Just as is so with all filmmaker Steve Rudzinski's features, this is notably very low-budget, with very low production values, and a highly abbreviated runtime. Even if Rudzinski wanted to fashion a sense of genuineness, I don't think it would be possible under these circumstances. Like this movie's 2017 predecessor, however, everyone involved gleefully indulges in an absurdist sense of humor that feels very much like the often unexpectedly intelligent tomfoolery produced as short-form sketches by Internet comedy troupes circa 2010 (give or take). The only difference here is simply that what could have been rendered as a 5-minute proof of concept is expanded into a 58-minute full-length film. To my absolute delight, the result is a gloriously hilarious slab of nonsense. And in fact - maybe it's the Toxoplasma gondii in my brain speaking, but especially as a cat lover, I think the plot idea explored here, and the extra embellished ludicrousness, makes 'A meowy Christmas vacation' even more fun!
Dialogue is full of feline puns and otherwise wordplay, and the scenario is built on humor borne from upended expectations, turnabout, some references and passing commentary ("Being scared: the only excuse an officer needs."), a measure of physical comedy, and the cast's pointedly ham-handed performances. The personalities given to the animals in the movie are more sharply realized than in 2017's 'A meowy Christmas,' and in a broad sense I think Rudzinski has slightly refined his writing in the intervening three years - even as this sequel goes even more all-out in its far-out foolishness. Yes, it's utterly ridiculous and inauthentic, with no care for especial mindfulness, or a delicate hand, or the storytelling sensibilities that may ingratiate this to a wider audience. But that's just the point: the only intent here is wild, silly, over the top preposterousness, and so long as one can get on board with Rudzinski's style, I think it succeeds with flying colors.
Brazenly referential (even more so than its antecedent) and brashly outlandish as the narrative is, it's written well, and the scene writing is surprisingly adept. Hardly professional actors, everyone in front of the camera nonetheless joyfully leans into the farce. Practically operating on the level of "backyard home videos," any special effects on hand are a bit of an eyesore, yet even for as glaringly unreal and staged as each moment is - accept the feature on its level, as mentioned, and it's easy to just sit back, relax, and have a great time. Why, 'A meowy Christmas vacation' frankly demonstrates a welcome bit of self-awareness that only serves to emphasize the slant it has adopted. Maybe I've watched this with cat-shaped, rose-tinted glasses, but recognizing what Rudzinski was working with, and what he was trying to achieve? I think this is pretty fabulous.
To enjoy this requires appreciation not just for the sense of humor employed, but for the unmistakably graceless and inelegant nature of the production and presentation. It's not going to be for everyone, by any means. All I can say is that I quite liked 'A meowy Christmas,' and while hoping for nothing more than a continuation in 'A meowy Christmas vacation,' I think the finished product actually manages to be superior. I, for one, love this little movie, and I'd have no qualms suggesting it to just about anyone.
Recommended above all for ailurophiles, of course.
