It could be because of deviations from the source, the film's bland visual style that’s just unambitious enough to be annoying, or the unengaging story, but “The Amazing Maurice” is, well, less-than-amazing.

What should be a cute story about a mischievous orange tabby cat instead becomes an ironic, even vaguely smug movie in the vein of something like “Deadpool.”

An entertaining way to convince kids to pick up the book.

The film’s goofy sense of humor and likable characters are entertaining. However, it does feel lacking in substance and makes no attempt to expand the genre or challenge any of the archetypes or cliches it references.