The Garfield Movie review

After months of anticipation, I finally got to watch The Garfield Movie in 2024. As a long-time fan of Jim Davis’ lazy, lasagna-loving cat, I had mixed feelings about this new animated iteration. Despite my concerns, I was eager to see how Garfield's new adventure played out on the big screen.

Introducing Garfield and Company

The movie starts with a seemingly typical day in Garfield's life – lounging around the house with Odie and Jon Arbuckle. Chris Pratt's voice-over for Garfield paints him as his usual sarcastic self but with a fresh twist that fits today's audience. The initial scenes are comforting, iconic elements of the Garfield universe, full of humor and nostalgia that long-time fans will appreciate.

A Surprising Twist

However, the plot quickly takes a dramatic turn when Garfield and Odie are abducted by a duo of dogs, Roland and Nolan. The adventure begins in earnest, and while the story seemed to depart significantly from the original comic strip’s premise, it did capture my interest. The dynamic between these new characters provided some fresh material compared to Garfield’s usual routine.

Father and Son Reunion

The introduction of Vic, Garfield’s estranged father, voiced by Samuel L. Jackson, added emotional depth to the storyline. Vic's backstory of abandoning Garfield as a kitten provided a poignant element I did not expect. Their interactions ranged from humorous to heartwarming, contributing to richer character development than I have seen in previous Garfield adaptations.

Villains and High Stakes

Jinx, voiced by Hannah Waddingham, is a complex antagonist. Her vengeful motives against Vic for a past betrayal introduce tension and high stakes to the adventure. While her character is somewhat over-the-top, she creates a foe worthy of this action-packed storyline. The dynamic animation during their confrontations was visually captivating.

A Struggle to Adapt

One noticeable issue is the film’s attempt to modernize Garfield’s laziness and sarcasm. While Chris Pratt's voice fits well, some of the dialogue felt forced, almost as if trying too hard to make Garfield appeal to a younger audience. This disconnect was particularly evident during scenes where Garfield would make references meant to resonate with Gen Z viewers.

Interplay Amongst Characters

Roland and Nolan, voiced by Brett Goldstein and Bowen Yang, respectively, deliver excellent comedic relief. Their contrasting sizes and personalities balance each other well, turning potential antagonists into unlikely heroes by the end. The moments shared between Garfield, Odie, and these two dogs add layers to the story, resulting in unexpected alliances and heartfelt sequences.

Heist Planning and Execution

The heist at Lactose Farms is one of the film’s highlights. The meticulous planning and wariness of close observation by Marge Malone, the farm’s animal control officer, created suspense. The creative animation during the infiltration attempts kept me on edge and offered plenty of visual comedy and clever problem-solving.

Comic Relief and Friendships

Otto, the outcast bull voiced by Ving Rhames, offered another dimension of comic relief. His loyalty and love for Ethel, the cow, added an amusing but touching subplot. This bovine romance provided intermittent breaks from the main plot, softening the pacing and adding heart to the storyline.

A Father’s Love

The film takes a more serious turn as it explores the bond between Garfield and Vic. Their heartfelt moments tied the narrative together. Discovering the true reasons behind Vic's absence helped rebuild their relationship. This father-son dynamic was fantastically delivered by Jackson and Pratt, making their eventual reconciliation deeply satisfying.

Poignant Turn of Events

Garfield’s capture and Vic’s betrayal hit hard. This plot twist evoked strong emotional responses. The subsequent rescue mission, driven by Garfield's realization of his father’s sacrifices, showed new growth within Garfield’s character. It transformed him from a passive protagonist to an active participant in his own story.

Visuals and Animation Quality

The quality of animation in The Garfield Movie was impressive but uneven at points. Some sequences showed incredible detail and creativity, while others came across as hurried or lackluster. The character designs remain true to their comic counterparts, which helped maintain a sense of familiarity.

Musical Interludes

One notable addition was the film’s soundtrack. John Debney’s score complemented the action and emotional beats well, adding a rich auditory experience. The original songs, particularly Snoop Dogg and Keith Urban’s "Let It Roll," were enjoyable and appropriate for key scenes, uplifting the overall cinematic feel.

The Ending

The climax, involving a dramatic rescue on a train, provided an exhilarating end to Garfield’s adventure. Seeing Garfield, Odie, and Vic work together to defeat Jinx cemented their bond. The final reunion with Jon back at home rounded off the movie with a sense of fulfillment and happiness.

Consistent Tone with the Comic Book

Despite the modern updates, the film retains much of the humor and charm that are distinctive to the Garfield comic strip. Pratt did justice to Garfield's iconic wit, and the situations Garfield found himself in felt delightfully absurd, capturing the spirit of Jim Davis' creation.

Message for the Audience

Ultimately, The Garfield Movie carries a message about family, forgiveness, and the lengths one would go for those they love. It veers away from pure slapstick comedy into a narrative with more heart. For me, this depth was an unexpected but welcome surprise, providing a richer viewing experience.

Pros:

• Engaging plot with emotional depth;
• Strong voice cast performances;
• High-quality animation in key scenes;
• Humorous and heartfelt moments;
• The soundtrack fits well with the narrative;
• Faithful to the spirit of the comic strip.

Cons:

• Some forced modernization;
• Inconsistent animation quality;
• It's an over-the-top antagonist at times.

Final Thoughts

Overall, The Garfield Movie embodies a mixture of nostalgic charm and contemporary flair. Though it departs significantly from the comic strip that inspired it, the film offers an engaging story full of heart and humor. While it has its flaws, the performances and emotional resonance elevate it beyond a simple children’s film. It’s a refreshing take on a beloved character, and despite its mixed reviews, I found it to be an enjoyable watch.