Friday Movie Review - The Phantom of the Opera

Today's movie review is one that will make my mommy swoon when she reads this. She has always loved the story of "The Phantom of the Opera," has read the original novel as well as many other variations, has watched just about every version of it on film, and has the entire score of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical memorized by heart. It is no surprise, then, that this film would be high on her list. I am sad to say, though, that this film version is her favorite, not only because it is based on the musical, but because of the star. My mommy adores Gerard Butler. In something that she calls a "Top Ten List," Gerard Butler is her number one. I don't know exactly what this means, but I do know that mommy acts like she's had some really good catnip whenever she sees him in anything.

The Phantom of the Opera (2004)

Directed by: Joel Schumacher

Screenplay By: Joel Schumacher and Andrew Lloyd Webber

Based on the novel by: Gaston Leroux

I am sure that most of us kitties are aware of the basic storyline. The famous Paris Opera House is cursed by the presence of a "phantom." A young ingenue named Christine joins the Opera's ballet troupe, and the phantom falls in love with her and trains her voice in secret. Soon Christine gets her chance to sing the lead in an opera, and the audience loves her, as does her old childhood friend, Raoul. However, Christine is abducted by the phantom, who turns out to be no ghost but a disfigured musical genius living in the Opera House's catacombs. Will Christine choose Raoul or the phantom?

Here are a few pictures from the movie. It is a gorgeous production, and while it doesn't follow the stageplay exactly, it still does a wonderful job. The colors are rich and vibrant, the Opera House is larger than life and opulent, and the musical score is rich and full of feeling.

The Phantom Takes Christine to His Lair

The Phantom Seduces Christine

My Mommy Swoons

My mommy loves this movie. She loves it enough that she talks to it. For example, when the Phantom asks Christine "Have you forgotten your angel?" my mommy cries out "No I haven't! I'm right here!" I think she's disappointed that he never seems to hear her.

As good as this movie is, I have to say that we kitties could do a much better job. Just look at all the talented kitties we know right here on the catblogosphere! I believe that if we all got together, we could produce the best interpretation of Gaston Leroux's "Phantom of the Opera" ever!

I can just see it now . . . Daisy can be in charge of costumes . . . Monty Q. Kat with his spectacular singing skills can play the lead role as The Phantom with our sweet Abby as Christine . . . HRH Yao-Lin can direct (he has had all that experience with his slave) . . . Adan would make a very dashing and sweet Raoul . . . Cheysuli would make a very convincing Madame Giry . . . and I can just see Princess Tara as Christine's best friend, Meg Giry. Captain Jack and Dante could be in charge of all the props and lighting. They wouldn't have any problems balancing or dealing with ropes, after all that time at sea! There are so many parts and jobs that so many of us could do! I think it would be absolutely wonderful. And I, of course, would produce!

We would have stunning musical numbers, such as "The Kitty of the Opera," "All I Purr Of You," "Prima Kitty," and "The Meowing of the Night."

I am telling you kitties, we would have a HUGE hit on our hands!

I give the human movie "Phantom of the Opera" two paws up, because they did the best they could, being only people. But I give our future production "The Kitty of the Opera" two paws up plus a purr!!!!!