The new animated take on Dr. Seuss’ “The Cat in the Hat” leans into frenetic comedy and visual chaos, but its silliness does not consistently bring the warmth associated with the source material. The film has funny moments, including an extended, silent slow-motion gag featuring a swimming fish, but the quieter sequence stands out amid the surrounding mayhem.
Bill Hader voices the Cat, recast here as an employee of the Institution of Imagination and Inspiration. He is sent to lift the spirits of siblings Gabby and Sebastian after their family moves to a new town. The assignment comes with pressure from his boss, Mr. Hoogeboom, while the Cat also gets help from HR director Sherri and contends with an officious intern.
The Cat takes the children on a string of chaotic adventures involving fantastical characters and an expanded crowd of Things. The film also features a marching band made from musical instruments and several monsters. Its voice cast includes Quinta Brunson, Bowen Yang, Giancarlo Esposito, America Ferrera and Matt Berry.
Berry is a particular standout as Waffles, the family’s goldfish, whose dry, composed observations provide some of the film’s biggest laughs. Hader gives the title character an energetic performance, but the review finds that his manic delivery cannot fully overcome a pedestrian storyline. The plot can become muddled as directors and screenwriters Erica Rivinoja and Alessandro Carloni pack in multiple animation styles and competing comic ideas.
More a sequel to the original story than a straightforward adaptation, the 1-hour-47-minute film is rated PG. It is described as a potentially diverting choice for young children, though its uneven tone and overabundance of activity keep it from making the most of its premise.
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter.