Cat in the Hat, The MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +3 Content: +1

The Cat in the Hat is based on Dr. Seusss childrens books. A mischievous young boy named Conrad (Spenser Breslin) and his rule-keeping sister Sally (Dakota Fanning) receive a visit one rainy day. While their attractive mom (Kelly Preston) is at work, a life-size cat wearing a hat (Mike Myers) shows up with Thing 1 and Thing 2, and together they make a disaster of the house after Mom has left strict guidelines about keeping the house clean. Until now, the kids have had little to do but sit around while their babysitter, Mrs. Kwan, dozes in the den. Next-door neighbor Lawrence (Alec Baldwin) wants Mom and her money, so he is busy finding reasons to send Conrad off to military school. Then there is Fish (voice of Sean Hayes), the kids pet, who continually warns them that the Cat is trouble and that they are breaking the rules. Sally and Conrads boring, rainy day turns into a day of fun, which soon gets out of control.

Funny and fast-paced from beginning to end, this film should be added to your holiday list of things to do. Each character brings something to the film with a terrific supporting cast and a cat in Mike Myers that is purrrrrrrrrfect. The sets are fun with retro scenery including pink houses and bright green cars. The two kids learn a valuable lesson and have lots of adventures along the way. Parents should be aware of some mild negatives that give the film a PG rating. There is some mild crude humor and double entendre. An example: The Cat is holding a hoe, looks at it and says, You dirty ho. Hello baby. In a rave scene, the Cat dances with a scantily dressed girl named Paris Hilton. And theres a Playboy centerfold gag. All things considered, The Cat in the Hat is acceptable for children. And those who dont own the book will want it after seeing this movie.

Preview Reviewer: Lynn Nusser
Distributor: Universal Pictures