Prior to the screening, three fellow critics engaged in a conversation expressing the negativity they'd heard and/or read regarding this film. Additionally, I did find the theater surprisingly less attended than I'd anticipated. Hence, coupled with a somewhat stiff looking poster, my overall expectations for "Cat in the Hat" sunk a notch or two. But, all for naught, or perhaps because of that, I enjoyed the film just fine anyway.

From the homage animated title sequence to the storybook set, the picture draws the viewer into its caricature world soon to be invaded by the Cat in the Hat (Myers). But what makes the production work so well is that it doesn't rely on the whit and spark of Myers. At every turn collaborating talented folks bring tidbits of fun and humor. Sean Hayes voices the fish marvelously (his offerings are at least as good as Myers'). Alec Baldwin unabashedly nails his role as mother's two-faced boyfriend. He's such a good sport. The kids and all onscreen talent conspire along with the set designers, director, scripters, animators, and editors to create a fun filled experience for kids and some open-minded adults.

As for Myers, I have a huge amount of respect for his work, but here he is only slightly above average. The Cat's main voice seems to be an impression of the Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of Oz -- can't explain exactly why -- but that bothers me. However, his make-up and live-action design work exceptionally well, despite my expectations given the poster. Additionally, his overall mood nails the spirit of the book -- a stranger, enticingly interesting, alluringly odd, a grown-up bent on fun -- but with always that element of danger, menace. Sean Haye's "voice of reason" fish counters the Cat perfectly. I absolutely love when he (the fish) takes a breath before diving back into the water. In fact, nearly every flash to screen time of the fish, holds a funny zinger -- "Oh, My Cod!"

That said, the biggest fault of the film lies in the third thing -- the box. The first two things, thing one and thing two, are both well realized, both fun and both scary. But the third thing, the box; its purple CGI ooze falls short, takes us out of the story as does its full culmination -- which doesn't seem to be more than an excuse to plug an amusement park ride. Yes, funny for a second, that the Cat fezzes up to that crime, nonetheless, this extended plug takes a large toll on the integrity of the picture.

Interestingly enough, filmmakers wanted the fish to be a combination of Felix Unger (Odd Couple) and Barney Fife (Andy Griffith Show). Which I find very amusing, since Don Knotts (Fife), once had done a full feature movie in which he becomes a fish (The Incredible Mr. Limpett).