The Garfield Movie - Film Review

The Garfield Movie - Film Review

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Posted 2025-01-20 by PerthKelfollow
Released in 2024, The Garfield Movie marks the latest cinematic adaptation of Jim Davis’s iconic lasagna-loving feline. Directed by Mark Dindal, the film features an impressive voice cast, including Chris Pratt as Garfield and Samuel L. Jackson as his estranged father, Vic.

The Garfield Movie presents an origin story that explores Garfield’s (Pratt) relationship with his absentee father, Vic (Jackson). The narrative begins with Garfield’s comfortable life, characterized by his love for lasagna and disdain for Mondays. This routine is disrupted when Vic re-enters Garfield’s life, leading to a series of adventures that challenge the titular cat’s perceptions and priorities. The film intertwines themes of family, identity, and personal growth, culminating in a resolution that emphasizes reconciliation and self-discovery.

Image from Wikipedia


At its core, the film examines the complexities of familial relationships, particularly the dynamics between estranged family members. Garfield’s initial resentment towards Vic gradually transforms into understanding and acceptance, highlighting the potential for reconciliation and the importance of familial bonds. This theme is universal, resonating with audiences who have experienced familial estrangement or the challenges of rebuilding relationships.

Garfield’s journey is not merely physical but also deeply personal. Confronted with his father’s return, Garfield is compelled to reflect on his own identity and the traits he has inherited. This introspection leads to significant character development, as Garfield evolves from a complacent, self-centred cat to one who values connection and personal growth.

Garfield (Voiced by Chris Pratt): Chris Pratt’s portrayal of Garfield introduces a more dynamic and emotionally nuanced version of the character. While retaining the signature sarcasm and wit, this iteration of Garfield exhibits a depth that aligns with the film’s exploration of complex themes. Pratt’s vocal performance captures the essence of Garfield’s transformation, balancing humor with moments of genuine emotional resonance.

Vic (Voiced by Samuel L. Jackson): Samuel L. Jackson’s Vic serves as a catalyst for the narrative’s central conflict and subsequent resolution. Vic’s character is multifaceted, embodying both the archetype of the absentee father seeking redemption and a mentor guiding Garfield towards self-discovery. Jackson’s performance adds gravitas to the role, effectively conveying the character’s complexity and the underlying themes of redemption and growth.

The film employs a vibrant animation style that blends traditional 2D elements with modern 3D techniques. This approach pays homage to the original comic strips while appealing to contemporary audiences accustomed to high-quality animation. The character designs remain faithful to their source material, with subtle updates to enhance expressiveness and relatability. The use of colour and lighting effectively sets the tone for various scenes, from the warmth of Garfield’s home to the dynamic environments encountered during his adventures.

The Garfield Movie has elicited a spectrum of responses from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a mixed rating, reflecting the divided opinions regarding its execution and faithfulness to the source material. Some critics have praised the film for its emotional depth and character development, while others have criticized it for deviating from the simplicity and humour that define the original comic strips.

Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter criticized the film’s departure from the comic’s essence, stating, As anyone familiar with cartoonist Jim Davis’ iconic feline character knows, Garfield doesn’t like to move around very much… And yet for some reason, the creators of the new animated film revolving around him think that what the audience really wants is to watch Garfield engage in Mission: Impossible-style, stunt-laden violent mayhem.

Conversely, a review from The Hollywood Handle offered a more favourable perspective, describing the film as an adorable adventure with some strong emotional beats that despite some flaws, manages to perfectly please its target audience.

Audience reactions have also been varied. Some viewers appreciate the film’s attempt to delve deeper into Garfield’s character and backstory, while others feel that the changes detract from the charm and humour that have long been associated with the franchise.

Financially, The Garfield Movie has demonstrated moderate success. As of September 30, 2024, the film grossed $92 million in the United States and Canada, and $162.9 million in other territories, totalling $254.9 million worldwide. These figures indicate a positive reception in international markets, contributing significantly to the film’s overall earnings.

The Garfield Movie distinguishes itself from earlier adaptations by opting for a fully animated format and focusing on an origin story that delves into Garfield’s familial relationships. This contrasts with the live-action/CGI hybrid films of the mid-2000s, which centred more on comedic escapades and the character’s interactions with his owner, Jon Arbuckle (voiced by Nicholas Hoult).

The decision to explore deeper emotional themes and character backstories represents a shift towards a more narrative-driven approach, aiming to provide a fresh perspective on a well-established character. This direction aligns with contemporary trends in animated films that seek to balance humour with substantive storytelling.

The release of The Garfield Movie has been accompanied by a comprehensive merchandising campaign, including toys, apparel, and themed accessories. This strategy aims to capitalize on the film’s appeal to both new audiences and long-time fans of the franchise.

The film’s moderate box office success and the enduring popularity of the Garfield character suggest a potential for future instalments or spin-offs.

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301324 - 2025-01-17 01:27:11

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