That Darn Cat (1997)

That Darn Cat (1997) is the kind of breezy, family-friendly caper that knows exactly what it wants to be: a cute, mischievous romp where the real star is a cat with a talent for stumbling into trouble. Christina Ricci gives the movie a lively, likable center, playing Patti with just the right mix of determination and teen-eye-roll charm as the mystery swirls around her neighborhood. The tone is light, colorful, and cheerfully old-school, leaning into playful laughs and harmless suspense rather than anything too intense. It won’t win over viewers looking for razor-sharp comedy or realism, but if you’re in the mood for something watchable, warm, and surprisingly entertaining, it’s an easy pick for a cozy movie night.

That Darn Cat (1997) is clearly aiming for breezy, kid-friendly chaos—a cute pet, a suburban mystery, and harmless laughs the whole family can sit through. The problem is it plays like a watered-down remake with a thin script, gags that land with a thud, and performances that feel oddly low-energy for a story that should be zipping along. If you’re hoping for sharp comedy or the charm people associate with the earlier version, this one can feel bland and a bit messy. If, however, you just want an easy, inoffensive ’90s Disney time-waster and you’re mainly here for the cat and the cozy vibe, it’s passable background entertainment.