The Garfield Movie, directed by Mark Dindal, brings the beloved lasagna-loving feline back to the big screen with a vibrant and engaging animated adventure. Voiced by Chris Pratt, Garfield finds himself in a whirlwind of unexpected events after reuniting with his estranged father, Vic, voiced by Samuel L. Jackson. The film offers a delightful blend of humor, nods to the original comics, and a heartwarming story that appeals to both children and adults alike.
A Nod to the Comics and Beyond
Fans of Jim Davis’s iconic comic strip will appreciate the numerous nods to the original material sprinkled throughout The Garfield Movie. The film cleverly incorporates Garfield’s trademark humor, capturing his love for lasagna and disdain for Mondays. While the humor is true to the character’s roots, it’s clear that the film also aims to reach a younger audience. This shift in focus might surprise long-time fans expecting 90 minutes of classic Garfield antics, but it ensures the film is accessible and enjoyable for children.
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Additionally, there are subtle references to the old animated series that older fans will recognize. These Easter eggs provide a sense of nostalgia and pay homage to Garfield’s long history in popular culture.
The Prime Ingredients
The voice cast of The Garfield Movie is packed with talent, each bringing their unique flair to their roles. While all performances are commendable, Hannah Waddingham and Ving Rhames truly stand out. Waddingham voices Jinx, a villainous Persian cat, with such charisma and nuance that her character becomes one of the film’s highlights. Her portrayal is so defining that future iterations of Jinx would undoubtedly feel incomplete without her voice.
Similarly, Ving Rhames delivers a powerful performance as Otto, a bull who adds a layer of depth and intensity to the story. Rhames’s distinctive voice and commanding presence make Otto an unforgettable character, and his interactions with the other characters add a rich dynamic to the film.
Chris Pratt’s Garfield captures the essence of the lazy, sarcastic cat, but radiates a much more bright and positive vibe than the Monday-hating lethargic feline I’m used to. Samuel L. Jackson’s Vic brings a rugged charm to the estranged father figure. Their chemistry works but also does not feel unique or defining despite being the major plot point of the film. However, the antics of Garfield’s loyal canine friend Odie, voiced by Harvey Guillén, provide plenty of laughs and heartfelt moments.
A Delight for Young Audiences
The Garfield Movie skews toward younger viewers with its colorful animation, playful humor, and fast-paced storyline. The high-stakes heist that Garfield and his friends find themselves in is filled with fun gags and slapstick comedy that does entertain universally. The film does an excellent job of balancing action and humor, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
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Despite its focus on a younger demographic, the film includes enough clever jokes and humorous situations to keep adults amused as well. The blend of humor ensures that parents and older siblings will find themselves laughing alongside the kids, making it a perfect family movie experience.
Fun Looks and Joyous Sounds
The vibrant animation in The Garfield Movie is a visual treat. The colorful and dynamic scenes bring the characters and settings to life, creating an engaging and immersive experience. The animation style remains faithful to the comic strip’s aesthetic while adding a modern twist that enhances the overall visual appeal.
John Debney’s musical score complements the film beautifully, guiding the emotions of the audience and enhancing key moments. The music, combined with the vibrant visuals, creates scenes that are both touching and exciting. The original songs, including collaborations with artists like Snoop Dogg and Keith Urban, add a fresh and contemporary feel to the movie.
Minor Critiques
While The Garfield Movie does well in many areas, it does have a few drawbacks. The film’s well-done fun and humor are not matched by the more serious aspects of the story. The rift between Garfield and Vic never feels detrimental. This choice likely stems from the film’s family-friendly focus, but it could have benefited from a bit more tension to balance the lighthearted moments.
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Additionally, the film’s conclusion feels somewhat rushed. The narrative builds up to an exciting climax but then wraps up quickly, leaving some emotional arcs underexplored. A little extra spent on developing all of the tensions could have provided a more satisfying resolution to the ending.
More Garfield is Never Bad
The Garfield Movie is a fun and entertaining kids’ film that successfully brings the beloved character to a new generation. While it may surprise fans expecting a more traditional Garfield experience, the movie’s humor, vibrant animation, and solid performances make it a fin watch. Hannah Waddingham and Ving Rhames shine in their roles, adding depth and charisma to the story. The film’s balance of jokes and action ensures that both kids and adults will have a great time.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of the comic strip or a newcomer to Garfield’s world, The Garfield Movie offers a joyful and engaging adventure that celebrates the fun and imagination of Jim Davis’s creation. It’s a perfect choice for a family movie night, promising laughter and heartwarming moments for all ages.
I give The Garfield Movie a
6/10
The Garfield Movie releases exclusively in theaters on May 24, 2024.
About The Garfield Movie
Release Date: May 24, 2024
Directed by: Mark Dindal
Screenplay by: Paul A. Kaplan & Mark Torgove and David Reynolds
Based on the Garfield® characters created by Jim Davis
Produced by: John Cohen, Broderick Johnson, Andrew A. Kosove, Steven P. Wegner, Craig Sost, Namit Malhotra
Executive Producers: Jim Davis, Bridget McMeel, David Reynolds, Scott Parish, Carl Rogers, Tom Jacomb, Crosby Clyse, Chris Pflug, Simon Hedges, Louis Koo, Steve Sarowitz, Justin Baldoni, Peter Luo
Cast: Chris Pratt, Samuel L. Jackson, Hannah Waddingham, Ving Rhames, Nicholas Hoult, Cecily Strong, Harvey Guillén, Brett Goldstein, Bowen Yang
Synopsis
Garfield (voiced by Chris Pratt), the world-famous, Monday-hating, lasagna-loving indoor cat, is about to have a wild outdoor adventure! After an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father – scruffy street cat Vic (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson) – Garfield and his canine friend Odie are forced from their perfectly pampered life into joining Vic in a hilarious, high-stakes heist.
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