The Cat Came Back

If you do simple comedy in the short form, the usual route is to have one comic situation that you elaborate with small jokes. In most cases, it is the small interstitial jokes that are funny, sometimes the things that are afterthoughts.

The context here is a man trying to dispose of an unwanted cat and getting foiled Wiley Coyote-wise. Most of these are less funny than you'd find in roadrunner or Toma and Jerry.

But one scenario has a side joke that is hilarious. Our man who is tortured by a cat is in a boat with the cat in a bag. He ends up on the lakebottom holding an anchor with the cat safely topside. The big joke is that around him on this lakebottom are dozens of similar bags, presumably with drowned cats.

Ted's Evaluation -- 2 of 3: Has some interesting elements.

for many reasons, it is a certainly must see. for a lot of motifs. first - each cat lover discovers the stereotypes of life with adorable animal in precise description. second - Cordell Barker use the old gags in inspired manner. three - the compassion for the poor man , full of good intentions, terrorized by a monster is mixed with humor in beautiful way. four - after the meetings with so many sophisticated animations, it is a real refreshing to discover a kind of old fashion oasis. so, a great film. or, more specific, one of the lovely one.

This cartoon was nominated for the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film in 1989. It lost to an amazing film from Pixar, THE TIN TOY, but that doesn't mean that THE CAT CAME BACK is a bad film--just of a much simpler and older style than the CGI film.

The graphics for this short are far from great but given the subject matter, this actually helped the film--giving it a certain kooky charm. The film begins with an angry guy playing the tuba when he is interrupted by the arrival of a cute yellow cat. Despite being cute, though, the cat is super-destructive and impossible to get rid of no matter what the man does. In the end, he does get rid of the cat once and for all....or so he thinks! The craziness and over the top style are what make this simple film. While nothing new here, it is done with such style and fun that anyone seeing it will be hooked.

Excellent short animated film about a pesky cat that won't go away! One day, someone knocks at the door, and leaves a cat. But Mr. Johnson's happiness rapidly turns into a nightmare. He can't get rid of the unwanted cat. Hilarious! I was almost rolling on the floor laughing when he's stuck in the cave with the rats! And don't forget, a cat has nine lives! I would have to agree that this is one of the funniest animated film around. Great product again from the National Film Board of Canada. And the music is adding to the fun.

Seen twice at home, in Toronto, on December 31st, 2004.

88/100 (***½)

Canada's National Film Board has produced a seemingly endless number of terrific shorts over the years, and this is one of the best ones. There are numerous funny moments in this thoroughly enjoyable cartoon, and the closing scene is a perfect and appropriate end to the film. If you ever come across this film, please take a few minutes and give it a chance. You will not be disappointed.