This review was written through prior screening.
Love at first bite… Like a perfectly crafted lasagna, Mark Dindal’s “The Garfield Movie” is a perfect adventure filled with wacky humor and heartwarming moments that make it a delicious delight for viewers of all ages. This animation delights the eye with vibrant colors and sharp, clear visuals that bring Jim Davis’ iconic comic strips to life in captivating ways.
The iconic cartoon cat has entertained audiences for over 40 years with his unique blend of wit, humor, and relatable charm. Since his debut in 1978, Garfield has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating readers with his unstoppable love of lasagna, napping, and sarcastic remarks. Despite his gruff demeanor and egotistical personality, the adorable cat has captivated generations of fans with his endearing blunt delivery. The character’s enduring popularity is a testament to creator Jim Davis and his vision of creating relatable and trustworthy protagonists.
Now the beloved cat returns to the big screen in a new CGI-animated film from Columbia Pictures and Alcon Entertainment. The film is produced by DNEG and directed by animation veteran Mark Dindal, known for his work on The Emperor’s New Groove and Chicken Little. . When Garfield’s life takes an unexpected turn when he is reunited with his long-lost father, Vic, the world-famous cat escapes his debauched lifestyle and joins Vic on a high-stakes adventure. Voiced by Chris Pratt, Garfield’s lovable yet lazy personality will be tested as he navigates thrilling outdoor adventures with his faithful dog, Odie. Joining forces with Vic, voiced by Samuel L. Jackson, the three embark on a fun and action-packed heist that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Lazy from birth, the stocky tabby cat has cemented his place as a cultural phenomenon rivaling the enduring popularity of many other beloved cartoon characters. Ultimately, it becomes an integral part of our collective consciousness, transcending generations and mediums to delight audiences around the world. So when I sat down to watch “The Garfield Movie,” I was immediately taken back to a nostalgic era of childhood memories and precious moments shared with loved ones. The movie depicting the wit and speaking style of beloved cartoon characters resonated deeply with me. Garfield was an integral part of my life, serving as a common thread that bound us together through our shared love of the lovable yet sarcastic cat. Throughout his life, we often collected Garfield-themed novelties, such as the iconic handheld massager. For me, the nostalgic value of this film was obvious, and I couldn’t help but feel warm and grateful for the impact Garfield had on my life.
Kicking off a new era in the beloved franchise, “The Garfield Movies” brilliantly embodies the wit and emotional depth that are hallmarks of Dindal’s directorial aesthetic. This cinematic adaptation takes the approach of exploring the formative years of the iconic cat Garfield, and his heartbreaking bond with his human companion, John Arbuckle. Young children, in particular, will delight in seeing Baby Garfield, who displays irresistible charm and hunger, ultimately forming an unbreakable bond. These heartwarming sequences are infused with humor, setting the tone for a narrative that skillfully blends nostalgia and fresh perspectives.
To further elaborate the Garfield franchise, Davis created a cast of well-defined characters, including the lovable but awkward Jon Arbuckle and the lovable but clueless Odie. In “The Garfield Movie,” we witness the essential elements that contributed to the character’s continued success, including his love of lasagna and his tendency to embrace a life of comfort and luxury. This indulgence is fostered by his owner Jon (Nicholas Hoult) and his loyal companion Odie (Harvey Guillén), who serves as Garfield’s benevolent guardian angel, and is given a nuanced portrayal in the film that differs from the comic’s one-dimensional portrayal.
As the story unfolds, Garfield embarks on a thrilling mission with two distinct goals: With sarcasm and a certain amount of agility, he must outwit the evil clutches of a vengeful female cat and her loyal canine accomplices in order to steal a huge quantity of milk from a farm-turned-amusement park. Meanwhile, he must confront the complex emotions surrounding his father, Vic, whose abandonment has had a lasting impact on Garfield’s life. Throughout the film, these two narrative threads maintain a harmonious balance between action-packed adventure and warm emotions, seamlessly blending profound themes of self-discovery and empathy. As Garfield navigates this journey, father and son learn valuable lessons about growth, forgiveness, and the power of second chances.
One of the film’s great qualities is its ability to reiterate timeless messages about friendship and family without feeling overly cliché. Garfield and Vic’s relationship develops naturally, reflecting the complexities of their estranged family dynamics. The lessons they learned about trust, forgiveness, and the importance of family are conveyed with sincerity, and the film’s touching beats resonate with the family. Doing so with charm and wit makes ‘The Garfield Movie’ an enjoyable experience. Director Mark Dinal blends humor, adventure, and heartfelt moments to create a fun and meaningful film.
