Rating: ★★★½☆ (3.5/5 Stars)
Released 05-24-2024
Watched 05-24-2024
Reviewed 05-27-2024
Watched in the theater Using Cinemark Movie Club
"I apologize in advance. The eating you're about to see will not be pretty. And if you have young children, this would be a good time for them to leave the room."
In the latest animated adventure comedy, “The Garfield Movie,” director Mark Dindal brings Jim Davis’s beloved comic strip cat to the big screen with a fresh twist. Voiced by Chris Pratt, Garfield embarks on a journey that combines humor, action, and touching moments of familial bonding.
The plot kicks off with Garfield’s unexpected reunion with his estranged father, Vic, voiced by Samuel L. Jackson. Garfield, the lazy, lasagna-loving orange tabby, finds his world turned upside down when he and his best friend, Odie (Harvey Guillén), are kidnapped and rescued by Vic. The father-son duo, along with Odie, are thrust into a high-stakes heist at Lactose Farms, an adventure that challenges Garfield to confront his feelings of abandonment and resentment towards Vic, who left him as a kitten.
The voice cast delivers commendable performances, with Chris Pratt capturing Garfield’s signature blend of sarcasm and indolence. Samuel L. Jackson’s portrayal of Vic brings a gruff yet tender dimension to the character, making the father-son dynamic both believable and engaging. The supporting cast, including Hannah Waddingham as the villainous Persian cat Jinx and Ving Rhames as the bull Otto, add depth and variety to the story.
DNEG Animation’s work shines throughout the film, bringing vibrant and detailed visuals to life. The characters are expressive, and the action sequences are both fluid and thrilling. The film’s animation quality is a visual treat, maintaining the charm and style of the original comic strip while enhancing it with modern technology.
However, the film does take creative liberties that may not sit well with die-hard fans of the original Garfield comic. The focus on Garfield’s relationship with his father makes the film feel less like a traditional Garfield story and more like a generic animated adventure. Additionally, while there are plenty of humorous moments, not all the jokes hit the mark, with some gags feeling forced or overly juvenile for older viewers.
Pacing is another issue that slightly hampers the film. Certain scenes drag, while others feel rushed, creating an uneven narrative flow. Despite these flaws, the film successfully explores themes of family, forgiveness, and self-discovery. Garfield’s journey from resentment to understanding adds emotional depth to the story, making it more than just a simple animated romp.
Overall, “The Garfield Movie” offers a fun and visually appealing adventure that will entertain younger audiences and longtime fans of the lasagna-loving cat. It’s a heartwarming film about family and forgiveness, making it a worthwhile watch for a family movie night, even if it doesn’t entirely stay true to its comic strip roots.
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