The Garfield Movie (2024) Review: The iconic orange cat returns to the big screen after 15 years and what a fun comeback he has had! The Garfield Movie is set to take over the cinemas this weekend and this time around, Chris Pratt is voicing the iconic cat. Now, we’ve read about Garfield’s various adventures with his best friend, the adorable dog, Odie. But in The Garfield Movie, Garfield and Odie take on a journey that they’ve never travelled before. The duo is forced to step out in the real world courtesy of Garfield’s long-lost father, Vic (Samuel L Jackson).
Fans of the popular cartoon strip are introduced to Vic as a father who abandoned his son in the alley before he is rescued by Jon (Nicholas Hoult). While he grows up in the comfort of Jon’s care, Garfield and Odie get kidnapped one night by a gang of rebellious cats and dogs. Turns out, the head of the gang — a villainous Persian cat named Jinx (voiced by Hannah Waddingham). It is revealed that she seeks revenge from Vic for abandoning her during a robbery. She is sent to the pound and is forced to live an unruly life.
Having seen the worst, she kidnaps Garfield and Odie in the hope that she can get to Vic. Upon their reunion, Jinx tells them that if they want her to forgive her, they would have to arrange for a massive amount of milk from a dairy farm. Forced to agree, Garfield sets off on an adventure where he learns the ways of the world. He not only learns how to survive but also meets eccentric characters who help him understand the meaning of love and family.
The Garfield Movie knows its audience. It doesn’t try hard to stand out with its storyline and gags, and that’s exactly what works for the film. The film is predictable when it comes to its twists and turns, and yet the film manages to leave you in awe at several points. The Garfield Movie is out to have fun and you end up having fun with him. The film is packed with hilarious one-liners, epic nods to Tom Cruise and even ‘awwdorable’ moments featuring Garfield and his dad.
It goes without saying that Chris Pratt and Samuel L Jackson have seamlessly carried the film on their shoulder. Both the actors have become a pro at dubbing for cartoon and animated characters and it looks like The Garfield Movie is a cakewalk for them. They deliver such a convincing performance that you subconsciously root for them to win in the last. The mute Odie is undoubtedly one of the biggest highlights on the film as well. He brings in such fun comic relief that you crave to see more of him.
Personally, Ving Rhames as Otto the Bull and Nicholas Hoult as Garfield’s caretaker Jon also shined. Ving has some of the best lines in the film and they land so well. Hannah also delivers a memorable performance with Jinx.
Director Mark Dindal along with the screenplay writers Paul A. Kaplan, Mark Torgove and David Reynolds stay more or less true to the essence of the comic, making it a treat for youngsters and parents who grew up reading Garfield. Extra applause to the writers for the Tom Cruise fanboying moments. The climax scene was hilarious and yet well executed by the visuals team.
Bottom line: The Garfield Movie adds laughter to the otherwise hot summer. Walk in with the least expectations and you will end up having a ball.
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