OK for kids 5+
Goofy animal adventure is full of first-grade humor.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this action-comedy sequel includes a good bit of goofy cat-and-dog humor and physical comedy that's OK for elementary schoolers but may not be age-appropriate for preschoolers. Overall, most of the jokes and sight gags are rather tame, although there are quite a few product placements, some use of language like "butt" and "stupid," and a long pet prison sequence that features a cat that sounds and acts like Hannibal Lecter. Of course, most children won't understand the reference, but Mr. Tinkles is still one creepy cat. Note: Since 3-D technology intensifies scenes, it's possible that young kids unfamiliar with the format may be jumpy during the action sequences.
- 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?
The good stuff
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Educational value: The way the cats and dogs put aside their hostility to work together is a good lesson for children.
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Messages: The movie's main message is that if you look beyond the label "enemy," you could find a friend, a partner, a person who can help you. That's what the cats and dogs do, and they manage to defeat an evil cat in the process.
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Role models: Diggs is impetuous, but he always means well in the end. Catherine overcomes her fear of water to help get her and Diggs out of a dangerous situation. Butch realizes he was wrong to dump Diggs as a partner.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: Kitty Galore is an evil mastermind who plans to destroy all dogs in her plan for world domination. She almost succeeds in having Diggs and Catherine killed. There's an explosion and a couple of near disasters, but there are more threats of violence than actual violent scenes. There are also several scenes in which animals do stunts and escape from scrapes a la James Bond.
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Sexy stuff: Diggs flirts with female dogs (Afghans) -- i.e. "Helloooo, ladies!" Another character is taunted with "who's your daddy?"
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Language: Some uses of "butt," "crazy," "stupid," and the like.
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Consumerism: Several brands are mentioned or shown, including iMac, Petco, HBO, Google, and Dr. Phil.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: There's an extended gag about cats who've consumed too much catnip (think "pothead" stereotypes/jokes with cats); Mr. Tinkles is shown having a tropical drink on a beach.
Fan Reviews provided by
1
Not worth it in 3D by 30sumthing_mom
Took our two kids (7 and 9, girl/boy) to see this tonight in 3D. Cost us $50. COMPLETELY not worth it. Most of the movie wasn't even in 3-D aside from the title screens and some small stuff thrown in here and there.
Also, the movie itself was just awful. At least when I was forced to sit through Marmaduke and G-Force, the kids were laughing at the potty humor. There was not a lot of humor in this movie, it was just a kiddied-down action movie. Yawn. This was my first 3-D experience and a lot of the 3-D previews were awesome, but I wish I had just saved my money for Megamind or something more worth it. This wasn't even worth the regular price. Don't waste your money, wait for Megamind or go see Despicable Me or Marmaduke instead.
4
Five Word Review by rpcalico
cute funny and entertaining movie
5
Cats and Dogs The revenge of Kitty Galore by mrsdavidkopp
I took my Girl scout troop to see this movie on Aug 10,2010.We had so much fun watching this I can't wait until they come out with another one of these movies.The gilrs had a blast.Thank you.WENDY K
4
Fun for the whole family by kbonfiglio
This movie did not necessarily seem like one I would enjoy. Thus I was pleasantly surprised. There was a lot of adult humor and plays on other movies so I found myself enjoying the constant "inside jokes". The plot was easy enough to follow and my children thoroughly enjoyed it. They did find parts of is a bit scary though - but I think that's b/c they are 4 and 5 yrs old and easily frightened by hero-type plots. Overall I would recommend this movie for younger kids. Everyone in the audience seemed to like it.
4
Time with kids A+ by jobart32
I think the best part of this movie was that it was the choice of my 7 year old! She enjoyed the movie a LOT - but it wasn't super amazing. It was definitely worth going at a discount time frame -- I don't know if I would have felt the same if I had paid full price. If you are looking for something to do that your child REALLY wants to see -- GO -- you and your child will enjoy it. If you're trying to pick a movie that BOTH you and your child will enjoy -- this is NOT it :-(
5
Must see movie!!! by lindzy
This is a must see movie!!! Take your whole family to see this out of this world movie!! Don't see this movie in 3D. It ruins the whole effect. You should really go see it in 2D. There are many suprises even though you have already seen it before! This movie blows Marmuduke away!!! If you can only see one movie, see this one!!
3
Cats and Dogs Better than You Think by JimmytheFilmGuy
Watching the previews gives you the wrong impression of this movie. It's a kids' film, no doubt about it, and my 8 year old loved it. And it has its share of potty humor and barf jokes. But it's also a clever send-up of James Bond movies, including a theme song sung by Shirley Bassey, an opening title sequence that is spot on, and a slew of inside jokes only the true Bond-phile will appreciate.
For all that, the voice acting is pretty good, with a standout performance by Sean Hayes as Mr. Tinkles, the Hannibal Lecther wannabe. Once you get past the James Bond humor, the writing features old jokes and a reasonably hackneyed storyline. It's a shame the character Seamus was written as a stereotypical smart talking African American: I think the sun has set on the novelty of that character.
Will you like this movie? Yes, yes you will. It tries to reach beyond its kid movie roots and bring something to the paying members of the audience, and you will appreciate that.
4
Cats and Dogs by JudithWatler
Good movie - kids thoroughly enjoyed.
5
Cats and Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore by stecksmovies
Very funny and great for all ages!
5
It was great!! by darkangelaag
I walked into the theater's 2 minues late. I thought that te mve probably would not have been good, if only 3 people are there. Also, normally the sequel is not good. ALthough, the movie was great. It was totally fun. Totally worth the money. It was hilarious, and took simple things in life and made them funny (dog sniffing each other). I thought it was great. I went with my cousin who couldn't stop tlaking about it afterword.
-----GREAT MOVIE------