Is That Darn Cat Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, That Darn Cat is likely a skip if you enjoy Family movies.
It features a runtime of 89 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
That Darn Cat Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1997, That Darn Cat emerges as a significant entry in the Family, Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of While making his nightly rounds in the neighborhood, Patti's pet cat D. Unlike standard genre fare, That Darn Cat attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Family is often anchored by its ensemble, and That Darn Cat features a noteworthy lineup led by Christina Ricci . Supported by the likes of Doug E. Doug and Dean Jones , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of That Darn Cat (1997) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
That Darn Cat Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: That Darn Cat is a Family, Comedy film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
That Darn Cat Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: That Darn Cat attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to family resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the family themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of That Darn Cat reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch That Darn Cat?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Family films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of That Darn Cat
- Christina Ricci – Patti
- Doug E. Doug – Zeke
- Dean Jones – Mr. Flint
- Peter Boyle – Pa
- Michael McKean – Peter Randall
Top Highlights
Christina RicciPatti
Doug E. DougZeke
Dean JonesMr. Flint
Peter BoylePa
Michael McKeanPeter Randall
Dyan CannonMrs. Flint
George DzundzaBoetticher
Bess ArmstrongJudy Randall
John RatzenbergerDusty
Megan CavanaghLu
Where to Watch That Darn Cat Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
VI movies and tvParents Guide & Age Rating
That Darn Cat is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5/10, and global collection metrics, That Darn Cat stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1997 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is That Darn Cat movie hit or flop?
That Darn Cat has received mixed reviews with a 5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is That Darn Cat worth watching?
That Darn Cat is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Family, Comedy movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch That Darn Cat online?
That Darn Cat is currently available for streaming on VI movies and tv. You can also check for it on platforms like VI movies and tv depending on your region.
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How That Darn Cat Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for That Darn Cat
That ending... I'm not sure if it's woeful or brilliant, I'm leaning towards the latter I gotta be honest. Hear me out. For most of my watch, I was expecting to give this a less than positive rating. It starts off decently before meandering towards its conclusion. When it gets there, though, it's absolutely bonkers. My feelings towards the final part switched completely, I initially found it stupid (which it probably is) but the last embers of it are so ridiculous that it's actually entertaining. Don't be fooled by the covers for this film, by the way. It looks like it's going to be a CGI cat but it isn't, a real cat is used for the vast majority as far as I could tell. Even on Disney+ it has the CG cover, which cheapens the film and would've turned me away - had I not been on this Disney marathon that I'm on. Very strange choice from the makers. At this point, it is worth noting I thoroughly enjoyed the 1965 original film; which is far, far superior to this remake. The cast in '65 are terrific, but the '97 cast list is one I actually rate. Dean Jones, to my surprise, appears in this one. He plays a different character completely, but it's cool to see him nevertheless. As for the newcomers onscreen, Christina Ricci (Patti) and Doug E. Doug (Zeke) are the leads. Ricci is no Hayley Mills, nor is Doug a Jones, but I still liked them together. Michael McKean (Peter) is also involved, as is Pixar staple John Ratzenberger (Dusty) - who, alongside Mark Christopher Lawrence (Rollo), play a part in the finale. This has a very low average rating on Letterboxd, which I can completely understand. For me, though, I found it so bizarre that it actually works in a twisted sort of way. Would I recommend this? I dunno. Was I entertained? Surprisingly, yeah. ...and yes, I'm fully aware I did just do a five-paragraph review about 'That Darn Cat' (1997)... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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