CATNAPPED!, directed by an artist who worked on the groundbreaking anime classic, AKIRA, makes for lively fare for the very young and young at heart. A young brother and sister go in search of their missing dog, which has been stolen by other-dimensional cats and brought to their world, which sits atop a giant sleeping cat! For some arcane reason, their sun has turned the beleaguered pooch into a giant, goofy-looking monster that can fly and does the bidding of an evil cat queen. The kids arrive to save the day, but only after much travail. CATNAPPED! sounds like a Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli effort, although it is not. However, it is a nicely executed anime with colorful characters and backdrops. The cats travel around in bizarre, circus-like balloons, for instance, and the evil queen's touch turns the cats into helpless balloon animals. CATNAPPED! may remind some of THE ADVENTURES OF LITTLE NEMO IN SLUMBERLAND, which has a similar circus-like atmosphere. Worth a look if you enjoy Miyazaki-style anime.
8 Reviews
It is quite a kitty adventure!
Irishchatter13 May 2018
Warning: Spoilers
You know, I really thought I was never going to like this movie since the sister on this was quite annoying, but as I went along with it, I kicked back, relaxed and enjoyed it! I found out about this movie through animelist and since I really enjoyed "the cat returns", it gave other anime movie recommendations that are relating to it and this movie was the #1 spot! So I asked myself why not? and gave it a watch!
I hated the fact it gave us a cliffhanger in the end, like its 22 years now and we still haven't figured out what the next message was for the kids to hear about and if Princess Buburina was causing chaos again? I suppose she would because she wasn't "fully" defeated yet. Or even will her companion Doh-Doh be the leader this time and have Chuchu fight against him?
I really like this anime regardless of the cliffhanger as it was enjoyable and like as an animal lover, it does brighten up your day like it is a pretty much upbeat movie! I'll give this 8/10
I hated the fact it gave us a cliffhanger in the end, like its 22 years now and we still haven't figured out what the next message was for the kids to hear about and if Princess Buburina was causing chaos again? I suppose she would because she wasn't "fully" defeated yet. Or even will her companion Doh-Doh be the leader this time and have Chuchu fight against him?
I really like this anime regardless of the cliffhanger as it was enjoyable and like as an animal lover, it does brighten up your day like it is a pretty much upbeat movie! I'll give this 8/10
No big deal
Atreyu_II22 December 2011
This movie was nothing special. Although it did have a plot, it was far from being intriguing and involving. To try is one thing, to get the job done is another. There were many plot holes and flaws. Many of the characters couldn't captivate, were underdeveloped and lacked any real chemistry. Papadoll was one of the few really likable characters, especially as a massive flying monster. Papadoll is an ordinary house dog that was mysteriously turned into this giant - the explanation for this is bizarre: because he is touched by the sun twice.
There was very little of memorable in this movie. I'm not big on anime films in the first place, their artwork isn't my cup of tea, but this one in many ways was weak in artwork even by anime's standards. In conclusion, it's just another ordinary anime effort.
There was very little of memorable in this movie. I'm not big on anime films in the first place, their artwork isn't my cup of tea, but this one in many ways was weak in artwork even by anime's standards. In conclusion, it's just another ordinary anime effort.
Extremely imaginative and visually rewarding
franknseus14 June 2000
I am not a big fan of anime outside of Miyazaki's films, but the fanciful designs on this DVD caught my eye. I'm glad they did because although this movie doesn't seem to have built up much of a reputation it is a real gem.
The story involves a boy and his younger sister whose dog Papadoll is missing. They find out that he has been abducted by anthropomorphic cats to be brought to a world called Banapal Witt, which is built on top of a giant sleeping cat. There the sun turns poor Papadoll into a bizarre giant monster. He becomes the weapon and beloved pet of a spoiled Princess who turns everything she touches into balloons. She plans to use Papadoll and a giant inflatable mouse to control the sleeping cat and thus Banapal Witt itself.
Sound weird enough for you? This story is dreamy and fun in a way reminiscent of Winsor McCay's Little Nemo stories. I like the way it is full of weird touches like the Princess's balloon curse, which at first are nice because they are so nonsensical, but which then are explained in sad flashbacks. The film did not have as powerful of an emotional effect on me as Miyazaki's classics like Kiki's Delivery Service and Porco Rosso, but it is so jampacked with interesting gimmicks and inventive imagery that its charms are irresistible. The animation is of a much higher quality than your average anime, but it doesn't even have to be because the designs are so superb. I will definitely be looking out for more from the designers of this film, who have created some the most interesting contraptions and creatures I have seen in a long time.
