The Cat In The Hat [Soundtrack]

David Newman | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 18, 2003)
• Original Release Date: November 21, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Decca
• ASIN: B0000DZE4X
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 2.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #93,353 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Hollywood’s typical formula (Well-Known Literary Property + Star Power + Mega Marketing Muscle=Box Office Dynamite) is anything but a sure thing, as the merciless reviews for this Mike Myers take on the Dr. Seuss classic attested in droves. But lost beneath the cat-suited Myers endless schtick and a creative tack that even dared forego Seuss’ patent rhymes is a wonderfully inventive, endlessly exuberant orchestral score by David Newman. Essentially treating the material as live-action cartoon, Newman has concocted an updated take on the traditional animation score that consistently bristles with energy and musical surprises. While young Newman’s cues here occasionally lean on some of brother Thomas’ patent rhythmic hoodoo and a little of cousin Randy’s bittersweet pastoral arrangements, the whole is distinctive and entirely his own: a great score for a lousy movie. Smashmouth contributes a faithful, equally upbeat cover of the Beatles’ "Getting Better" while Myers musical mugging is kept to a merciful minimum. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not worthy!, July 4, 2009

By 

Robin Ray "redrobin62" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Cat In The Hat (Audio CD)

You know, over-the-top movies like Cat In The Cat, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Edward Scissorhands, et. al do lend themselves out as being great vehicles for film scoring. You always find within them the usual mysteries, comedies, tragedies, farces, horrors, melodramas, and so forth. Would make for great listening because the music would be varied - adagio and andante in some places, allegro and furioso in others. The problem with The Cat In The Hat score is that ALL of these varied dynamics and tempo are within EACH piece of music. This creates a jolting listening experience because it seems like the musics were just strung together from 1 minute pieces lying around. You know, just stitch them together and maybe they'll fit. Hah! They don't. The reason I'm not only giving this score 1 star is because, without a doubt, young Newman as gifted composer as his older brother and famous cousin. This stitching together of materials is probably the studio's doing. There is no way young Newman could have constructed pieces like these. If he did it was because he had an eye towards the jumpy incoherent film itself. As far as listening to the score on its own merits - it doesn't work.

2 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Getting Better? How about Get Back., May 12, 2005

By 

Gonzo (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Cat In The Hat (Audio CD)

The 'Getting Better' Beatles cover is a disgrace. I brought a young child to the movies to see this film, which is my excuse for attending this piece of doody, and I was horrified to hear 'Getting Better', a Beatles cover, which was performed by Smashmouth.

I don't know about any other Beatle fans but when I hear their songs being used in advertisements or movies, I immediately take a mental note to never buy their product. I suppose they're trying to target 59 year old housewives that will go "god I used to love that song ..volvo huh"

This is all topped off by the fact that the guy from Smashmouth has got the most annoying voice on the planet. It's almost as if he's TRYING to sound like he's got his privates chopped off in a woodchipper.

God help all of us. Down with large corporations. Buy from the Amish. They contribute to society through spreading peace, so instead of rushing out to Wal-Mart to buy the Cat in the Hat soundtrack, take a ride up Lancaster County PA instead and buy some apple pies to throw at war mongers and homophobes.

0 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars WHAT AN IDIOT, April 11, 2004

By 

jong chung (8710 Rosedale Lane) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Cat In The Hat (Audio CD)

That kinda crap? What are you people thinking?? The Cat in the Hat Motion Picture Soundtrack?? sheesh... For one, this Cat in the Hat's a complete disaster! and for two, they've recently made an excellent Cat in the Hat cartoon in 1994, and I found it a perfect cartoon. to whomever disagrees and loves this piece of mindless bullshi*, find something more constructive to do.