Cats & Dogs

Last updated

Cats & Dogs
Cats & Dogs film.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Lawrence Guterman
Written by
Produced by
Starring
Cinematography Julio Macat
Edited by
  • Rick W. Finney
  • Michael A. Stevenson
Music by John Debney
Production
companies
Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures [1]
Release date
  • July 4, 2001 (2001-07-04)(United States)
Running time
87 minutes [1]
Countries
  • United States [1]
  • Australia [1]
LanguageEnglish
Budget$60 million [3]
Box office$200.7 million [3]

Cats & Dogs is a 2001 spy-comedy film directed by Lawrence Guterman and written by John Requa and Glenn Ficarra. It stars Jeff Goldblum, Elizabeth Perkins and Alexander Pollock, with the voices of (among others) Tobey Maguire, Alec Baldwin, Sean Hayes, Susan Sarandon, Charlton Heston, Jon Lovitz, Joe Pantoliano and Michael Clarke Duncan.

Contents

The story centers on the relationships between cats and dogs, depicting the relationship as an intense rivalry in which both sides use organizations and tactics that mirror those used in human espionage. It was released by Warner Bros. Pictures on July 4, 2001. The film received mixed reviews and earned $200.7 million on a $60 million budget.

Plot

The Brody family's pet Bloodhound Buddy chases a cat and is captured by other cats in an ambush. Cats and dogs are revealed to be highly intelligent, tech-savvy enemies capable of speech, waging war with covert operatives while concealing their true nature from humans. After an Anatolian Shepherd dog named Butch reports Buddy's capture to his superiors, the best canine agents are dispatched to complete Buddy's mission: to prevent the cats from making all humans allergic to dogs.

At a local barn, a litter of Beagle puppies mock their youngest brother for trying to escape captivity. A Doberman Pinscher agent replaces the litter with a pack of Miniature Pinscher agents, failing to notice the youngest Beagle. Carolyn, the Brodys’ matriarch, arrives to adopt a new dog and selects the Beagle, naming him Lou after her son Scotty sarcastically suggests the name "Loser".

After detonating an explosive trap laid by cats for Lou, Butch – mistaking him for a trained operative – brings him to the dogs' underground network, and introduces agents Peek, a Chinese Crested Dog, and Sam, an Old English Sheepdog. Realizing Lou is a civilian, Butch raises his concerns to his superiors but is rebuffed. Lou is briefed on the origins of the conflict between cats and dogs, dating back to Ancient Egypt when cats ruled the world. Butch reveals that Buddy has escaped the cats and the spy trade, retiring to a condo in Boca Raton.

Meanwhile, Mr. Tinkles, a white Persian cat, plans to exploit the Brodys' patriarch Professor Charles' research on dog allergies to conquer the world. His scheming is interrupted by Sophie, his comatose owner's maid, who enjoys dressing Tinkles in embarrassing costumes. Tinkles orders his sidekick Calico, an Exotic Shorthair, to send Devon Rex ninjas to steal the research. Lou foils the theft and meets a former agent and Butch's ex-girlfriend Ivy, a Saluki who encourages him to bond with Scotty.

Mr. Tinkles contracts a Russian Blue mercenary named Dimitri Kennelkoff, who tricks Lou and places a bomb on Brody's lab door. Kennelkoff battles Lou and Butch, damaging the Brodys' house until Butch disables the bomb and captures Kennelkoff. During the interrogation, the dogs recover a note by Mr. Tinkles from Kennelkoff's stomach.

After a breakthrough involving Lou playing with Scotty, Charles' machine finally finds the formula to a cure for human allergies to dogs. Having bugged the house, Mr. Tinkles and Calico spring a trap for the Brodys. First, Mr. Tinkles travels to a Christmas tree flocking plant under the guise of the plant's comatose owner, Mr. Mason, and sends the employees home, then lures the Brodys with fake tickets to a soccer exhibition game, capturing the family.

The dogs receive a video from Mr. Tinkles demanding Charles' research as a ransom for the Brodys, and dogs around the world assemble at a meeting, led by a Mastiff. When the assembly decides not to surrender the formula, Lou confronts Butch. Revealing that he was abandoned by his owner, the unsympathetic Butch leaves Lou behind. Desperate, Lou brings Mr. Tinkles the research and is double-crossed. Butch, realizing what has happened, stages a raid of Mr. Tinkles' factory where mice are being prepared to spread the mass-produced allergy.

While Butch, Ivy, Peek, and Sam fight Tinkles' cat forces, Lou frees the Brodys and Calico, who was betrayed by Tinkles, revealing to the family that he can speak. Lou defeats Tinkles but is struck by an excavator as an explosion destroys the whole factory. Butch rescues the seemingly dead Lou, tearfully admitting that Lou was right to love his adoptive family, and Lou awakens. He decides to return to a normal pet's life with the Brodys until he can serve as a full-grown agent.

