#so i have songs that whenever i hear them i think of the jellicles singing them about or to each other | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

ireniceidolon · 4 years

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You know what? It's a new day. I've rested, and I'm willing to say that the Cats (2019) fans are right. Cats (2019) is actually a good movie if you just ignore:

The obnoxiously loud "overtune" music that starts off the movie and reminds me of a circus show. It becomes a motif throughout the neverending song that we might call a movie here.

The idea of how frightened Victoria must be in the first scene. She's trapped in this bag, having been forcibly thrown onto rotten wood and other garbage. Then all she can see as she struggles to open- basically- her personalized bodybag, dozens of shadows cloud above you wordlessly

The entire Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats song. It was 5 minutes of hearing the world Jellicle without ever knowing what it means except that Jellicle cats ask wayyyy too many questions

The Fatphobia

The Beatles with human faces scene- we all know why

The cats all drinking milk and then not puking everywhere (thank god) meaning all of the Jellicle cats are actually children so keep that in mind when we get to the:

HORNY CAT RUBBING. And like? It's not even like what real cats do. Real cats actively push parts of their body into your hands if you pet them and stuff but the cats in Cats (2019) just kind of linger with their touches which makes it 100% more sexual than necessary

The music actually never stops. You think a song stops and they'll start talking but nope! It's a song- sucks for you. Even when the songs dip in volume then

The circus music that comes back in whenever there's silence but no circus appears. The circus is actually the theatre itself. You're the clown for attempting to watch this movie

"Did he just get neutered?"

The way the cats eat (?)

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer being kinda trash cat burglars. Like tbh? They didn't even mess up the house that much. Like that's two seconds of picking things up and I didn't even see them leave with anything

The implication of the dog having a human face since all of the other animals do

The way we don't know a single thing about Victoria, who we follow for a large majority of the movie, until half way through the movie.

Ian McKellen (cat form) lapping up liquid in a dark abandoned closet

Old Deuteronomy literally BUSTS open her Ken doll cat pussy to show her approval for Gus's performance

McCavity without his coat. Oh god- please put the coat back on McCavity. I'll make you the jellicle choice- just please don't show me your terrifying fur

Once McCavity takes off his coat every other cat that wasn't wearing a coat before feels noticeably more naked

The fact that none of the cats know that being the jellicle choice actually rebirths you. Like Judi Dench just kinda promises it but there's no proof. For all they know Jennifer Hudson (cat form) just died from asphyxiation and temperature loss

Forcing Mr. Mistofelees to have a weird ship with Victoria instead of letting him be an iconic gay magician cat

Rebel Wilson (cat form) making the unzipping her skin her character quirk

The fact that you have no idea how magic works in this world because uhhhh there was so much singing and "cgi realistic" cats taking up time to set up anything but a single plot point (the jellicle choice) so when Mr. Mistofelees can suddenly teleport things after only doing street magic tricks or when McCavity can suddenly not teleport onto the floating chandelier you have no idea why

"Dogs are not cats"

The whole movie. What I'm saying is that if you just ignore the whole movie- it's uhhhh pretty decent

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magical-marvelous-mistoffelees · 5 years

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Masterpost on amazing moments from the Cats 2019 NA6 Tour

This is a really long post on moments I saw (and remembered to write down) last night, when I saw the national tour of Cats the second time.

!!!I chose these specific moments because they are special to the tour or character choices made by the actors that you don’t get in the 2016 bway boot or the 1998 film!!!

There were also quite a few swings and understudies thrown in, presumably since there is a rough cold/flu going around the area I live in, and the actors may have caught something.

Spoilers below!

The first time I had seen the Cats NA Tour, I saw it in Charlotte as a birthday present while on vacation. Before that moment, I knew basically nothing about Cats, so I didn’t think to take notes like this time. However, I will try to include a few moments I remember from the first time as well.

Also, my favorite characters are Tugger, Misto, Mungo, and Rumple, so my eyes were typically drawn to them. I love all of the characters though, and everyone was amazing, so I tried to watch everyone as much as I could!

Opening/Prologue

Not too much to say about the prologue, since it wasn’t much different than the film or the 2016 version.

Naming of the Cats

Bill Bailey felt like a younger version of Tugger. After hearing his name called out, he did a little hair flip with his mane

Mungojerrie and Bill Bailey spent the majority of the song messing around and talking to each other rather than speaking to the audience.

However, when the cats broke away while discussing a cat’s third name, Mungo was in the audience. He was close enough to the mezz (where I was sitting) to hear, and his voice was so expressive! He didn’t just recite the lines as a chant with everyone else, but put his own emotion and charm into it.

