Top Cat

Check out our review of Top Cat - is it any good and how suitable is it for kids?

A Dog's Purpose Poster

Top Cat

Starring: Voices by Jason Harris, Bob Kaliban. (U)

Release date: 2012

2 out of 5

2

The classic Hanna Barbera animated TV series from the 1960s about a cheeky cat and his gang gets updated for the 21st century (it’s in 3D!) but fans of the original will be disappointed as it has lost most of its charm along the way.

Of course, this Mexican/Argentinian production – Don Gato Y Su Pandilla being its Spanish-language title – isn’t really made for us nostalgic adults (although all the original characters like Fancy Fancy and Benny the Ball are retained, along with the theme song), but for a new generation of fans. And little kids (under the age of nine) probably won’t mind that TC and his pals have a new foe – Officer Dibble has been demoted by nasty Chief Strickland, who sends TC to prison and shuts down the cats’ alley home – or that the plot includes such new-fangled gadgets that are at odds with the characters 60s style, as mobile phones, computers and even robot police.

They will, however, get a little fidgety as the thin plot is stretched to 90 minutes, but there are probably just enough jokes to keep them in their seats. Parents should note that there really isn’t any need to see the film in 3D either – at least in 2D the dated animation isn’t as noticeable.

Is Top Cat suitable for kids? Here are our parents’ notes...

None.
Note that very young children (under 5) may not like the robot police.

If you like this, why not try: Yogi Bear, Garfield: The Movie, Marmaduke, Alvin and The Chipmunks, Curious George,