MOVIE REVIEW
The Barkers: Mind the Cats!
G -     

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 16m
Director(s): Elena Galdobina, Fyodor Dmitriev
Writer(s): Aleksandr Boyarskiy, Aleksandra Shokha
Cast: Courtney Shaw, Wayne Grayson, Jessica Paquet, Tom Wayland, Erica Schroeder, Samantha Cooper, Laurie Hymes, Mike Pollock
Where To Watch: available on demand and digitally on April 30, 2024, from Lionsgate

RAVING REVIEW: Director Elena Galdobina's THE BARKERS: MIND THE CATS brings the Barker family to a feature-length film from their TV series roots, but this time, the charm of the original series seems to have been left behind. Unfortunately, what was intended to be a fun vacation adventure quickly reveals itself as a rehashed narrative lacking originality and the endearing qualities that once captivated a loyal television audience.

THE BARKERS: MIND THE CATS attempts to transition to the movie format, as many classic animated series have done, but struggles to retain the core elements that made the television series a favorite. Over 192 episodes, the TV series developed rich backstories and complex relationships among the Barker family. Still, the film compresses these elements into a simplified version that only resonates with the most diehard fans. The plot revolves around the youngest Kid Barker (Courtney Shaw), his interactions with some scheming cats, and his journey to “get to play.” However, the new characters introduce chaos without any substantial fallout, leading to a storyline that feels both forced and superficial.

Visually, the film felt a little dated with its CGI animation, never looking “bad” but lacking the smoother feel of most modern animated films. The voice acting, specifically by Shaw in the English version, felt pretty solid. However, the soundtrack comes off as generic and uninspiring, seldom aligning with the on-screen action meaningfully.

Furthermore, the movie phones in those stereotypical ideas of what sibling dynamics are thought to be, a crucial aspect that could have lifted the film. It glosses over the relationships that could have offered a deeper emotional connection to the audience, opting instead for quick resolutions that leave little impact. This shallow treatment works in a shortened TV episode. Still, it undermines the potential for a genuine exploration of family ties in a feature film, reducing what could have been meaningful interactions to mere caricatures.

The film's humor, aimed at a young audience, connects, although some of the jokes fail to land and never really offer anything for the older viewers' attention (which is a must in modern children's movies.)

THE BARKERS: MIND THE CATS is ultimately a missed opportunity to build upon a beloved franchise. Instead of delivering a new chapter that could have expanded the Barkers' world in exciting ways, the film feels like a step back. With a narrative that struggles to find its footing in character arcs without direction, the film is a cautionary tale of how difficult it can be to translate television success into film triumph.

For families seeking entertainment, this film might provide a brief distraction. Still, it is unlikely to leave a lasting impression or evoke fond memories of the Barkers' television adventures. It's a reminder that not all attempts to capitalize on nostalgia result in a product that honors its origins.

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[photo courtesy of LIONSGATE]

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