THE CAT IN THE HAT (2003) 1 star out of 4. Starring Mike Myers, Alec Baldwin, Kelly Preston, Dakota Fanning, Spencer Breslin and Sean Hayes. Based on the book by Dr. Seuss. Screenplay by Alec Berg & David Mandel & Jeff Schaffer. Directed by Bo Welch. Rated PG. Running time: 81 minutes.
Universal last gave us Jim Carrey as Grinch. And when it got panned, they didn't even flinch.
They turned right around and just like that, they put Mike Myers in the hat of The Cat.
And now Dr. Seuss has again been abused. For The Cat in the Hat on film is ill used.
It's not even for kids. it's not even funny. To be totally honest, it's a waste of money.
It lacks the magic of Seuss, of his lasting words. On film, this Cat is just for the birds.
Myers lacks charm, he's creepy as the Cat Someone else should have donned, that big feline's hat.
He's unctuous and grating. he's sure no laugh riot. Too many entendres for a kids' movie diet.
The wisdom of Seuss is missing in action. The laughs are so scarce; they're only a fraction.
A mom and a neighbor pop onto the scene: Kelly Preston, Alec Baldwin with not much to glean.
The film's writers forgot An important detail. The lessons of youth are the meat of this tale.
The Cat is a letdown, I ruefully confess. Once again the studio has made Seuss a mess.
So here's what I say, this is my hook. You'd be better off reading your children the book.
Bob Bloom is the film critic at the Journal and Courier in Lafayette, IN. He can be reached by e-mail at bbloom@journalandcourier.com or at bobbloom@iquest.net. Other reviews by Bloom can be found at www.jconline.com by clicking on movies. Bloom's reviews also appear on the Web at the Rottentomatoes Web site, www.rottentomatoes.com and at the Internet Movie Database: http://www.imdb.com/M/reviews_by?Bob+Bloom
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