In a surprising departure from the trend of digital animals in live-action films, the French-Canadian comedy "Cat and Dog" bursts onto the scene, delivering a whirlwind of slapstick humor with its zany animal antics.
First off, let's breathe a sigh of relief that no digitally animated dogs or cats were harmed during the making of this movie. And speaking of titles, why Netflix decided to retitle "Chien & Chat" (Dog and Cat) to "Cat and Dog" for U.S. streaming is anyone's guess. Perhaps it's because I happen to be reviewing it on a "Caturday" – who knows?
This irreverent romp follows the misadventures of two unlikely companions – a Labrador puppy and a cunning cat – as they find themselves on the run from both the law and a jewel thief. You see, the little pup has inadvertently swallowed the prized Candy Apple Ruby, and now everyone wants a piece of the action.
Prepare yourself for a comedy packed with crotch shots, juvenile bathroom humor, and an abundance of New York sass. There's no shortage of Trump jabs, Jesus jokes, and even blindness used as a sight gag. But amidst all the chaos, our furry protagonists face danger at every turn – from kicks to torture to narrowly avoiding gunfire.
What's truly amusing is the movie's rating – a "TV-MA" label supposedly for mature audiences. Trust me, this movie is anything but mature. With its lowbrow humor and lackluster comedy, it's hard to imagine anyone over the age of eight finding much to enjoy here. Parents, take note – this one comes with a firm "don't try this at home" warning.
At the center of the chaos is Frank Dubosc as the sly "Cat," aka "Jack," whose botched heist sets off a chain of wild events. And let's not forget Philippe Lacheau as the parkour-loving cop Brandt, whose pursuit only adds to the hilarity.
As Jack and his newfound furry friends navigate their way to New York City, they encounter mishap after mishap, with each misadventure bringing them closer to their destination. And through it all, the animals exchange insults and endearing banter in a language all their own.
But let's be real – the humor here is about as subtle as a sledgehammer. Lines like "I wanna sniff your butt" might elicit a chuckle from the younger crowd, but for most, it's a swing and a miss. And let's not even get started on the subplot involving a terroristic tween and a plump social media star cat.
In the end, "Cat and Dog" is a wild ride that falls short of its comedic ambitions. While it may have its moments, it's unlikely to win over audiences looking for anything more than mindless entertainment.
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