Taking a book of poetry about cats and turning it into a play was quite a stretch, but genius will out. I was mesmerized by the play, the music was amazing. Now, turning a two and a half hour play into a movie was an altogether different kind of challenge. Taking the best from the play, adding a bit to the already weak story, including an antagonist, adding a couple of songs, removing others, and you have a start. Then putting in fine actors and adding a character to help move the story was a touch of icing on the cake. If you go in with certain expectations, you may be disappointed. If you go to enjoy some fine performances, great music, and fun moments, you may just have a great time. I did! It is absolutely not for everyone and if you hated the play, this is not for you. If you can just enjoy the abstract, the color, the costumes and a few fine special effects, along with the proven music, then consider it; you may find yourself leaving the theater humming a Weber tune.