CATS & DOGS: THE REVENGE OF KITTY GALORE - Kids' Stuff

CATS & DOGS: THE REVENGE OF KITTY GALORE (fantasy comedy in 3D)
Voice Cast: Christina Applegate, Michael Clarke Duncan, Neil Patrick Harris, Sean Hayes, James Marsden, Bette Midler, Nick Nolte, Joe Pantoliano, Katt Williams and Chris O'Donnell
Director: Brad Peyton
Writers: Ron J. Friedman and Steve Bencich
Time: 82 mins
Rating: * * (out of 4)


PREAMBLE: This is the sequel to the 2001 Cats & Dogs and if you are wondering about its subtitle, it is inspired by the James Bond girl Pussy Galore (from Goldfinger). Now, why anyone would want to name a kiddie movie with the crude 'double entendre' is anyone's guess. Maybe the name Kitty Galore alludes to the space-age style of spy action pastiche that this lame sequel indulges in.

WHAT'S IT ABOUT? The canine hero here is Diggs (voice of James Marsden), a police K9 member who is not known for his obedience to his handler (Chris O'Donnell as Officer Shane). Somehow, Diggs is recruited by a top secret organisation of dogs to help stop a feline terrorist named Kitty Galore (Bette Midler) from her plot to drive every dog in the world mad.

Teaming up with the vetaran Butch (Nick Nolte) and a fast-talking pigeon (Katt Williams), Diggs go through the usual rigmarole of action and spy movie spoofs to 'save the world' (what else?).

HITS & MISSES: While the first movie, which was the adventures of a family turned out rather cute and charming, this one tries to reach for the sky and turns out to be another spoof like Epic Movie and Disaster Movie. It has references to Hannibal Lecter at Alcatraz, the Bond films, Terminator, etc but many gags fall flat. Scripters Ron J. Friedman and Steve Bencich must have written down a list of cat and dog cliches (like What's Up, Dog?) and made it a point to use all of them in the movie.

The big name cast provide a credible performance but the 3D gimmicks do not enhance the excitement. In fact, they are a waste of time and money. Oh yes, there is a Road Runner cartoon clip in 3D before the main feature, ostensibly to add value to your ticket and bump up the footage.

THE LOWDOWN: Mainly for kids and pet lovers.