CATS AND DOGS: THE REVENGE OF KITTY GALORE (U) .

Family/comedy. Chris O’Donnell, Jack McBrayer, with the voices of James Marsden, Nick Nolte, Christina Applegate, Bette Midler, Katt Williams, Sean Hayes, Neil Patrick Harris. Director: Brad Peyton.

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. The belated sequel to the high-octane 2001 family comedy lacks so much of the sense of fun that made the original film a blast.

Noticeably, Cats And Dogs: The Revenge Of Kitty Galore relies on digital effects much more heavily than its predecessor including a Blofeld-esque villainess who strokes a white mouse.

Real animals performing the stunts are charming because we appreciate the effort involved in the trick.

There’s little remarkable about a pair of computer-generated cat assassins performing somersaults.

After years in hiding, Kitty Galore (voiced by Midler) breaks cover to steal valuable technology she needs to construct a device that will get rid of the pesky dogs once and for all.

Lou (Harris) and his covert team of canine super agents are soon on the case and they induct clumsy police dog Diggs (Marsden) into their ranks to work alongside veteran Butch (Nolte) to save the day.

A pigeon called Seamus (Williams) provides clues to Kitty Galore’s dastardly plan but to defeat the mad moggy, the dogs have to join forces with agents from MEOWS (Mousers Enforcing Our World Safety).

“Work with cats? I’d rather have worms,” snarls Butch.

Cats And Dogs: The Revenge Of Kitty Galore goes through the motions, stringing together big action sequences with pun-laden dialogue.

There’s no dramatic tension - not once do we believe that Kitty has a hope of realising her deranged vision – and vocal performances are flat, apart from Williams who quickly grates as a wise-cracking pigeon.

The sequel screens in 3D in selected cinemas but there’s nothing in Brad Peyton’s film to justify the additional ticket price.