As a longtime fan of Jim Davis’ iconic comic strip, I was eager to see how The Garfield Movie would bring my favorite lasagna-loving feline into the modern era. This animated feature had the daunting task of updating a character who has been around for nearly half a century without losing the quirky charm that made him a household name. Did the makers succeed? Let’s take a closer look.
A Return to Full Animation
The first notable aspect of this new film was its decision to fully embrace animation once again. The 2000s saw Garfield rendered in unsettling CGI against live-action backdrops, an experiment that many fans found less than appealing. By opting for a completely animated approach, The Garfield Movie immediately feels more in line with the original art style of Davis’ strip. The character design, mimicking the basic-stroke art of the comic strip, feels comfortably nostalgic while also polished enough for today’s audience.
Voiced by Chris Pratt, Garfield in this movie sounds, well, a bit different. While Pratt’s performance is serviceable, it’s his generic and indistinct delivery that allows fans to overlay their own imagined voice for Garfield. This isn’t a bad thing; it merely ensures that the character remains a blank slate for personal interpretation—a challenge and an opportunity in its own right.
Modern-Day Makeover
The film leans heavily into current technological trends to make Garfield relatable to younger generations. From ordering lasagna through a Grubhub-like app to Jon considering Bumble to find love, the movie thoroughly integrates our screen-obsessed culture. Initially, this struck me as an overly obvious attempt to pander, but as the film progressed, it became clear that this modernization was not entirely without merit. It provided a fresh setting for Garfield’s timeless antics while ensuring that new viewers could find elements to connect with.
The most striking example is an app that translates meows into human speech, which plays a key role in the movie. This bizarre but amusing concept had me chuckling as it played out on screen, especially given its plausible application in a world increasingly driven by technology.
The Core Storyline: Garfield's Family Drama
One intriguing but unexpected narrative choice was the introduction of Garfield’s estranged father, Vic, voiced by Samuel L. Jackson. The story kicks off with an emotional flashback designed to prompt some serious fan love for a kitten-Garfield plush toy, which I suspect will be a hot seller. Mixing sentimental family bonds with the usual Garfield humor was a bold move, and I found it surprisingly touching.
Vic, who pulls Garfield into a dairy farm heist for a vindictive Persian cat named Jinx (Hannah Waddingham), adds a complex layer to Garfield’s otherwise simple, carefree existence. The inclusion of this backstory could have felt forced, but it was executed well enough to add depth to a character known primarily for his sarcastic remarks and gluttonous habits.
A Round of Nostalgia for the Adults
This movie doesn't just aim at kids; there are plenty of subtle references and jokes for adult fans who grew up following Garfield’s misadventures. The dairy farm setting, along with its nostalgic nods to the “and friends” half of Garfield’s Saturday morning cartoons, brought back a lot of fond memories for me. A character voiced by Ving Rhames even gives off vibes of being a “corporate mascot burnout,” which I found a clever meta-commentary on Garfield's own status as a marketing juggernaut.
Moreover, Marvin Gaye’s music cues during a particularly funny reunion scene between Rhames’ bull character and his cow sweetheart had most of the older crowd laughing heartily. These moments ensure that the film stays engaging for both younger and older audiences alike.
Slapstick Fun with a Touch of Madness
Directed by Mark Dindal, known for The Emperor’s New Groove, the film features moments of wild, slapstick humor that reminded me of old-school cartoons. Some scenes, such as a cheese-related trap sequence that oddly recalled Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, had me on the edge of my seat while giggling at the absurdity.
The animated escapades are punctuated by interactions with amusing villains. The bench dogs, one voiced by Brett Goldstein from Ted Lasso, and a security officer channeling the “Minnesota nice” vibe from Fargo add interesting dynamics, ensuring the film doesn't stale after the first half-hour.
The Soundtrack and Cultural References
One aspect that didn't fully resonate with me was the clutter of pop-culture references sprinkled throughout the movie. Garfield calls himself “G-money” and cracks jokes about Shark Tank, which felt a bit out of character and somewhat intrusive. The liberal usage of Tom Cruise references, including scores from Mission: Impossible and Top Gun, seemed unnecessary and slightly distracting.
On the musical side, the movie heavily leans on a single song by Jon Batiste. Rolling the same track multiple times within a 90-minute span felt overdone, almost as if they were trying too hard to create a signature sound that didn’t naturally stick.
A Commercial Undertone
Garfield has always been a commercial success, and Davis himself admits that the character’s design aimed to be marketable and accessible. True to form, the final part of the movie leans heavily into product placement disguised as gags. This blatant consumerism might rub some viewers the wrong way, but it does align with the essence of Garfield as a character created for maximum syndication and merchandising.
Though this unabashed commercialization brought a few eye rolls, it also felt like the film was fully leaning into what Garfield has represented for years—a blend of humor and market-friendly appeal. Even if it wasn’t the most tasteful move, it was certainly in character.
My Overall Impressions
Despite some of its missteps and uncharacteristic modern updates, The Garfield Movie manages to capture the essence of Jim Davis’ beloved cat. The return to full animation was a wise decision, and the updated visual style closely resembles the beloved comic strip, offering a sense of familiarity to longtime fans.
Though some jokes and references felt forced and overly calculated, the heartfelt story arc involving Garfield’s family and his usual antics created a blend of nostalgia and novelty. The slapstick elements, technology updates, and layered humor ensured that the movie had enough appeal to entertain both children and adults.
Conclusion: A Mixed But Enjoyable Bag
In conclusion, The Garfield Movie is a mixed bag of modern updates, nostalgic references, and slapstick humor. While not perfect, it successfully bridges generations, introducing new fans to Garfield while giving older ones plenty of Easter eggs to enjoy. The animation style is a return to form, and the storyline, however unconventional, adds depth to Garfield’s typically shallow character.
Despite the occasional misstep and overreliance on product placements and cultural references, the movie manages to deliver an entertaining and affectionate homage to a lazy, lasagna-loving cat who has charmed audiences for decades. If you're up for a fun, light-hearted trip down memory lane sprinkled with modern twists, The Garfield Movie is worth a watch.