The story involves a boy and his younger sister whose dog Papadoll is missing. They find out that he has been abducted by anthropomorphic cats to be brought to a world called Banapal Witt, which is built on top of a giant sleeping cat. There the sun turns poor Papadoll into a bizarre giant monster. He becomes the weapon and beloved pet of a spoiled Princess who turns everything she touches into balloons. She plans to use Papadoll and a giant inflatable mouse to control the sleeping cat and thus Banapal Witt itself.
Sound weird enough for you? This story is dreamy and fun in a way reminiscent of Winsor McCay's Little Nemo stories. I like the way it is full of weird touches like the Princess's balloon curse, which at first are nice because they are so nonsensical, but which then are explained in sad flashbacks. The film did not have as powerful of an emotional effect on me as Miyazaki's classics like Kiki's Delivery Service and Porco Rosso, but it is so jampacked with interesting gimmicks and inventive imagery that its charms are irresistible. The animation is of a much higher quality than your average anime, but it doesn't even have to be because the designs are so superb. I will definitely be looking out for more from the designers of this film, who have created some the most interesting contraptions and creatures I have seen in a long time.
Wonderful!
dinoqueen13 January 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Catnapped! is a wonderful adventure anyone would enjoy. When I first saw the DVD cover of this movie, I thought 'Ugh. This looks bad.' But I was wrong. Catnapped! has well developed characters. Each character has their own unique personality. Meeko is a questioning, sometimes whiny character. Toriyasu is a stubborn arguing character.
Now, these two kids, Meeko and Toriyasu get called to a cat world called Banipal Witt by a bunch of felines, after their pet dog, Papadoll, mysteriously vanished. (Meeko thinks that Aliens abducted him.) These felines travel in circus-like balloons, that are capable of going underwater. Meeko and Toriyasu are transported to Banipal Witt, which is full of surprises, and supported by a giant sleeping cat. On the first day, humans only transform into cats. But on the second day, as Meeko and Toriyasu soon find out, being from outer worlds transform into huge, clown-like monsters. Now, the kids only have a day to rescue Papadoll. Soon after they arrive, you soon see Papadoll. Papadoll had been transformed into a giant, purple, flying dog monster. Meeko is determined to take Papadoll back. Papadoll recognizes his owner, but the spell is broken by Toriyasu. He is not convinced that this monster is Papadoll, and shows no interest in rescuing him. He is commanded by Do-Do, a cat under a spell, to kidnap other cats, including Meeko.
This is where we meet Princess Buburina, a spoiled brat who's very touch turns beings into balloons (discluding creatures from outer worlds). Buburina has a plan to destroy Banipal Witt, and she is using the Papadoll monster to make it work. By rescuing Papadoll, they will save Banipal Witt from destruction. On the way, Toriyasu falls in love with a cat named Chu-Chu. Just before the sun rises, Papadoll is rescued and we are revealed a startling fact; Toriyasu abused Papadoll. That is why Papadoll left. After this, the kids go back to their world, and Banipal Witt is saved.
The music is very catchy and will leave you humming the tune. The music is used very well in certain situations and will make you feel just the way Toriyasu and Meeko did when they first enter Banipal Witt. Without the music, the movie would be less pleasing.
The animation is eye candy. The style in Banipal Witt is very much like a circus. The cats don't really look like cats. They look more like cat-human hybrids. The animation is very similar to Miyazaki movies. So if you like Miyazaki movies, don't miss out on Catnapped!
Now, these two kids, Meeko and Toriyasu get called to a cat world called Banipal Witt by a bunch of felines, after their pet dog, Papadoll, mysteriously vanished. (Meeko thinks that Aliens abducted him.) These felines travel in circus-like balloons, that are capable of going underwater. Meeko and Toriyasu are transported to Banipal Witt, which is full of surprises, and supported by a giant sleeping cat. On the first day, humans only transform into cats. But on the second day, as Meeko and Toriyasu soon find out, being from outer worlds transform into huge, clown-like monsters. Now, the kids only have a day to rescue Papadoll. Soon after they arrive, you soon see Papadoll. Papadoll had been transformed into a giant, purple, flying dog monster. Meeko is determined to take Papadoll back. Papadoll recognizes his owner, but the spell is broken by Toriyasu. He is not convinced that this monster is Papadoll, and shows no interest in rescuing him. He is commanded by Do-Do, a cat under a spell, to kidnap other cats, including Meeko.