As Garfield navigates the complexities of the digital age, with food apps and drone deliveries playing a key role in the story, the film seamlessly weaves in Easter eggs that pay homage to the character’s rich history. Moreover, the film’s clever nods to iconic action-adventure films are expertly woven throughout the narrative, creating a pleasant sense of familiarity and nostalgia.
“The Garfield Movie” shines with an impressive ensemble of voice actors, led by Chris Pratt, who has recently captivated audiences with notable performances in films such as The Super Mario Bros. Movie. In his latest effort, Cat Meowing, Pratt adds his own charm and charisma to the title character, imbuing Garfield with a delightful sense of humor and wit. His vocal performance effortlessly captures the essence of the beloved cartoon cat’s lazy yet lovable personality.
Samuel L. Jackson brings delightful energy to the role of Garfield’s father, Vic, another notable character in the film. His presence is always a welcome addition, and he effortlessly blends the charm of Chris Pratt with his own unique talents. In particular, Jackson’s portrayal of the grungy father stands out. Creative Freedom Thanks to director Mark Dindal, who brings a fresh perspective to the Garfield universe. Jackson also added his own touch to the character through ad-libs, making his performance truly memorable.
The supporting cast of lovable characters, led by the steadfast and lovable Odie (Harvey Gillen) who brings warmth and loyalty to the screen, shine brightly in this cinematic treat. Meanwhile, the towering yet benevolent Otto (Ving Rhames) brings weight and authority, his rugged presence perfectly balanced by Garfield’s wit and charm. Their dynamic interaction is a joy to watch. Because their talents and personalities combine to create a thrilling and heartwarming heist that will have audiences smiling. Cecily Strong is another welcome surprise.
Prepare to be utterly delighted as you meet Jinx’s feline villain, a brash and cunning feline criminal mastermind! Hannah Waddingham brings Jinx to life with a voice as soft as silk, sharp as claws, and as captivating as a cat in the sunlight. Her dramatic flair and theatrical presence, effortlessly weaving a web of chaos and mischief, will captivate you from the start. Minxy mastermind Divine Jinx brings a level of gravitas and flair to “The Garfield Movie,” raising the bar for this simply eye-catching caper. As the cat thieves catch up on the history between her and Vic, she evolves into a compassionate, self-actualized Persian cat who easily navigates her most complex schemes with a wit as sharp as a cat’s whiskers.
From mood-altering collars to milk tini and meow yarn, Jinx is the epitome of feline virtuosity. Her dramatic moments are nothing short of theatrical, and will have you crawling to the edge of her seat to see what she will do next. But don’t stop watching even after the credits roll. Stay tuned for a special performance from Waddingham himself. Her loyal fellow cast members Roland and Nolan also provide comic relief, voiced by fellow Ted Lasso cast members Brett Goldstein and SNL’s Bowen Yang.
The digital revival of Garfield, the iconic orange figure, required a high level of care and responsibility. Thankfully, Dindal and DNEG’s animation director, Jason Boose, stepped up to the challenge. The entire visual performance, expertly handled by Boose and his team, is inspired by the revered legacy of this beloved cartoon cat. The film’s success lies in its ability to balance the simplicity of cartoon human emotions and relatable situations with vibrant animation. Screenwriting credit was credited to David Reynolds, co-writer and Oscar nominee for The Emperor’s New Groove. David Reynolds worked with Paul A. Kaplan and Mark Torgove to create a fun, family-friendly storyline that expands the world of Garfield.
To maintain the classic charm of the original comic strip, Boose has carefully preserved the iconic character designs, color palettes, and poses that fans have come to love. The result is a watercolor-inspired storybook quality with painterly brushstrokes and backlit backgrounds. This unique aesthetic perfectly complements Garfield’s adventures.
DNEG’s innovative animation style is another highlight. Because it perfectly blends natural and stylized movements to drive the story. The animation is relatable and whimsical, often moving back and forth between the two. This stylistic approach was influenced by director Mark Dindal’s nostalgic feelings of playing with View-Master toys.
final thoughts
In conclusion, “The Garfield Movie” is a delightful cinematic experience that will captivate audiences of all ages. A wonderful blend of humor, adventure, and heartwarming moments, this film is a true treasure the whole family will enjoy. It’s clear that the filmmakers’ passion for the beloved comic book character has resulted in a film that is faithful to the source material and innovative in its storytelling. By deftly weaving in the classic charm of Garfield’s 45-year history, the filmmakers have created a dish that will leave viewers satisfied, entertained, and perhaps even a little nostalgic. So, if you’re looking for a movie that will put a smile on your face and warm your heart, this is Cat’s Pajamas. It’s an ingenious ride that will leave you purring with delight and craving more.
Columbia Pictures and Alcon Entertainment will release The Garfield Movie in theaters nationwide on May 24.