Invitation to the Jellicle Ball (Caitlin Bond, PJ Degaetano, Dan Hoy)

The first time I saw the Cats NA tour, I saw Victoria’s understudy (Erin Chupinsky) (who was amazing!). This time, I saw the original tour actress, who was one of the best dancers I’ve seen on stage. She had so much poise and control over everything she did, and played the character just a little older than she usually was, making her more serene and quiet than young and becoming.

Her makeup did not include much pink, and she had a black nose instead, along with black defining features like the bridge of her nose and her brows.

Mistoffelees is so dramatic??? Like whenever he comes forward to dance or use his magic, his actions are always big and confident.

Anytime Mistoffelees had to move anywhere, he always included plenty of both ballet/jazz moves, but also some acrobatic tricks. Seriously, whenever he needed to get from point A to point B, there would be some sort of leap or cartwheel or spin.

Mistoffelees also loved to follow around Munkustrap. Whenever Munk moved around to talk to other cats, Misto would be right on his tail, trying to help. He was just so happy to be introducing the ball with Munk and Vic.

Old Gumbie Cat (Dan Hoy, Emily Jeanne Phillips)

Did somebody say Skimble and Jenny? Because these actors definitely delivered. Skimble was always somewhere near Jenny during her song, and helped her move around in her big costume.

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer really wanted to help out with this song (and basically every song) but were usually shooed off. This disappointed them, but they still managed to sneak in and help.

Mistoffelees continued to help out Munk in this song, guiding Jenny around and getting the mice ready in their costumes. He would often mess around with her, waving a hand in front of her face when she zoned out, giggling and shrugging. He also would fuss around and fix her fur/groom her.

JENNY WAS SO SPARKLY IN HER COSTUME!!!

Rum Tum Tugger (McGee Maddox)

McGee’s legs are SO LONG, and he always had a hip popped or his feet crossed. He also walked with so much swagger, especially in his hips.

Misto was so into Tugger’s song, constantly grooving, swaying, playing with his tail, or kneading the ground in the background. However, unless Tugger specifically pulled Misto out to dance, he would sit farther off in the background, either on the car trunk or so far downstage and to the side that he was basically in the shadows.

Tugger went into the crowd after his number. The first time I saw Cats, he went up to someone and completely shredded their playbill/prgram. The second time I saw it, he sat next to an old lady and was playfully flirting with her. He also would run up and down the aisles, while Bombalurina tried to follow him. She would stop next to people (She actually went up to my friend!) out of breath, complaining that she wish he would stop running.

Tugger went up to Misto after his song and Misto teased him, swatting Tugger with his tail. That didn’t last long, because Misto eventually complimented his song and they had a little secret handshake between the two of them.

Grizabella the Glamour Cat (Tricia Tanguy)

We saw Grizabella’s understudy (Tricia Tanguy) and she was just as talented as my queen Keri.

Grizabella was definitely portrayed as older, similar to Elaine Paige’s version. However, she was young enough that everyone in the tribe recognized her.

All of the cats were initially shocked to see her, pulling away, before they leapt forward to either chase her away, sniff in curiosity, or hurt her as a joke.

She was SO desperate for any sort of physical contact, and she all but begged for it. Her face was twisted with sorrow and longing, and she was so happy when anyone reached out (although nobody touched her).

Skimble would pull away any young cat that tried to touch her, and Munk (tried) to keep people from hurting her. Munk also looked at her with such disdain in his eyes.

Demeter and Bombalurina were equally heartbroken when seeing her.

Can we talk about Tricia’s voice?! It’s so powerful, and she often used straight tone, putting vibrato in at the end of long notes. Her mix is super strong, which constantly made you feel like she was crying out for help, as if she still had hope that someone would.

ALSO HER DYNAMICS. jUST. GOOSEBUMPS.

Bustopher Jones (Timothy Gulan)

Not too much to say, other than Misto kept following him around and he was so pleased to see everyone.

Bustopher also would try and talk to the conductor if he was far enough downstage. I couldn’t see if the conductor actually acknowledged him or not.

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer (Tony D’Alelio, Rose Iannaccone)

They were so cute! And their voices reflected on their characters so well! They were slightly nasally but in a childish, playful way.

There were a ton of new tricks added.

They had the same swag bags as the 2016 revival!

They were the audiences favorite (outside of Grizabella, obviously).

Old Deuteronomy (Dan Hoy, McGee Maddox, Brandon Michael Nase)

Munkustrap got so annoyed when all of the cats were more interested in listening to Tugger than him.

Misto wasn’t really helping Old D get down to the stage, but was just kind of walking proud behind him, gushing over how awesome Old D was with audience members.

