The Garfield Movie review

When “The Garfield Movie” was first announced, I was torn between being excited and skeptical. Garfield, the lasagna-loving feline we have all grown up with, has such an iconic presence that translating it into a modern animated film seemed like a daunting task. With Chris Pratt lending his voice to the titular character and Samuel L. Jackson voicing a long-lost father, the film promised a new twist to the beloved comic strip.

Introduction to Garfield

The inception of Garfield dates back to decades ago, thanks to Jim Davis. The comic strip's simplicity was its charm. With just a few panels, Davis managed to create a world where the apathy and antics of a cat could make you chuckle. Garfield hates Mondays, loves lasagna, and constantly mocks his canine companion, Odie. Jon, the “owner,” or rather, the human who lives with Garfield, is often one of Garfield's jokes. These are the elements that any Garfield fan expects to see, and this film delivers, albeit with a new narrative twist.

A New Take on a Classic

In this latest adaptation, we are introduced to a more empathetic Garfield. The film opens with a young Garfield being abandoned in an alley by his father. This immediately sets a different tone, adding layers to the character that we have rarely seen. His serendipitous meeting with Jon at an Italian restaurant marks the beginning of their life together. It's a sweet scene, further enriched by the nod to Lorenzo Music, the original voice actor of Garfield, through a clever visual Easter egg.

Modernization Through Technology

Garfield’s life in the present day is a mix of old-school laziness and modern conveniences. He orders food through an app using Jon’s phone and indulges in an array of videos on Catflix. This contemporary relevance is appealing and somewhat amusing, showcasing how even a cat like Garfield has adapted to the times. The relationship dynamic between Garfield and Odie has also evolved. Rather than being mere competitors, they’re portrayed as friends—with Garfield humorously referring to Odie as his "intern."

An Unexpected Visit

The real twist in the story comes with the arrival of Garfield’s estranged father, Vic, voiced by the ever-commanding Samuel L. Jackson. Garfield is forced to confront the emotions tied to his past abandonment, providing a surprising emotional depth to the plot. This added narrative arc makes it more than just a comedy; it aims to provide a heartfelt story, though it may not fully succeed in connecting with younger audiences.

The Heist Adventure

From here, the film takes a turn into heist territory. Vic, Garfield, and Odie are kidnapped by the villainous Jinx, voiced by Hannah Waddingham. Their only chance of escape hinges on assisting a bull named Otto in rescuing his beloved, Ethel. It’s an elaborate plot with enough twists and turns to keep the audience engaged, even though it occasionally feels convoluted.

Visual and Voice Acting

Visually, the film is a treat. The animation is crisp, colorful, and faithful to the original comic strip's aesthetic while modernizing it for today's audience. The voice acting deserves special mention. Chris Pratt does an admirable job as Garfield, bringing a fresh yet familiar take to the character. Samuel L. Jackson, with his distinct voice, adds gravitas to the role of Vic. The voice ensemble, including Hannah Waddingham as Jinx and Ving Rhames as Otto, rounds off the list perfectly, delivering performances that add depth and humor to the characters.

Thematic Shadows

Despite its merits, “The Garfield Movie” does cast some thematic shadows. Themes such as a parent's abandonment and corporate farming mishaps do not seamlessly blend into a kid-friendly narrative. There's a scene involving a bird and several moments depicting electrical shocks, which might raise eyebrows for parents concerned about appropriate content. These plot points may be unsettling for younger viewers and detract from the overall light-hearted feel the film seems to aim for.

Humor and Cultural References

The humor is a mix of hit-and-miss. While Garfield’s sardonic wit and the onscreen antics of Odie provide some giggles, certain jokes fall flat or seem out of place. References to actors like Daniel Day-Lewis and extended bits about road mishaps seem geared more toward adults but don’t necessarily resonate. The film struggles to balance humor that appeals to both children and their adult companions.

Female Characters and Representation

One of the noticeable drawbacks is the portrayal of female characters. The two primary female characters, Jinx and another minor antagonist come across as angry and domineering. This representation feels dated and simplistic, falling short of the nuanced characters we’ve come to expect in contemporary cinema. It’s a missed opportunity to introduce well-rounded, positive female characters to the Garfield universe.

Audience Interaction

The film tries to break the fourth wall with moments where characters address the audience directly. While this technique can be engaging, it seems forced here, particularly when a character jokingly suggests that parents take their young children out of the room. Such moments reflect a lack of confidence in the film's ability to entertain its target audience consistently.

Conclusion

It offers a nostalgic trip for long-time fans while attempting to introduce the iconic cat to a new generation. The animation, voice acting, and a few clever updates make it watchable, but the convoluted plot and occasional missteps in humor and theme execution leave it short of being a classic. If you're a Garfield fan, you'll find moments of enjoyment. However, it’s prudent to temper expectations and perhaps look for alternative viewing options for a more consistently engaging family movie night.