The Cat in the Hat

If you are after a comedy that actually makes you laugh out loud, The Cat in the Hat is available in Australia on Netflix and BINGE, and in the UK on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video right now. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. Its 5/10 TMDB score, built from 1,830 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. Mike Myers leads a cast with real comic timing. Put it on tonight on Netflix and see for yourself.

The Cat in the Hat arrived without much fanfare and built its audience the hard way — through word of mouth. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate The Cat in the Hat from the crowd. During a rainy day, and while their mother is out, Conrad and Sally, and their pet fish, are visited by the mischievous Cat in the Hat. Fun soon turns to mayhem, and the siblings must figure out how to rid themselves of the maniacal Cat. Mike Myers and Dakota Fanning lead a cast that never overplays a joke. It was released in 2003. What keeps The Cat in the Hat from feeling disposable is a cast that clearly understands the material better than the format usually demands. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

The Cat in the Hat is the kind of thing you put on in the background and end up fully watching. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Mike Myers sets the tone, but the supporting cast is where a lot of the best moments come from. A reliable pick for any night you want quality comedy without the homework.