OLD D AND TUGGER WERE SO HAPPY TO SEE EACH OTHER! Old D looked so shocked but absolutely THRILLED to see Tugger. He stopped in his tracks and looked at Tugger, reaching his arms out as if to say “It’s you! I can’t believe you came!”, and Tugger returned the gesture as if to say the same thing. It was so nice to see Tugger become soft for a hot sec.

Macavity (Scare 2)

When everyone was running away, you could hear someone, in a shrill, overdramatic, high-pitched British accent go “MACAVITY?! TOOTLE PIP!”. I firmly believe it was Tugger.

Jellicle Ball

Old D and Gus are best friends, and were so happy to sing together.

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer are little bullies, but in a lovable way. They would constantly push people out of the way to steal the spotlight, then taunt and tease whoever they attacked. Whenever an older cat saw them do this, they would get shooed away.

However, anytime somebody tried to antagonize Mungo and Rumple, and Tugger saw what was happening, Tugger would go protect the crime twins.

Mungojerrie loved to stick his tongue out. Anytime, anywhere.

Old D and Grizabella kept reaching out to each other but only when the other could not see them.

Old D tried to stop Alonzo, Demeter, and Munk from chasing Griz away, but it didn’t work.

Speaking of which, both Alonzo and Demeter had to make their way up to the balcony to reach her, but Munk just freaking SCALED the whole set to her up there. No harnesses or ladders or grips.

Grizabella the Glamour Cat/Memory (Tricia Tanguy)

Munkustrap was the last person to run from Griz, and was particularly upset by her presence. He seemed hurt that she would show up, but also ashamed he couldn’t bring himself to reach out.

Again, Grizabella was so desperate to dance like everyone else, but instead of getting hurt or struggling because of her injuries, she would just give up when her old age made it difficult to dance. She looked distraught every time she failed to dance like everyone else.

Intermission

During intermission, it was announced that Zach Berger would be replacing McGee Maddox as Rum Tum Tugger.

Old D spent most of the intermission sitting out on the tire, while the rest of the stage was empty.

Gus the Theatre Cat/Pekes and the Pollicles (Kaitlyn Davidson, Timothy Gulan, Dan Hoy)

Jelly was so so proud of Gus’ accomplishments, and Gus was very bashful at first

The audience’s collective awww on the line about the palsy which makes his paws shake

Mungo and Rumple were so offended and embarrassed, but also hurt, when Gus singled them out on “think they’re so smart just to jump through a hoop”.

“tHAT’S NOT YOUR BLOCKING THATS NOT YOUR BLOCKING!!!”

Gus would forget the words and look super upset so Old D would rush to his side and help him remember

Skimbleshanks (Ethan Saviet)

Tugger (Zach Berger) spent the whole song up in the balcony, swaying along and nodding his head. He was either standing and leaning of the rail or sitting on the rail.

He also kept trying to catch Misto’s eye, who was sitting off to the side for most of the song.

Mungo was the conductor of the train when they were acting out the sleeping car, and he was getting way too into it. He and Skimble also exchanged little salutes.

Skimble came up to where Tugger was sitting, and Tugger gave him a little salute as well.

Skimble practically SCREAMED on the line “ met the station master with ELATION”.

Macavity (Alexa Racioppi, Emma Hearan, Tyler John Logan)

When Mac first showed up, and was using his magic to control everyone, all of the cats except for Demeter were affected.

Bomba and Demeter raced over to protect each other.

Demeter actually fought back, with the help of Alonzo, when Mac was dragging her around.

Before the power surge, instead of acting cornered or panicked, Mac was taunting, daring the cats to come and attack him on the car trunk.

Mr Mistoffelees (PJ Degaetano, Zach Berger)

ZACH BERGER IS PRECIOUS AND NEEDS TO BE PROTECTED AT ALL COSTS. HIS RIFFS AND VOICE GIVE ME LIFE.

I was very disappointed in the audience, because I was the only person to applaud when Misto came down.

Zach Berger and PJ Degaetano didn’t have as much stage chemistry as compared to McGee Maddox and Tion Gaston, but they were still boyfriends best friends.

However, instead of giving Misto a thumbs up, like McGee, Zach... shot Misto finger guns.

Tugger constantly had the utmost faith in Misto, and never EVER took his eyes off of him.

After seeing Old D come back, Gus was so excited he tried to run over to him.

When Tugger sang about Misto right after Old D was brought back, instead of sounding somber and relieved, he was still cocky and confident. It was as if he was saying “I told you so, my magical boyfriend can do anything.”

When Misto ran into Old D’s arms, Old D spun him around

Memory (Tricia Tanguy)

When she came out, instead of looking around for anyone to reach out, she ignored everyone. Cats still came up to taunt her, but she walked out there with the sole intention of telling her story, not caring what anyone thought.

