The Garfield Movie Review: “The Cat is back!”

 

Written by Yongma Lee

Seen at the Century Theaters, Olympia WA on May 24, 2024; Film Released on May 24, 2024

 

             Ladies and gentlemen, Garfield is back, with Dindal directing the film. Mark Dindal hasn’t directed and animated an animated film for a long time. Disney’s Chicken Little was his most recent animated work. His animation techniques are very fast-paced in action. It’s similar to Emperor’s New Groove, Cats Don’t Dance, and Chicken Little. As for everybody’s favorite fat cat, I’m looking forward to seeing how the movie turns out. I would not be disappointed in this film with Dindal’s wild animation style. I’m also looking forward to Garfield’s zany antics and how Dindal incorporates the work into the film, with Chris Pratt voicing him. Pratt’s portrayal of him is rather spot-on.

             I apologize for the spoilers in this review. It’s time to hide my pizza from Garfield. Lights, Camera, Action!

Plot Premise

             Garfield, the world-famous fat cat, is back. And he’s about to have a wild outdoor adventure with no takeout! After an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father, scruffy street cat Vic, Garfield and his canine friend Odie wound up being taken from their pampered lives to pay off a debt Vic owes to a crazy cat. They have to work together in a hilarious, high-stakes heist for milk. Will Garfield and Odie come back home for another lasagna night?

Pros and Cons of the Film

·       Cons of the film (spoilers)

             Let’s start with the cons of the film. I would like to see it last a little longer. I would like to see more depth in the film, along with showcasing more of Garfield’s antics. The excessive marketing would make the film’s quality and story unclear. The marketing promotion deliberately distracts the audience away from the story. The film has potential, but it should’ve relied less on marketing campaigns and Easter eggs.

·       Pros of the film (spoilers)

             As for the positive side of the film, I would say it’s very likeable. The movie's performance is outstanding, with an all-star cast voicing the characters, including Samuel L. Jackson and Christ Pratt. Pratt’s portrayal as the iconic orange fat cat is very accurate in a way. Despite the stretch, Chris did his research on the character. He even captured Garfield’s personality. Samuel Jackson’s performance is also a welcoming touch in the film.

·       Humor in the Film (spoilers)

   I truly find Garfield a hilarious delight, with laughs at every turn. For example, when the bull, Otto, gets him to sing the farm’s jingle, he turns it into a Broadway number, but then he interrupts him by sending him flying to a tree. Another funny thing is when Otto places his token with a possum while he’s explaining the plan. After the plan explanation, Garfield poked the possum, showing he’s playing dead, which gives him a Monday feeling. Aside from Garfield breaking the fourth wall, everything Garfield did was very funny, and Pratt really nailed his role. It’s great to see that lazy cat again.

Final Thoughts

             Despite some setbacks in the film, I believe that the Garfield movie did fairly well in terms of reception. I also find Pratt doing an amazing job portraying the cat. I’m also glad that Mark Dindal directed this film, which might also indicate a major comeback. I’m looking forward to another animated film of Dindal’s design, should he decide to return on a longer note. I truly enjoyed seeing the film and would consider watching it again in the future.

            This movie definitely starts off the summer movies on a good note. The Garfield movie gets 7.3 out of 10 stars, especially when it comes to Garfield’s mischievous tendencies. I’d highly recommend families see this flick. It’s very funny, and I got a lot of laughs from it. As for Garfield, he better not steal my pizza. I got Jon Arbuckle’s number, and I’m not afraid to call him about Garfield.