The Garfield Movie review

When I first heard about The Garfield Movie, I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. Garfield, the lasagna-loving, Monday-hating cat, made famous through Jim Davis’ comic strip, was a beloved figure from my childhood. Yet, the idea of creating a full-length animated feature based on such a minimalist and straightforward concept seemed ambitious, if not outright risky. It took quite some time for me to finally sit down and watch the film, but once I did, I knew I had to share my thoughts.

The comic strip Garfield has been a staple of pop culture for nearly five decades. It debuted in 1978 and quickly gained traction for its humor, simplicity, and relatable themes. The strip focused on Garfield, a chubby orange cat with a penchant for sarcasm, his owner Jon Arbuckle, a bumbling yet endearing character, and Odie, a sweet but dim-witted dog. The strip’s success led to numerous spin-offs, including TV specials, an animated series, and merchandise galore. But adapting it into a movie? That was a whole different ball game.

The Garfield Movie begins with a brief and somewhat touching prologue. We see a young Garfield abandoned by his father in an alleyway. Emotive and slightly melancholic, this scene sets the stage for Garfield's insecurities and explains his cynical outlook on life. Shortly after, young Garfield finds Jon in an Italian restaurant, and their fates intertwine over a stolen pizza. Fast forward to present-day, the film paints a picture of Garfield's comfortable life—drone food deliveries, constant binge-watching on "Catflix", and an unshakeable bond with Jon.

One of the most striking choices in the movie was casting Chris Pratt as the voice of Garfield. Pratt's rendition of the character is notably different from the iconic Lorenzo Music, who first voiced Garfield in the animated series and specials. Pratt brings a new, albeit less sardonic, energy to the character. It's refreshing but lacks the biting sarcasm that made Garfield so unique. Still, Pratt's version is charming enough to keep the audience engaged.

Garfield and Odie’s relationship in this film deviates significantly from the comic strip. Throughout the series, Garfield often played pranks on Odie, who would usually take them in stride with his trademark glee. In the film, their dynamic is more akin to colleagues—or more humorously, to Garfield’s intern. This twist adds a layer of camaraderie that forms the bedrock of their partnership, especially when things take a tumultuous turn.

Halfway through the film, we are introduced to Vic, Garfield's long-lost father, voiced by none other than Samuel L. Jackson. Vic’s unexpected presence forces Garfield to confront old wounds and feelings of abandonment. This heavier, more emotional subplot is daring for a movie primarily aimed at children, and it adds an unexpected but welcome level of depth. However, I did feel that this narrative thread could have been more fleshed out, making the resolution feel a bit rushed.

The movie then introduces a villain, Jinx, voiced by Hannah Waddingham from "Ted Lasso". Jinx's vendetta leads to Garfield, Odie, and Vic being kidnapped. Suddenly, the film morphs into a heist narrative where they must assist Otto, a bull separated from his beloved cow, Ethel. This plot twist introduces complex themes like revenge, corporate greed—illustrated through an agribusiness subplot—and the resilience of love. Yet, the storyline feels convoluted and struggles to maintain coherence or charm.

On several occasions, the humor falls flat. The jokes aimed at an adult audience, including references to actor Daniel Day-Lewis and an extended gag about roadkill, feel misplaced. While older viewers might nod in recognition, these elements don't add substantial comedic value. The humor targeted at children is much safer, albeit less inspired. At one point, a character humorously warns parents to leave the room—a meta-joke that unfortunately rings true.

Visually, The Garfield Movie is a treat. The animation is vibrant and fluid, capturing the essence of the comic strip while making each scene come alive in a fuller, more dynamic way. The careful attention to detail in rendering Garfield's facial expressions and the lush backgrounds make for delightful visuals. However, despite these aesthetic strengths, the film cannot entirely escape the feeling of being an intellectual property cash grab.

Despite its numerous flaws, there’s a certain charm in watching a familiar character navigate new adventures. Garfield fans are likely to find some solace in the nostalgia that the movie evokes. Yet, the emotional weight and sophisticated narrative arcs are hit-or-miss. Younger viewers might appreciate the vibrant animation and quirky antics, but the convoluted storyline and misfired jokes may leave them equally confused and entertained.

From a parent’s perspective, "The Garfield Movie" poses a dilemma. While it promises entertainment for children, it comes with moments that may not be entirely appropriate or comforting. Themes of abandonment and corporate greed, coupled with scenes involving cattle prods and electrocution, raise questions. Villains portrayed as angry and domineering women also tread on cliched and problematic territory, potentially instilling unhelpful stereotypes in young viewers.

In conclusion, The Garfield Movie is a mixed bag. It ventures into new territory with emotional depth through Garfield's storyline with his father, yet it falls short when it gets bogged down by its convoluted plot and some misjudged jokes. While the animation is top-notch and Chris Pratt offers a fresh take on the iconic cat, the film struggles to resonate effectively across its intended demographic. Fans of the original comic strip might find reasons to critique, but also elements to enjoy, mainly stemming from nostalgia.

For anyone pondering whether to watch The Garfield Movie, I’d say it's worth a viewing for the sake of curiosity and a stroll down memory lane. But, manage your expectations; it isn't poised to become a beloved classic that individuals, young and old, will revisit repeatedly. If anything, it’s an interesting chapter in Garfield’s long and varied journey from comic strip to big screen, a journey filled with highs, lows, but undeniably, a lot of lasagna.