 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat
- Review Date: August 6, 2012
- NR
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2012
Common Sense Media says
Classic Dr. Seuss story is mischievous fun for whole family.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat is a classic 1970s animated adaptation of the classic children's book. For decades, Theodor S. Geisel-aka-Dr. Seuss' six-foot-tall cat has delighted young children around the world with his silly songs, pals Thing One and Two, and general mischief making. There's nothing objectionable about the feature, although some parents and teachers might be put off by the idea of a stranger coming to the kids' house when parents are away. The Cat in the Hat is one of the most recognizable characters in children's literature, and this is the signature screen adaptation of his story.
What's the story?
Based on Dr. Seuss' 1957 children's book, DR. SEUSS'S THE CAT IN THE HAT follows a young sister and brother who are home alone and bored to no end until in swoops a six-foot cat wearing a red-and-white stovepipe hat and a red bowtie. The Cat (voiced by Allan Sherman) immediately alarms the kids' pet fish, Mr. Krinklebein (Daws Butler), who insists the Cat immediately leave. But the Cat in the Hat returns, claiming the fish stole his moss-covered, three-
Is it any good?
This short-and-sweet adaptation of Theodor Geisel's iconic tale will prove nostalgic for many parents while still amusing the newest generation of Seuss devotees. There's something truly timeless about the Cat in the Hat and his mischievous antics, even if the animation and the musical numbers are a bit dated (the special first aired on CBS in 1971).
The songs are all catchy (there's even a sing-along version of the movie in the bonus features), but by far the most memorable is the titular "Cat in the Hat" song in which the Cat details how to say his name in various languages, from French to "Eskimo." Kids will likely keep singing "chat chapeau and gato sombrero" after the musical number is finished. At only 25 minutes, this feature is a fine way to entertain even the youngest Seuss fan.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about why Dr. Seuss' stories are so timeless. What is it about The Cat in the Hat that speaks to even the youngest readers and viewers? What is your favorite Dr. Seuss-based movie or show?
Do you think the Cat in the Hat is a role model? If not, why do you think he's still so popular?
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| Topics: | book characters, brothers and sisters, cats, dogs, and mice |
| Studio: | Warner Home Video |
| Director: | Hawley Pratt |
| Cast: | Allan Sherman, Daws Butler |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 25 minutes |
| DVD release date: | August 7, 2012 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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