In 2019, Universal Pictures released a film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical "Cats". Directed by Tom Hooper, the film had a star-studded cast that included Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Jennifer Hudson, and Taylor Swift, among others.
However, the film instantly garnered mixed reactions from critics and audiences alike. While some praised the performances and the impressive visual effects used to create the anthropomorphic feline characters, others criticized the film's awkward pacing and outdated source material.
One major point of contention was the design of the characters, with many finding them to be unsettling and unappealing. The use of "digital fur technology" to create the actors' furry appearances also drew scrutiny.
Despite its shortcomings, "Cats" did receive three nominations at the 2020 Golden Globe Awards, including one for Best Original Song for Taylor Swift's "Beautiful Ghosts". However, it ultimately failed to make a major impact at the box office, with the film underperforming and becoming a financial disappointment for Universal.
Overall, the 2019 Universal Pictures "Cats" adaptation was a memorable but polarizing moment in film history, highlighting the potential risks and rewards of adapting beloved but challenging source material.