DAVID ADAMS enjoys Garfield’s return to the big screen…
The Garfield Movie (AU – G/UK – U/US – PG)
In a word: Energetic
Garfield (Chris Pratt) with his father Vic (Samuel L Jackson) and Odie in Garfield. PICTURE: © 2023 Project G Productions, LLC
It’s been almost 50 years since cartoonist Jim Davis’ lasagna-loving, Monday-hating, wisecracking Garfield first appeared in print and almost 20 years since he last graced the big screen (voiced by Bill Murray), so a return of the animated moggie was perhaps well overdue. And this year’s release, The Garfield Movie, makes for a fun romp which breathes new pathos into his story.
“Garfield (voiced by Chris Pratt) has what he thinks is the perfect life – endless food, a warm bed and a loving home with his human companion Jon and the seemingly foolish dog Odie (Harvey Guillén). But below the surface, we soon find out, is some hidden pain relating to his abandonment as a child by his father Vic.”
Garfield (voiced by Chris Pratt) has what he thinks is the perfect life – endless food, a warm bed and a loving home with his human companion Jon and the seemingly foolish dog Odie (Harvey Guillén). But below the surface, we soon find out, is some hidden pain relating to his abandonment as a child by his father Vic.
That’s all dredged up again as Vic (Samuel L Jackson) appears on the scene and it’s not just about reconnecting with his son. Vic is on a mission for the deliciously bad crime lord Jinx (Hannah Waddingham) as punishment for his past wrongs against her. Along the way they enlist the help of former farm mascot, Otto the Ox (Ving Rhames).
We don’t see much of Garfield’s, ahem, owner, Jon Arbuckle (Nicholas Hoult) in this outing – it’s the animals who do the talking (and acting). And while the action and storyline is aimed firmly at a younger audience, there’s a sprinkle of references for the adults – including that Garfield does his own stunts (just like Tom Cruise).
Directed by Mark Dindal, it’s a fairly straightforward, moderately paced storyline laced with expected humour and some catchy tunes but Garfield’s fraught relationship with his father gives its some extra oomph. Sure, Garfield’s snark is there is spades – and the humour’s more a smile than a guffaw – but in the end it’s the warmth of the bonds that are established between the main characters that will leave you feeling good.
Hang around for some funny cat videos during the credits.