Meanwhile, Tinkles is sent to live with Sophie and her three sisters, where he is dressed in even more humiliating outfits as punishment for his actions against the dogs.

Cast

Voice cast

Puppeteers

Production

The film was shot in Vancouver, British Columbia and Eagle Creek Studios in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada [4] from June 19 to November 17, 2000. Lou's doghouse was filmed on Stage 1, Mr. Mason's office and the interior of the tree flocking factory was filmed on Stage 2, and the international meeting with the dogs was filmed on Stage 3, while the backyard of the Brody house was filmed on the studio backlot, [5] and the front exterior of the Brody house was filmed at 1661 W 45th Avenue in Vancouver. [6]

Release

Cats & Dogs was released with the classic Looney Tunes short "Chow Hound" which was also seen in the film itself. When released on Independence Day 2001, the film opened at #1, beating out Scary Movie 2 as it grossed $21.7 million over the Friday to Sunday span, averaging $7,140 from 3,040 theaters. It grossed $35.8 million over the Wednesday to Sunday span. [7] It dropped 44% the following weekend, dropping to the #3 spot, grossing $12 million, falling behind Legally Blonde and The Score , and bringing its 12-day gross to $58.9 million. [8] The film grossed $93.4 million in the US and $107.3 million overseas, for a total of $200.7 million worldwide on a $60 million budget.[ citation needed ]

Cats & Dogs was released on VHS and DVD on October 23, 2001. [9] An alternate ending that shows Sophie instead taking Mr. Tinkles to a pet hospital to be neutered was also included as one of the extras. It was later released on Blu-ray on July 20, 2010, [10] 10 days before the release of its sequel, The Revenge of Kitty Galore .

The soundtrack by composer John Debney was released in 2001. It includes What's New Pussycat? by Tom Jones.

Reception

Cats & Dogs has a 54% approval rating at Rotten Tomatoes based upon 117 reviews (63 positive, 54 negative) and an average rating of 5.5/10. The site's critical consensus reads: "A great concept, but the movie fails to develop the characters and some of the jokes are hit-or-miss". [11] On Metacritic , the film has a weighted average score of 47 out of 100 based upon 26 reviews, indicating "mixed or average reviews". [12]

The Washington Post's Jane Horwitz called it "[a] surprisingly witty and sophisticated spy movie spoof that will tickle adult pet lovers and still capture kids 6 and older with its boy-and-his-dog love story and pet slapstick". [13] Roger Ebert gave the film 3 stars out of 4, praising the special effects and the CGI. [14] In contrast, Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times wrote: "Irritating, childish and more frantic than funny, Cats & Dogs does manage some few pleasant moments, but they are not worth waiting for".[ citation needed ]

Cats & Dogs was nominated for the Young Artist Award for Best Feature Film (Comedy) and Best Performance in a Feature Film - Leading Young Actor (Alexander Pollock). John Debney won the ASCAP Award for his musical contribution to this film as well as The Princess Diaries and Spy Kids .

Heston received the 2001 Razzie Award for Worst Supporting Actor for his role as The Mastiff in this film, Mr. Claybourne in Town and Country , as well as for his cameo role in Tim Burton's remake of Planet of the Apes . [15]

Sequels

Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore (2010)

A sequel titled Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore, directed by Brad Peyton, was released on July 30, 2010. Michael Clarke Duncan, Joe Pantoliano, and Sean Hayes reprised their roles as Sam, Peek, and Mr. Tinkles while Nick Nolte and Wallace Shawn replaced Alec Baldwin and Jon Lovitz as Butch and Calico. In this film, Lou is now an adult and is voiced by Neil Patrick Harris. James Marsden, Christina Applegate, and Bette Midler voice new characters named Diggs, Catherine, and Kitty Galore respectively.

Cats & Dogs 3: Paws Unite! (2020)

A third installment and stand-alone sequel, subtitled Paws Unite!, features a new storyline taking place 10 years after the events of the previous film. However, unlike the previous two, the third film has been released as a straight-to-video release on digital on September 15, 2020, and on DVD and Blu-ray on October 13. It is also the only film to not have any of the original cast members. The new voice cast includes Melissa Rauch, Max Greenfield and George Lopez. It was directed by Sean McNamara, co-produced by Andrew Lazar and David Fliegel, and written by Scott Bindley. It is distributed by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. The film received a nationwide theatrical release in Australia on September 24, and in the UK on October 2.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beagle</span> Breed of small scent hound