When she started the song, everyone sat facing away from her (outside of Old D), but as the song went on, they all slowly turned to face her.

After she collapses in the middle of her song, all of the cats lurched forwards out of instinct, before they stop, surprised that they were about to help her.

Bomba and Demeter were two of the last cats to greet her, and they went up to her together.

Grizabella was so shocked when she was chosen to ascend

Misc

Tugger always stuck to the side of the stage, on a prop upstage, or stood in the balconies overlooking the junkyard. He was rarely center of the stage, unless the spotlight was on him.

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer usually sat together near the car trunk, however, if they weren’t together, Rumple went with some of the other younger queens, like Electra and Sillabub (Ahren Victory), and Mungo sat on his own closer to Munk or Plato and the other toms.

Shockingly, Mungojerrie and Jellylorum stole the spotlight at several points during the show. Mungojerrie just had so much energy and excitement, and would always interact with the people around him. You could tell that his actor knew everyone in the cast and was super close with certain actors, because he gravitated towards them.

Jellylorum (Kaitlyn Davidson) was always in character, however, instead of being played as older and slightly scrutinizing, she was a little younger and full of motherly energy. She was also close with everyone on stage.

Jellylorum was also always showing off her high notes!! We stan!! She was the cat who hit the C in the opening, and instead of someone belting at the end of RTT, she hit an A in her head voice.

Misto was very playful and energetic, and he could NEVER SIT STILL. He was always either playing with his tail, swaying or shifting how he was sitting, or kneading the ground.

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uppastthejelliclemoon · 4 years

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may we have some Hestia fluff. as a treat.

(fuckfuckfuck I made myself cry @queencurlycrown WHY DID I DO THIS TO MYSELF)

Hestia knew it was coming. Her dads had been aging for years, Tugger no longer moving like he used to, and Misto’s coat didn’t shine as strongly as it once had. All the Jellicles knew that the Ball that year would be a special and bittersweet one.

The night of the Ball, Hestia made it as wonderful and magical as she could, since it was also Anthea’s first Ball. It was distressing, knowing that her fathers could be witnessing their granddaughter’s first and last Ball, but Hestia knew Tugger and Misto would be happier once they were with the Everlasting Cat. So it was with tear-filled eyes that she watched their final performance, a mix of their songs, Tugger’s swagger and suave nature returning for the night, and Misto’s coat sparkling brighter than it had in years.

Watching them, Hestia couldn’t help but smile as she hugged Anthea close, the young queen snuggling close to her mother as Tugger and Misto sang. Beside Tumble, Charon watched his grandfathers in awe, and Hestia laughed as Misto called Tugger his terrible bore. Tumble kept a tight arm around her the entire time, nuzzling her cheek from time to time in comfort.

When the song finished, the Jellicles needed no verbal confirmation. They all knew, as Tugger and Misto finished their performance, who would be the Choices that year. As Hestia got up and hugged her fathers tightly, they were all holding back tears as she hid her own in Tugger’s fur, pitying the queen, but understanding why she had not sung their song. Only Tumblebrutus knew, however, what his mate wanted to do.

At the end of the night, when it came time for the Choice, Munkustrap stepped forward with the help of Jemima. It would only be a matter of time before the leader of the Jellicles was Chosen as well, but he had one final Choice to make. Munkustrap approached Tugger and Misto, and placed his paws on their shoulders with a proud, sorrowful smile.

Hestia took a deep breath and stepped forward. “Uncle Straps?” Munkustrap looked at his niece, who was holding back tears. “Can I sing?”

“Of course, Hettie.” Munkustrap said softly. Hestia smiled, and walked to Tugger and Misto, kneeling down in front of them and taking their paws in her own, looking up at them.

I may not be every mother’s dream for her little girl

She may not have had a mother, but she had her dad and papa. The two cats who had been there for her since day one, and the two cats she loved most in the entire world.

And my face may not grace the mind of everyone in the worldBut that’s all right, as long as I can have one wish I prayWhen people look inside my life, I want to hear them say

Hestia was a kitten, running home to Tugger and Misto after creating her first burst of sparkles that floated down onto her and her cousin.

“I did it, Papa! I did it!” she squealed excitedly, dancing around the den as her fur shone in the light. Misto laughed and picked her up, making her laugh in delight. Tugger watched from the doorway, a soft smile on his face as Misto showed Hestia how to control the sparkles, their fur glittering.

Misto glanced up, and his eyes twinkled. “Do you think your dad wants his fur to glitter too?” Hestia gasped in delight, and Tugger grinned, stepping forward and taking Hestia from his mate, throwing her up in the air. Hestia shrieked with laughter, and Tugger pulled Misto into his arms around, the large tom spinning them around, all three laughing happily.

