The phrase "family film" is often bandied around, but this slightly flawed, part-animated, fantasy comedy from 2001 fits the description perfectly. Cats and dogs have been at war for years, but an uneasy truce has kept the situation at stalemate. Enter scientist Professor Brody (Jeff Goldblum), who has nearly perfected a serum that will cure all humans of their allergies to dogs.
If Brody succeeds, the canines will get the upper paw. Understandably the cats are perfecting a serum that will make all humans allergic to dogs. The race is on - can the dogs protect Brody and foil the cats? Or will the felines succeed and stop the professor?
Brody's guard is Lou, a young, inexperienced secret agent puppy (voiced by Tobey Maguire), aided by veteran Butch and tech-ace Ivy (voiced by Alec Baldwin and Susan Sarandon). Meanwhile Mr Tinkles (the cat's leader, voiced by Sean Hayes) has numerous weapons and attack squads at his command. The final battle between the species begins...
Younger viewers will enjoy the mix of real animals and CGI, although adults may find the switch between the two is uncomfortable and flawed. On the plus side there's plenty of filmic references to enjoy, such as spy and martial arts movies and, naturally, The Matrix. And, of course, no animals were harmed in the making of this film...
Cats and Dogs is a Film programme that first aired in 2001 and has been classified a PG certificate.
