Movie Review: The Garfield Movie

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B

A very fun animated Garfield movie.

The appeal of Garfield in any iteration is the main character himself. He is such a relatable and instantly likable character that his fans (amongst which I am one) will want to watch or read anything as long as he is the star. While this movie may not provide a deeper exploration of this character, he is still very much the character we know and love. This is especially true of the early scenes in this movie with Garfield at home, many of which feel pretty much cut out from the comic strip. Some of his famous personality traits are only shown briefly, such as his hatred of Mondays and spiders as well as his coffee addiction. Also, his sarcasm seems a little toned down from the strip, but never too much to where it isn't the same character. Other personality traits are front and center such as his love of food and his preference to sit inside and be lazy. The last works especially well as this becomes a fish out of water story as an indoor cat who would rather watch TV is forced to have a big adventure, all the time dreaming of going home. Honestly this kind of reluctant hero is one that can more easily be related to than a more gung-ho hero who wants to risk their lives. Speaking of Garfield as a hero this movie understands the most important part of who this character is, that can easily be missed. This is that though he can be self-centered he does have a conscience. He may reluctantly do the right thing, but he will still do it. The relationship with his father here may familiar and cliche but it still works very well. It helps us see a side to this loveable cat, we haven't seen before and is very effective. 

The story itself is simple and charming. There is little we haven't seen before but it works for what it is and for a reason to get this usually lazy cat out on an adventure. It also has a few geniune tug on your heartstring moments involving Garfield and his dad that work very well.  

The humor in this film may not always be laugh out loud funny (though there are a few laugh out loud moments), but it is rather the type of humor that will simply make you smile. With a warm and familiar character like Garfield, this type of humor works perfectly. I do think a few of the pop culture references are neither as funny nor clever as the filmmakers think they are. 

This movie is unfortunately too predictable and familiar at times. It could have also used a stronger villain. I also think that Odie here, feels out of character and a bit too much smarter than his comic strip counterpart. 

This film's director is Mark Dinal. While his name may not be fully familiar to you, any animation fan will know the previous movies he directed, Cats Don't Dance (1997), The Emperor's New Groove (2000) and Chicken Little (2005). While Chicken Little may not have the greatest reputation the other two are favorites among many animation fans and stand as true gems of films today. He does bring much of the same charm to The Garfield Movie. 

This is a delightful film for the whole family.