She’s got her Father’s eyesHer Father’s eyes

Hestia had Misto’s eyes. His bright blue eyes that she was so thankful she had. They were her mother’s too, but Hestia liked to think that the Everlasting Cat had given her that small blessing. She also had Tugger’s eyes. His amber eyes that glittered with amusement whenever he got to annoy his brother or tease Misto. Along with her mane, Hestia’s eyes were her favorite physical characteristics because they made her look like her dads.

Eyes that find the good in thingsWhen good is not aroundEyes that find the source of helpWhen help just can’t be found

Eyes full of compassionSeeing every painKnowing what you’re going throughAnd feeling it the same

When Jemima found out who her real father was, she had immediately run to her cousin, collapsing into her arms and sobbing. Hestia had simply hugged Jemima tightly.

“You do realize what this means, right?” she had asked, and Jemima had looked up in confusion.

“I’m the daughter of a monster?” she whispered.

Hestia frowned. “No. Uncle Straps isn’t a monster.” Jemima smiled slightly, and Hestia tightened her grip on her cousin. “Even if he’s a monster, we’re sisters. We’re sisters, and that’s all that matters. Not who our dad is. Because we know who our dads are.”

Just like my Father’s eyesMy Father’s eyesMy Father’s eyesJust like my Father’s eyes

And on that day when we will payFor all the deeds we have doneGood and bad they’ll all be hadTo see by everyone

Munkustrap often said that Hestia was the perfect combination of her dads. Tugger’s strength and welcoming nature, and Misto’s protectiveness and kindness. Hestia liked to think that too.

And when you’re called to stand and tellJust what you saw in meMore than anything I knowI want your words to be

She had her Father’s eyesHer Father’s eyesEyes that found the good in thingsWhen good was not aroundEyes that found the source of helpWhen help would not be found

One of the main lessons that Hestia taught her children was to never judge a cat simply based on their appearance or one part of their personality. There had been too many moments in Hestia’s life where she, or another cat, had been angry at her real parentage, and she thought she would turn out to be a monster just like Macavity. Tugger and Misto would immediately put a stop to that.

“You’re not his daughter.” Tugger would say firmly while hugging Hestia. “You’re ours. You’re our kitten, Etta.”

Misto would kiss her forehead gently, smoothing down her fur. “You’re our world, Etta. And we know you’d never turn out like him. The same blood that runs in you runs in Tugger, and it runs in Munkustrap. But blood doesn’t immediately connect you to someone. Look at you and Jojo, or Jojo and Teazer.” Hestia had smiled and laughed slightly. “You’re like sisters, and you don’t have the same blood.”

Eyes full of compassionSeeing every painKnowing what you’re going throughAnd feeling it the same

Tugger had told Hestia, when she was old enough, about the whispers after Macavity had left. About how he would follow his older brother and betray the tribe. Misto told her about the whispers also, after he revealed his magic. No one understood Hestia’s troubles and pains like her dads.

Just like my Father’s eyesMy Father’s eyesMy Father’s eyesJust like my Father’s eyesMy Father’s eyesMy Father’s eyesJust like my Father’s eyes

Hestia finished her song with tears falling down her cheeks, clinging to her dads’ paws like a lifeline. The two old toms were also crying.

“Oh, kitten.” Tugger whispered, his voice shaking. Hestia stood and threw herself into her fathers’ arms one final time, clinging to them as if she was a kitten again. Misto held her tightly as Tugger wrapped his arms around both of them.

“Thank you.” Hestia whispered. “Thank you for saving me. Thank you for giving me a home, and taking care of me, and giving me so much love.”

Misto kissed her forehead, and she could feel her magical father’s tears soaking into her fur. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to us, Etta. We love you more than anything.”

“Walking into that alley was the best decision I’ve ever made, and I’ll thank the Everlasting Cat for as long as I can that you survived that day.” Tugger said, pulling back and pressing a kiss to Hestia’s forehead as well. Hestia closed her eyes, savoring her final moments with her fathers before stepping back, pulling them both up with her.

As Munkustrap approached them, Hestia gave them a soft, shaky smile. “Say hello to Nana and Grandpa for me.” Misto nodded as Munkustrap put his arms around them, and Tumblebrutus appeared at Hestia’s side, wrapping his arms around her as Anthea and Charon stood beside their mother and father, watching as Tugger and Misto ascended to the Heaviside Layer. Hestia stared up at the sky, her smile widening as she joined with the tribe in singing them up, leaning into Tumblebrutus’ embrace with tears in her eyes, lifting her arm up in a final farewell as her fathers disappeared into the sky.

