming.
Humor in “Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore” is a mixed bag, but when the jokes land, they are genuinely funny. A standout moment is a clever parody of “Silence of the Lambs,” providing the film’s biggest laugh. Adding to the comedic charm is Roger Moore as Tab Lazenby, the head of the feline spy agency M.E.O.W., whose voice work is filled with playful James Bond references. The talented voice cast, including Marsden as the canine lead Diggs, Nolte as the gruff Butch, Applegate as the sassy Catherine, and Midler clearly relishing her role as the villainous Kitty Galore, all contribute commendable energy to a script that occasionally dips into cheesy territory. Less successful is Chris O’Donnell as Shane, the live-action human character and Diggs’ former police partner. His over-the-top performance unfortunately marks a career low point.
“Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore” ultimately provides decent entertainment for families seeking a movie to watch together on a rainy day. It earns a respectable 2.5 out of 5 stars, placing it firmly in the “ordinary” to “good” range for a children’s film. It’s not a classic, but it’s far from rubbish, offering enough amusement to justify a viewing.
