The Owl and the Pussycat seems stuck between two worlds - the stage and the screen. While the screenplay has done wonders to make the story feel less cramped and claustrophobic, the performances haven't always been modulated to better fit the screen with Streisand coming across as a bit too shrill, loud, and grating for most of the film's first half.
When the film finally settles into its groove, it can be quite charming and funny, but you just have to get past that initial hump. There are a few pacing issues even with its relatively short 96 minute runtime, but the charm of Streisand and Segal make up for any major shortcomings.
When the film finally settles into its groove, it can be quite charming and funny, but you just have to get past that initial hump. There are a few pacing issues even with its relatively short 96 minute runtime, but the charm of Streisand and Segal make up for any major shortcomings.