Sparkles fell down around the Jellicles, and two landed on Hestia’s cheek, a kiss from her fathers and a reminder. They weren’t truly gone. They would always be with her, watching and protecting her, just like they always had.

#hestia the hearth cat #character death #liv's writing corner #my ocs

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fizzingwizard · 4 years

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Part 2 of The Great Disappointment.

8) Macavity. Do you know why, in horror films, they build up the monster or whatever lurks in the dark for a long, long time, only hinting at its presence before finally doing the big reveal at the end... or, sometimes, not at all? And just leaving you with the impression of something terrible, which is somehow more even chilling? Less is more. In the musical, you don’t see Macavity until the fight scene, and even then it’s brief. He is a specter. He’s scary! The Macavity in this movie? Was not even a little bit scary. Disney villains are scarier. Sheesh. I kind of liked the whole “Macavity is trying to get to the Heaviside layer” angle, but I am so not down for making Macavity ridiculous.

9) Demeter. Erasing her role was a bad idea. That is just my opinion, but look, you install Victoria as a heroine, why not her befriend the skittish, traumatized, yet incredibly strong Demeter who could provide her a reason to want to take Macavity down? Especially since they went and erased Demeter and Bombalurina’s girl power moments by making Bombalurina Macavity’s henchman. Like, OK. And what was wrong with just having Griddlebone in that role? Again, not something I’d bother criticizing if the movie were good, but since it’s not, bite me.

10) The Jellicle Ball. Is supposed to be so full of life and energy. Whenever I hear that electric guitar and the keyboard, I feel like dancing. I can’t dance, but I feel like I bunny hop with the best of them. This Jellicle Ball was just sleepy. People were barely dancing together. And more offensively CGI’d stunts didn’t help. Like. This is the mood-making piece of the show. And you messed it up.

11) The lighting. Anyone else notice how the lighting was pretty much the same the entire movie? They were like, since the story takes place outside at night in the city, they therefore only need one lighting scheme. It made the movie feel like one really really REALLy long scene. Occasionally they went inside but that did not offer the change of pace I’d hoped for. By the time Mungo & Rumpel turned up I was really feeling like “does this stay the same the whole movie”? It pretty much did, until dawn. And you know what I think. I think those shadows were more than just realism. I think they were meant to hide certain, shall we say, unpolished CGI. Convenient that the story’s set at night, huh.

12) The story. There isn’t anything in particulary wrong with the story! In fact there are things I would like to like! Macavity magicking away other cats before Old Deut could have been really cool, if he’d stayed scary. Macavity wanting to go to the Heaviside layer I already said I liked - I just don’t get why he didn’t have any real plan for what he’d do if Old Deut said no. He seemed to just want to kill her, but of course she doesn’t think he’s going to do that, since she’s the one who can grant him his wish, and if he did kill her, she clearly would rather that happen than give him what he wants. He had Bustopher and Jenny and Gus right there - why didn’t he make better use of his hostages? I mean x’D They got the better of him in true Spongebob Squarepants fashion. Also Misto & Vicky are a thing, not my thing, but certainly a thing, and much as I can’t help making fun of the “nerdy guy’s female inspiration!” trope, I was all prepared to LOVE awkward nerdy Misto, and any relationship between him and Victoria, only it was so half-hearted. The stuff between Grizabella and Victoria was fine, I mean, that’s pretty much how it is in the show anyway. It’s not a world-shaking story, but it didn’t have to be terrible. They could’ve made it work so people said it was fine.

But you know, 99% of Cats fanfiction is better, more creative, and more in keeping with the spirit of Cats. A lot of it I think would be better as a movie too. Specifically, all of the fanfiction that takes Demeter seriously and builds up the parallels between Mistoffelees and Macavity should be made into a movie. (I’d have said 100% except there is one Cats fic in particular I had the misfortune of reading and it scarred me, friends, it scarred me. Don’t ask for the details, they are too sick to recount. There is a dark side to fandom people weirdly don’t talk about and this fic was that.)

13) The tone. The tone was so confused. And to be fair, the whole variety show thing doesn’t help. But one minute it’s a sweet, melancholy story of wanting acceptance and living with regret, the next it’s one of those mindless Nickelodeon cartoons where to make viewers laugh you need to slime someone every three minutes. Then it’s a Disney movie where regardless of what’s happening, regardless of who’s singing, and regardless of their own physical capabilities, everyone starts dancing and singing in unison, and lights and red-carpeted staircases emerge out of the interdimensional rift. Then it’s a battle scene from Pirates of the Caribbean, except it’s Captain Jackbob Sparepants.Then Gandalf doesn’t know why he’s here. Then more singing and a lot of STRONG IMPLICATION that the audience should be deeply moved, for reasons. It’s just. A disaster.