This is where we meet Princess Buburina, a spoiled brat who's very touch turns beings into balloons (discluding creatures from outer worlds). Buburina has a plan to destroy Banipal Witt, and she is using the Papadoll monster to make it work. By rescuing Papadoll, they will save Banipal Witt from destruction. On the way, Toriyasu falls in love with a cat named Chu-Chu. Just before the sun rises, Papadoll is rescued and we are revealed a startling fact; Toriyasu abused Papadoll. That is why Papadoll left. After this, the kids go back to their world, and Banipal Witt is saved.
The music is very catchy and will leave you humming the tune. The music is used very well in certain situations and will make you feel just the way Toriyasu and Meeko did when they first enter Banipal Witt. Without the music, the movie would be less pleasing.
The animation is eye candy. The style in Banipal Witt is very much like a circus. The cats don't really look like cats. They look more like cat-human hybrids. The animation is very similar to Miyazaki movies. So if you like Miyazaki movies, don't miss out on Catnapped!
Pure fun
dbborroughs13 January 2008
Just finished a bit of anime called CATNAPPED. Its about two kids who are taken to a world of cats in order to rescue their dog, and help stop a wicked princess. Its fun. Its not perfect and should be longer then the 75 minutes of its running time. Its one of those movies, and lord knows there aren't many, that has its heart in the right place. Its one where because you get this vibe off it that it knows what its doing even if its not perfectly done.... I think there are things I would have done differently but I won't quibble since I simply enjoy whats there. I have no idea how the dub is since I have it subtitled, but that said its a cool movie with everyone turning into balloons
Imaginative and very well done
ja_kitty_7110 November 2007
They say animation is an art form, and in a few countries in the world there is some excellent animation, especially in Japan. My twin sister and I love anime, and this film is one of my favorites. Though I was shocked and surprised by the negative reviews I saw on the web, I thought this film was extremely imaginative and very well done.
I love Banipal Witt; it is unlike anything you have seen before-truly a marvelous place to behold. My favorite characters from the film are Meeko (she is so adorable); ChuChu; and the lovely Lily Remlun, daughter of the great magician Remlun. Though she didn't get enough screen time (flashback, you know), I still love her. And it was Lily's papa who gave the nasty princess Buburina the curse of turning everyone into balloons by touch.
So, overall, I loved this film from beginning to end.
I love Banipal Witt; it is unlike anything you have seen before-truly a marvelous place to behold. My favorite characters from the film are Meeko (she is so adorable); ChuChu; and the lovely Lily Remlun, daughter of the great magician Remlun. Though she didn't get enough screen time (flashback, you know), I still love her. And it was Lily's papa who gave the nasty princess Buburina the curse of turning everyone into balloons by touch.
So, overall, I loved this film from beginning to end.
Great movie for kids and their adults
cousinsue3 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Love this movie!
Two human siblings end up in the magical land of Banipal Wit, a cat kingdom, where they must fix a problem the big brother caused when he mistreated his dog, Papadoll. They have a time limit, because on their second day in the magic land they will become monsters, just as Papadoll has done!
Banipal Wit is charming, and its cat inhabitants are fun. The princess is over the top, but you can empathise with her up to a point. After causing the death of a Magician's daughter, she is cursed that every thing living that she touches turns to a balloon.
When this movie came out our kids loved it so much that we had to buy it on DVD. When their friends saw it, they wanted a copy of it (2 of ours walked off with someone).
Bought a copy for my brand new nephew recently, and my spouse and I enjoyed it just as much now as we did with our own kids!
Two human siblings end up in the magical land of Banipal Wit, a cat kingdom, where they must fix a problem the big brother caused when he mistreated his dog, Papadoll. They have a time limit, because on their second day in the magic land they will become monsters, just as Papadoll has done!
Banipal Wit is charming, and its cat inhabitants are fun. The princess is over the top, but you can empathise with her up to a point. After causing the death of a Magician's daughter, she is cursed that every thing living that she touches turns to a balloon.
When this movie came out our kids loved it so much that we had to buy it on DVD. When their friends saw it, they wanted a copy of it (2 of ours walked off with someone).
Bought a copy for my brand new nephew recently, and my spouse and I enjoyed it just as much now as we did with our own kids!
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
