Let's just admit it-there was no way for this one to fail. I mean, cats. Everybody loves cats. And this movie has, like, a whole café of them. There's even that grumpy cat (not to be confused with the famous Tardar Sauce who had her own movie), who's extremely adorable. What's funny here is that the actual movie is barely trying. It's one of the laziest attempts this year. You know how it is: a young lady inherits the cat café and wants to sell it. But there's that young gentleman. You can tell exactly how it'll end without watching. No unique twists or interesting developments whatsoever-just our usual Hallmark train.
But let's be honest, if you don't quit after the Hallmark logo appears on screen, you know exactly why you are here. And like I said, there was no way for this movie to fail. The cats are there, the heartwarming aftertaste is there, and there's even a Tiny Tim-like character to add to the mood. So, at the end of the day, my biggest concern is that the chemistry between the two leads can be better. I mean, they're fine, but the writing doesn't contribute to the feeling, while the actors are acting like they're just doing their job. There's no spark.
What shocked me the most, though, is how terrible the post-production is. There are scenes, for example, with a shockingly different amount of grain. Things like that should be corrected during the post-production, but it looks like people behind this movie were like, "Nah! Why bother!" And it's not like it's a pro thing or something; it's close to impossible not to notice. It doesn't feel good. So, with not enough spark and terrible post-production? I think I'll rate it a bit lower than "a strong Hallmark movie," which, in my book, is seven (and eight being perfect by Hallmark Christmas standards). But if in your book six is too low and can make you reconsider, don't. Christmas at the Catnip Café is totally skippable, but a fine candidate for a Hallmark Christmas marathon.
