Dr Seuss’s lyricism and imagination has earned him worldwide recognition in the field of children’s literature. Although the illustrations are distinctive and recognisable, it’s the words that resonate, ergo making it a daunting task to bring the stories to the silver screen. However, the 2000 Xmas comedy caper adaption, The Grinch, succeeded. Opening the barrier for the studios to try again, and did so in 2003 when they combined a cat with a hat.

In the scenic suburbs of Anville we meet working single mother Joan and her two kids, Conrad & Sally, she has to cater to a germophobic and dictatorial boss, and her luck has gone from bad to worse, as she must cater a party for him. If it wasn’t for her chaotic and messy children, this would be a cake walk. She grounds the kids from the living room and leaves them in the care of Mrs. Kwan. So, the kids are trapped, bored in the house, they meet the eponymous Cat in the Hat, who after breaking into their home introduces them to a world of reality-bending fun. But how much is too much for The Cat In The Hat?

Riding off the success of Shrek, Mike Myers steps it up here by providing not just his voice to his role but fully committing to acting as well. He’s quite versatile in that literal catsuit, allowing him to excel in some fine physical comedy. The cat has more gadgets in his hat than Inspector Gadget and is more knowledgeable than I in the realm of pop-culture. But this just the beginning of this well-regarded cast. Alan Baldwin has a charm as the antagonistic new boyfriend of Joan. Dakota Fanning from an early age clearly shows she is destined for much bigger things. Along with Spencer Breslin brings a mischievous but enjoyable energy to the proceedings.

Like the book itself, the film Is a world that’s full of colour and creativity. The town of Anville is recognisable yet twisted. And there’s a lot of fun in store with more geometrically inventive C.G.I. realms for our protagonists to explore. C.G.I. also brings about a talking fish, who serves as a moral compass for the trio. Anticipating that the audience would be made up of families, The Cat In The Hat mixes the jokes for young fans and old fans. Myers brings physical comedy that has worked so well for Jim Carey and others. Along with references and some gags that might fly over the heads of the little ones. In short, the film delights in visual and word plays, to the credit of the source material.

The Cat In The Hat is a colourful and energetic experience, just like the writings of Seuss himself. A cornucopia of gags, references and comedy to appeal to children of any age. The Cat In The Hat does justice to the source material as well as spreading its own creative wings. If you’re looking for the cure for the blues, this cool feline has the right idea.

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