14) Certain cats looked naked when not wearing bits of clothes and their lack of visible genitalia disturbed me. There I said it.

15. Rum Tum Tugger had nothing to do with Mistoffelees’s song. So this is just my preference, although I don’t think it’s an unreasonable one. It’s been standard for Tugger to sing “Mistoffelees” for decades. But in the early days Mistoffelees sang it, and some productions still have him sing part. Munkustrap does also sing part of it in some productions as well. I had expected Mistoffelees to sing some or all of it in the movie, and I expected Victoria to be included too. But I didn’t anticipate Munkustrap having a part, and I definitely didn’t expect him to do it instead of Tugger. Tugger didn’t do a single thing after his song except do the rich thug pose with the hotties on each arm. Lol. Waste of an extremely popular character.

I’m pretty sure I could go on for another 15 points but I’m gonna stop there. Things that were good, er...

Victoria. Too bad all she really got to do was look around in wonder.

Mistoffelees. Could have been better, could also have been much worse, so I’m counting my blessings.

Skimbleshanks and Mungo&Rumpel strangely going well.

Nod to Growltiger

The original song, even though it had no place here

I WANTED THIS TO BE SO GOOD YOU GUYS. This is a unique but really fun and special musical. It’s also one of the rare few that has a ton of roles both speaking and non for both men and women, and which can easily be played by people of any race or gender without many audience complaints. It should be our hero. It’s NOT easy to make into a movie, but it didn’t HAVE to be THIS.

Le sigh.

#cats musical #cats movie

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uppastthejelliclemoon · 4 years

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Tuggoffelees headcanon please.

screaming because I get to gush about my boys

ahem thank you gracious anon

buckle up my dude, because this is gonna be a long one (basically because I have been WAITING for someone to ask me about this so bless you)

- Misto and Victoria were found by Bustopher in an alley one night, all alone. He took them in as his niece and nephew, and the two love their uncle.

- A few months after finding them, Bustopher brought Misto and Victoria to the Junkyard to introduce them to the Jellicles.

Old Deuteronomy and Gus were the only ones who knew about the kittens because ofc those three are best friends.

Victoria instantly becomes best friends with Rumpleteazer as soon as she meets her, and Bustopher regrets everything

Misto isn’t too sure about everything, so he stays at his uncle’s side and doesn’t really interact with any of the kittens.

Then Tugger sees him and it’s just bam Tugger’s a goner and he’s not even of age yet.

Misto isn’t sure what to think of when the excitable (and kind of cute) Maine Coon suddenly bounds up to him and starts talking a mile a minute, but it’s nice not to be pressured into talking, so he just listens.

- Misto and Victoria move into the Junkyard with Bustopher’s encouragement, because Macavity’s slowly becoming more of a presence in the city and he doesn’t want them to get hurt.

- Tugger is ELATED because yay he gets to hang out with the pretty black kitten and become his best friend.

Misto is surprised by his excitement to be friends, but Tugger doesn’t just talk and talk, he also listens and is okay when Misto doesn’t want to talk, so maybe being friends wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.

- Misto is still a little wary of the Junkyard, so he sticks with Victoria and, to the surprise of the tribe, Tugger.

- As time goes on, Misto is still quiet, and really only talks openly to Victoria, Old D, and Tugger.

- A few months later, after he comes of age, Misto is taken in found by a young woman, who brings him back to her home, and when Misto returns to the Junkyard with a thin, shiny collar around his neck, Bustopher is beaming with pride.

Tugger is nervous, because Misto getting a human means that he won’t see him as much, but Misto talks to him later about how nice his girl is, and he not-so-subtly drops hints at how it’s just the two of them, and how her home feels so empty and much too quiet.

Tugger returns to the Junkyard the next week with a spiked collar and a spring in his step, Misto beside him.

Munkustrap almost has a heart attack when he sees his brother with a collar.

- Tugger’s the only one who knows about Misto’s magic. Him, Victoria, and Bustopher.

Tugger finding out was an accident.

There was a break-in near the window of their girl’s home, and Misto zapped him in defense without thinking. The robber didn’t know what happened, but he ran off anyway, and Tugger was just in awe of Misto because he thought he couldn’t get any more perfect and yet? he did?

Misto was terrified because of the hatred that Tugger had for Macavity, but Tugger reassured him and he began to practice with him so Misto could get more control over his power.

- As the years go on, literally the ENTIRE tribe can tell that those two idiots are head-over-heels for each other, except those two idiots.

“They have the same human, Dem! They den right next to each other! Bustopher even said he approves! THEY SHARED THEIR THIRD NAMES! I’m going to lock them up together.” “No, you won’t, Straps.” “If they don’t realize it by the next Ball I might.”