The beagle is a breed of small scent hound, similar in appearance to the much larger foxhound. The beagle was developed primarily for hunting hare, known as beagling. Possessing a great sense of smell and superior tracking instincts, the beagle is the primary breed used as a detection dog for prohibited agricultural imports and foodstuffs in quarantine around the world. The beagle is a popular pet due to its size, good temper, and a lack of inherited health problems.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Harrier (dog breed)</span> A medium-sized hound bred for hunting hares by trailing them

The Harrier is a medium-sized dog breed of the hound class, used for hunting hares by trailing them. It resembles an English Foxhound but is slightly smaller, though not as small as a Beagle. The breed has been used since the mid 13th century.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scottish Terrier</span> Black terrier dog breed from Scotland

The Scottish Terrier, popularly called the Scottie, is a breed of dog. Initially one of the highland breeds of terrier that were grouped under the name of Skye Terrier, it is one of five breeds of terrier that originated in Scotland, the other four being the modern Skye, Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, and West Highland White terriers. They are an independent and rugged breed with a wiry outer coat and a soft dense undercoat. The first Earl of Dumbarton nicknamed the breed "the diehard". According to legend, the Earl of Dumbarton gave this nickname because of the Scottish Terriers' bravery, and Scotties were also the inspiration for the name of his regiment, The Royal Scots, Dumbarton’s Diehard. Scottish Terriers were originally bred to hunt vermin on farms.

<i>2 Stupid Dogs</i> American animated television series

2 Stupid Dogs is an American animated television series created and designed by Donovan Cook and produced by Hanna-Barbera Cartoons. It originally ran from September 5, 1993, to May 15, 1995, on TBS as a part of their Sunday Morning in Front of the TV block and in syndication. The show's main segments feature two unnamed dogs, called the "Big Dog" and the "Little Dog" in the credits. The show entirely used digital ink and paint in every episode.

Alexander Pollock is a Canadian realtor and former actor. He is best known for his roles as Corky in Big Bully (1996), Scotty Brody in Cats & Dogs (2001), and Richie/Elf Tight End in The Santa Clause 2 (2002).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tibetan Mastiff</span> Dog breed

The Tibetan Mastiff is a large size Tibetan dog breed. Its double coat is medium to long, subject to climate, and found in a wide variety of colors, including solid black, black and tan, various shades of red and bluish-gray, and sometimes with white markings around neck, chest and legs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">English Mastiff</span> Dog breed

The English Mastiff, or simply the Mastiff, is a British dog breed of very large size. It is likely descended from the ancient Alaunt and Pugnaces Britanniae, with a significant input from the Alpine Mastiff in the 19th century. Distinguished by its enormous size, massive head, short coat in a limited range of colours, and always displaying a black mask, the Mastiff is noted for its gentle and loving nature. The lineage of modern dogs can be traced back to the early 19th century, but the modern type was stabilised in the 1880s and refined since. Following a period of sharp decline, the Mastiff has increased its worldwide popularity. Throughout its history the Mastiff has contributed to the development of a number of dog breeds, some generally known as mastiff-type dogs or, confusingly, just as "mastiffs". It is the largest living canine, outweighing the wolf by up to 50 kg (110 lbs) on average.

<i>Teachers Pet</i> (2004 film) 2004 film directed by Timothy Björklund

Teacher's Pet is a 2004 American animated musical comedy film, which serves as the finale of the 2000 television series of the same name created by artist Gary Baseman. Produced by Walt Disney Television Animation and distributed by Buena Vista Pictures, the film was directed by series director Timothy Björklund and written by series creators Bill and Cheri Steinkellner. The film was released theatrically on January 16, 2004, to mostly positive reviews. It was a box office failure, grossing $6.5 million on a $10 million budget.

<i>How the Grinch Stole Christmas</i> (2000 film) 2000 Christmas film by Ron Howard

How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a 2000 American Christmas fantasy comedy film directed by Ron Howard, who also produced with Brian Grazer, from a screenplay written by Jeffrey Price and Peter S. Seaman. The film was based on Dr. Seuss's 1957 children's book of the same name, as the first Dr. Seuss book to be adapted into a full-length feature film and the first of only two live-action Dr. Seuss films. This was also the second adaptation of the book.

<i>Mans Best Friend</i> (1993 film) 1993 film by John Lafia

Man's Best Friend is a 1993 American science fiction horror film, directed and written by John Lafia. It stars Ally Sheedy, Lance Henriksen, Robert Costanzo, Frederic Lehne, John Cassini, and J. D. Daniels.

