Sony Pictures releases The Garfield Movie in UK cinemas on May 24, 2024.
Synopsis
Garfield (voiced by Chris Pratt), the world-famous, Monday-hating, lasagna-loving indoor cat, is about to have a wild outdoor adventure! After an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father – scruffy street cat Vic (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson) – Garfield and his canine friend Odie are forced from their perfectly pampered life into joining Vic in a hilarious, high-stakes heist.
Review
Garfield is back on the big screen after his live action attempts back in 2004 and 2006. This time with more of a slapstick animated feature with a new origin story for the 48 year old lasagna loving feline.
First, the animation quality is top-notch. Garfield and the rest of the characters are beautifully rendered, bringing a modern flair to the classic comic strip’s aesthetic. The vibrant colors and detailed environments really pop, making the movie feel like classic cartoons from the 90’s.
The voice cast als comes in fairly strong with Chris Pratt, voicing Garfield, who brings a fresh yet familiar tone to the character, balancing sarcasm and charm effectively. Samuel L Jackson voicing Garfield’s long missing father who’s reappearance uproots Garfield’s very chilled lifestyle. While there is no real standout actor in the film, none felt phoned in.
The humor, for the most part, stays true to the original comic’s spirit. There are plenty of moments that elicited genuine laughs, especially Garfield’s partner in crime Odie who is always doing something in the background.
Now to focus on the target audience, our screening was full of children of various ages and throughout the movie we heard them laughing but also the film kept their attention, rarely did I hear a child trying to do something else or talk to their parents. So with that in mind, if Mum and Dad want some chill time then this film will keep the kids busy.
That being said, the plot feels somewhat thin and predictable. The story revolves around a typical “save the day” scenario that lacks originality. While this isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker for a family film, it does make the movie less memorable.
Moreover, some of the jokes fail to land, it seems like the film tries too hard to cater to all age groups, resulting in a few awkward moments that disrupt the flow of the comedy.
Finally, while Garfield is the star, some of the supporting characters don’t get enough screen time or development. Odie, for example, feels underutilized, and new characters introduced in this film don’t leave too much of a lasting impression.
Verdict
Overall, The Garfield Movie is a decent watch, particularly for fans of the original comic and especially with younger viewers. It offers a mix of nostalgic charm and modern animation, though it doesn’t quite hit the mark in terms of story depth and consistent humor. It’s a fun, light-hearted film, but not one that will leave a lasting impact.
⭐⭐⭐