Yeah, Munkustrap is 100% supportive of Misto and Tugger, but he has to put up with his brother being oblivious, and Misto not being able to talk about how he feels.

Misto isn’t too sure what to call the butterflies he feels whenever Tugger gushes over his magic or the pit in his stomach whenever Tugger flirts with the queens or the happiness he feels when Tugger curls around him in front of the fire during the winter or the strange comfort that comes from knowing that his Name is Maynard.

Tugger isn’t too sure what to call the excitement he feels when he’s the one to make Misto laugh or the pride he feels knowing that he’s one out of three cats that Misto feels comfortable enough to talk openly with or the thrill he gets from watching Misto practice his magic or the utter feeling of home he feels when Misto tells him his Name is Quaxo.

- It all came forward the night of the Ball when Grizabella returned and Macavity attacked.

Neither one was expecting anything to happen that night, but Bomba had a plan, and she brought in the rest of the kittens, who were more than willing to make sure that Tugger was happy with Misto.

There was a lot more squealing and fawning over Tugger that night during his song by all the queens, including Victoria, which made Misto more than a little annoyed, especially when Plato was only amused at his future mate’s actions.

Misto was shocked when Tugger dropped Bomba, and while she was slightly annoyed, Bomba was more excited that her plan was working.

Then Grizabella showed up, and only Misto knew about Tugger’s feelings about his mother, and he could barely get through Bustopher’s song because all he wanted to do was run to Tugger and hug him and make sure he was okay and oh that’s what that feeling is

After his uncle’s song, Misto and Tugger sat with each other until Old D’s song, both trying to get the nerve to confess to the other, but they couldn’t.

Misto was trying very hard not to laugh during the Pekes and the Pollicles when Tugger played the bagpipes, but the look on Munkustrap’s face, as well as the looks Tugger kept shooting him made it extremely difficult for the magical cat to keep it together.

Then Tugger was too late asking Misto to dance with him, and Misto saw him curled with Bomba, and his heart broke just a little bit.

Bomba basically told Tugger to get his head out of his ass and tell Misto, because she’s sick of seeing them dance around each other and if they don’t, then Munkustrap will lock them up together and they’ll definitely give the poor tom an aneurism if something doesn’t happen soon.

Then Grizabella shows up again, and Skimble’s song happens, and the two toms hide behind the old car together, sitting in silence. Both want to tell the other, but Macavity strikes and Old D is gone. It helps to be able to speak without needing words as they look at one another and make a decision.

Misto thought Tugger would just tell the tribe about his magic, but then he hears Tugger singing his praises to the Heaviside Layer, and he can’t contain his smile, and Tugger can’t contain his pride and adoration, and Munkustrap is just so relieved that it’s finally happening.

Misto brings back Old D, and the Ball ends, and there was so much excitement, but Tugger knows Misto like the back of his paw, and even though he’s acting upbeat and happy as the other cats rush up to him and swarm him, Tugger can see the exhaustion in his eyes. Luckily, Munkustrap notices as well, and he asks Tugger to bring Misto to his den to make sure he sleeps.

- Tugger brings Misto back to his den, and the two simply sit and look at each other with no interruptions.

Tugger is the first to confess, and it’s an awkward, stuttered mess that has Misto falling in love with him even more because it’s completely adorable seeing him stumble and struggle to find the right words. It also makes Misto feel a spark of excitement knowing that he’s the only cat who can make Tugger act like that.

Misto tells Tugger he loves him in the gentlest voice with the softest smile and Tugger is blinded for a moment because how can such a perfect cat love him?

The two can’t help but laugh as they think back over the years and how oblivious they were, and Tugger loves how Misto blushes after he tells him that he fell for him as soon as he saw him.

- Needless to say, they were inseparable afterward.

Munkustrap is relieved and Dem and Bomba just laugh and hug them both.

Victoria is ecstatic for her brother, and Bustopher gives Tugger a shovel talk that makes Tugger realize that he is not a cat to be trifled with.

Old D gives them both his blessing and Misto and Tugger happily return home to their girl, who can tell that something has changed but she’s not sure what, but Eclipse and Leo are happier, so she’s not complaining.

- Tugger and Misto dance together at the next Ball, and neither stops smiling the rest of the night.

After the Ball, and after everyone has gone to sleep, they sneak away and lie underneath the stars, just the two of them.

- They’re fiercely protective of each other, but they also trust each other. The entire tribe knows how in love the two toms are, so when Bomba flirts with Tugger, or the kittens squeal over him, it’s all in good fun, and Misto just watches with an amused smile, because he knows that when the fawning is finished, Tugger will always be at his side, and they’ll curl up on the car hood under the sun.

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