<i>Open Season 2</i> 2008 American computer-animated comedy film

Open Season 2 is a 2008 American animated comedy film and the sequel to the 2006 film Open Season, produced by Sony Pictures Animation. It was directed by Matthew O'Callaghan, co-directed by Todd Wilderman, and produced by Kirk Bodyfelt and Matthew O'Callaghan. It was released theatrically in other countries starting in South Africa on September 24, 2008, and direct-to-video in the United States on January 27, 2009. The film received mixed reviews and grossed $8.7 million worldwide.

<i>Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore</i> 2010 film by Brad Peyton

Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore is a 2010 spy comedy film directed by Brad Peyton in his directorial debut, produced by Andrew Lazar, Polly Johnsen, Greg Michael and Brent O'Connor and written by Ron J. Friedman and Steve Bencich based on the characters by John Requa and Glenn Ficarra. The film stars Chris O'Donnell and Jack McBrayer with an ensemble voice cast of James Marsden, Nick Nolte, Christina Applegate, Katt Williams, Bette Midler, Neil Patrick Harris, Sean Hayes, Joe Pantoliano, Michael Clarke Duncan, Wallace Shawn and Roger Moore. The film is a stand-alone sequel to the 2001 film Cats & Dogs, with more emphasis on its animal characters than the previous film, and was released on July 30, 2010, by Warner Bros. Pictures. It received mostly negative reviews from film critics and grossed $112.5 million on an $85 million budget.

<i>Marmaduke</i> (2010 film) 2010 American film directed by Tom Dey

Marmaduke is a 2010 American live-action/animated comedy film based on Brad Anderson's comic strip of the same name. The film centers on a rural Kansas family and their pets—a Great Dane named Marmaduke and his best friend, a Balinese cat named Carlos —as the family relocates to Orange County, California and has to face the challenges of starting a new life. The film was released on June 4, 2010 and received largely negative reviews from critics.

Mickey Mouse Mixed-Up Adventures is an American animated children's television series that was broadcast on Disney Junior. Produced by Disney Television Animation, the series is the successor to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Originally airing as Mickey and the Roadster Racers for its first two seasons, it debuted on its first two episodes consecutively on January 15, 2017.

<i>Bullet Head</i> 2017 American film

Bullet Head is a 2017 American-Bulgarian crime thriller film written and directed by Paul Solet and starring Adrien Brody, Antonio Banderas, and John Malkovich.

<i>Cats & Dogs 3: Paws Unite!</i> American 2020 film directed by Sean McNamara

Cats & Dogs 3: Paws Unite! is a 2020 American spy action comedy film, starring the voices of Melissa Rauch, Max Greenfield, and George Lopez. It is a stand-alone sequel to 2010's Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore and the third and final film of the Cats & Dogs film series. Unlike the first two installments, Paws Unite! was released straight to video in the United States on September 15, 2020. It is also the only film that does not feature any cast members from the previous installments.

The Cats & Dogs film series consists of spy-comedies, produced by Warner Bros. Entertainment, including two theatrical films, and one straight-to-home video release. Centered around a conflict of the ages between the titular species, the plot involves agents of two opposing covert operations agencies of rival animals. The teams of spies work together, unbeknownst to its human inhabitants.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Cats & Dogs (2001)". AFI Catalog of Feature Films . Retrieved September 18, 2020.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Cats & Dogs (2001)". British Film Institute . Archived from the original on July 27, 2016. Retrieved December 26, 2020.
  3. 1 2 "Cats & Dogs (2001)". Box Office Mojo . Retrieved May 29, 2008.
  4. "Why Film at Eagle Creek Studios? Convenience, Privacy, Flexibility".
  5. "Cats and Dogs: Production Notes".
  6. Mckenzie, Kevin Hinton & Ryan. "BCBusiness". BCBusiness.
  7. Linder, Brian (July 10, 2001). "Weekend Box Office: Reigning Cats & Dogs". IGN. Retrieved May 20, 2023.
  8. Diorio, Carl (July 15, 2001). "Goldilocks rocks B.O." Variety . Archived from the original on June 6, 2019. Retrieved June 6, 2019.
  9. R.S.Murtbi (August 21, 2001). "'Pearl Harbor' in two versions". New Straits Times . Retrieved October 30, 2019.
  10. "Cats & Dogs". www.amazon.com. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
  11. "Cats & Dogs (2001)". Rotten Tomatoes . Fandango Media. Retrieved February 9, 2019.
  12. "Cats & Dogs (2001): Reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive. Retrieved May 15, 2009.
  13. Horwitz, Jane (July 6, 2001). "Cats & Dogs: Two paws up". The Washington Post . Retrieved May 15, 2009.
  14. Ebert, Roger. "Cats And Dogs movie review & film summary (2001)". Chicago Sun-Times via rogerebert.com.
  15. "FilmAffinity".