Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Goofy animal adventure is full of first-grade humor.
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Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 16 parent reviews
Based on 28 kid reviews
Kids say that this movie has a mix of fun moments and mild action suitable for younger audiences, although many find it boring or lacking compared to its predecessor. While some appreciate the humor and simplicity for kids aged 6 to 9, others criticize it for violence and a confusing plot that might not engage older viewers.
- action-packed
- funny moments
- suitable for kids
- mixed reviews
- violence concerns
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In this not-exactly-long-awaited sequel to 2001's Cats & Dogs, the nefarious cat Kitty Galore (voiced by Bette Midler) masterminds a plan to make the entire canine population of the world go mad so that she and her feline followers can enslave humans. It's an ambitious scheme, especially since an elite, top-secret organization of dogs, DOGS -- led by distinguished beagle Lou (Neil Patrick Harris) -- is out to stop her. Australian Shepherd Butch (Nick Nolte), a veteran investigator, is tapped to break in rookie partner Diggs (James Marsden), who's recruited after being let go from the San Francisco Police Department's K-9 unit. When the DOGS agents realize that catching Kitty requires some insider knowledge, they team up with their mortal enemies -- Catherine (Christina Applegate) and other agents in the MEOWS squad -- to bring down the crazy cat.
Is It Any Good?
In this day of ubiquitous, unnecessary 3-D films, this is yet another example of why there's no need to make every kid-marketed film come with a $4 surcharge and oversized glasses. Although there are a few laughs in the movie, there's also a whole lot of eye-rolling for parents. What works best in the plot is the buddy-cop angle with Nolte and Marsden's canines. There's an obvious 48 Hours/Lethal Weapon vibe between the two dogs -- one is a wise veteran and the other an immature hotheaded newbie -- and the rapport feels genuine (albeit ridiculously familiar). And the dog and cat agent headquarters are amusing, but the overlong gags about a cat lady's brood that's "high" on catnip and the Hannibal Lecter-esque Mr. Tinkles get old alarmingly fast.
Midler is evilly delicious as the megalomaniacal Kitty Galore, although it's a bit disappointing that she didn't contribute anything to the soundtrack, which does feature a fantastically campy rendition of "Get the Party Started" by Shirley Bassey. Kids who have yet to outgrow the allure of every single talking-animal comedy will enjoy the silly jokes, but grown-ups may find the CGI and the animal lip movements a tad off-putting after a while -- not to mention the stale one-liners.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why it's important that the cats and dogs get over their differences to work together. Can you think of a similar real-life situation? Is it dangerous to make assumptions about people?
Who do the movie's jokes appeal to most? Do you think kids get all the pop culture references? Are they funny for adults?
Some people love talking-animal movies, and other people hate them. What do you think?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 30, 2010
- On DVD or streaming : November 16, 2010
- Cast : Bette Midler , Chris O'Donnell , James Marsden , Nick Nolte
- Director : Brad Peyton
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Run time : 82 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : animal action and humor
- Last updated : September 26, 2019
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