Movie Review # 678: The Garfield Movie (2024)

Well, everyone, today, we review an animated film that was newly released on Memorial Day weekend of this year. I’m sorry it has taken me this long to finally see, and review this film! Still, better late than never, right? Anyway, let’s talk about the newest adaptation of a famous orange cartoon cat that has been beloved by many for many, many years. Presenting to you all my review of The Garfield Movie!

Plot: When Vic, the father of Garfield (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson, and Chris Pratt respectively) returns to Garfield’s life when he becomes older, it turns out that it’s because he wants his son to help him out with a heist that could pay off a debt that he owes to a ruthless female Persian cat named Jinx (Hannah Waddingham). Now roped into dangerous action, can Vic, Garfield, and Garfield’s dog friend, Odie (Harvey Guillen) successfully do so before their deadline is up?

Now, as I’m sure many of us know, The Garfield Movie has had mostly negative reviews. In fact, it only holds a 37% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. With that said, does this film deserve such a rating? Well, let me put it to you all this way. It may not be one of the best animated films out there. However, that doesn’t mean that The Garfield Movie deserved such a low score. Sure, a film like Chicken Little (which was also directed by Mark Dindal, who also directed not only this film, but also other animated films like Cats Don’t Dance, and The Emperor’s New Groove) may have deserved a low score, even if it was decent. But this film, it did not deserve a low score such as 37%. Maybe somewhere between 60-70, or even 80%. That all being said, did the professional critics have some points? Sure. For one, there was a subplot in this film that felt a little forced in, and may have caused this film to not be as memorable. Also, some of the secondary characters, minus Garfield himself, and some of the other main characters, though likable enough, probably weren’t all that memorable. Additionally, there were some character arcs that, though they worked, seemed a little rushed, especially ones that occurred near the end. Finally, there were a couple plot holes in this Garfield movie as well.

But were there good things in this movie? Absolutely. Like what, you may be wondering? Well, there was the animation. Sure, the animation might have felt a little cheap at times in this film. Still, for what it was, the final product was very good. Next, there were the main characters, notably Garfield being voiced by Chris Pratt. Personally, I thought his role for Garfield in this film was a little better than when he voiced say Mario in last year’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Not that that one wasn’t good. It’s just that Pratt did a more phenomenal job here. John, Garfield’s owner was also really cool, along with the beagle, Odie, and Samuel L. Jackson as Vick, Garfield’s father. But one of the major highlights for this film is Hannah Waddingham as the villainous female Persian cat, Jinx. Wow, let’s just say that Dindal truly knows how to make some of the most memorable villains, particularly in family films. I mean much like Yzma in The Emperor’s New Groove, Jinx is a hilariously evil villain. She’s cunning, and devious, but also brings out some really hilarious lines, and moments to the point that you might need to choose which ones are the more memorable moments from her. Both villains are ruthless, but are successful in being hilarious as well. Truthfully, I can’t help but wonder if maybe Dindal, and the team took inspiration from the villain Yzma in The Emperor’s New Groove, when making The Garfield Movie. Jinx’s dog henchmen, Roland, and Nolan, were also hilarious as well. And as for John Debney’s score, let’s just say that it’s interesting how Debney, and Mark Dindal have seemed to collaborate on quite a few family film projects, especially The Emperor’s New Groove, Chicken Little, and The Garfield Movie. Still, one of the major highlights of The Garfield Movie is the comedy. Wow, if one were to pick one major reason as to why critics were probably a little too harsh on this film, it would be that this movie is filled with comedy from beginning to end. Yeah, if you loved the comedy in some of Dindal’s other films like The Emperor’s New Groove, then I can guarantee that you’ll also find yourself laughing so hard from beginning to end in The Garfield Movie as well. Yes, it was really a scene that referenced a rather certain popular film near the end that was the most memorable comedic moment of them all. Even so, the comedy in this movie will give you all the more reason to want to stay, and see what happens near the end. Finally, the ending was good, and heartwarming.

And that’s my review for The Garfield Movie. If you haven’t seen this movie, then please do. If you see it, and choose to find a reason to enjoy it, enjoy it for it’s comedy. That alone helps keep the audience engaged from beginning to end. Yes, there are other major highlights for this film, like seeing Garfield himself onscreen, Jinx’s character that is portrayed beautifully by Hannah Waddingham, and so much more. This movie may feel more like a kid’s film than a family one. Even so, adults will still enjoy it for it being a Garfield movie, the film’s comedy, and things like that. So, definitely see this film, and see what you think!

Final Grade: B