The 2024 adaptation of “The Garfield Movie” revives the beloved comic-strip character with a modern twist, attempting to maintain the essence of Jim Davis’s original creation while appealing to contemporary audiences. Directed by Mark Dindal, this animated film combines humor, heart, and vibrant animation in a tale that explores themes of family, abandonment, and reconciliation, all through the lens of a famously sarcastic and lazy cat.
Chris Pratt, voicing Garfield, brings a fresh interpretation to the role, balancing the cat’s well-known laziness and sardonic wit with a surprising depth of emotion. Unlike the purely selfish Garfield of the comic strips, this iteration presents a more vulnerable and, at times, relatable character. Garfield’s love for food remains intact—lasagna still plays a central role—but his interactions with Jon and other characters are more emotionally grounded. Pratt’s performance adds layers to Garfield’s persona, allowing the character to evolve from a mere source of comedic relief to a more rounded protagonist capable of both wit and warmth.
The plot hinges on Garfield’s reunion with his estranged father, Vic, voiced by Samuel L. Jackson. This new character introduces a fresh dynamic to the Garfield universe. Vic’s sudden reappearance in Garfield’s life stirs feelings of abandonment, and their strained relationship forms the emotional crux of the movie. Despite his usual cynicism, Garfield is forced to confront unresolved feelings about his father’s absence, adding depth to what could have been a straightforward comedic narrative. Vic is depicted as a streetwise, tough figure, who, despite his rough exterior, genuinely cares for his son. Jackson’s gruff voice fits the character perfectly, adding both humor and heart to the film.
The movie also shifts Garfield’s relationship with Odie, Jon Arbuckle’s dog, portrayed by Harvey Guillén. In contrast to the comic strip, where Garfield sees Odie more as a nuisance, the film reimagines their bond as one of camaraderie. Odie is presented as Garfield’s “intern,” adding a layer of affection and humor to their dynamic. This friendship plays a crucial role in the film’s progression, as the duo teams up to escape the various traps laid out by the movie’s antagonist, Jinx.
Hannah Waddingham’s portrayal of Jinx, a fierce Persian cat and Vic’s former crewmember, provides a menacing yet comedic antagonist for the film. Her motivations, while exaggerated, tie back to themes of revenge and betrayal, as she seeks payback against Vic and his newfound family. Waddingham’s vocal performance adds the right amount of villainous flair, making Jinx both entertaining and threatening without overwhelming the comedic tone of the film. Her interactions with Garfield and the other characters offer some of the film’s best moments of tension and humor.
The overall tone of “The Garfield Movie” is a careful balance between humor and heart. The movie, while maintaining a light-hearted and comical atmosphere, delves into more profound themes than its predecessors. The father-son relationship between Garfield and Vic is treated with genuine emotional weight, something that might surprise long-time fans of the cat. There is a real exploration of Garfield’s feelings of abandonment and how he navigates his complex relationship with Vic. This emotional core adds a layer of maturity to the film, making it appealing not just to children but also to adults who may have grown up with Garfield.
The comedic elements of the movie are a mix of slapstick humor, witty one-liners, and self-referential jokes. The film plays to both children and adults by weaving in classic Garfield humor with contemporary references. For instance, Garfield’s addiction to food delivery apps and his sarcastic quips about modern technology provide a humorous take on today’s digital age. The screenplay by David Reynolds is sharp, filled with clever dialogue that stays true to the spirit of Jim Davis’s original work, while also catering to a new generation of viewers. The jokes are often self-aware, with Garfield’s trademark sarcasm delivering laughs in almost every scene.
One of the more notable aspects of the film is its animation style. The movie uses a blend of CGI and traditional hand-drawn aesthetics, resulting in a visually vibrant world that pays homage to the classic Garfield comic strips while adapting to modern standards. The backgrounds are richly detailed, especially in scenes set in the bustling city, where Garfield often lounges around. The city’s bright colors and expressive character designs create a lively backdrop for the cat’s misadventures. The animation also adds a layer of physical comedy, with the characters’ exaggerated movements contributing to the humor, especially in scenes where Garfield’s laziness leads to chaotic results.
The supporting cast enhances the overall film, with Ving Rhames voicing Otto, a bull who helps Garfield and Vic in their quest. Rhames’s portrayal adds a sense of gravitas and comedic timing to the character, complementing the other voices in the ensemble. Nicholas Hoult as Jon Arbuckle brings a grounded, earnest performance to the role of Garfield’s owner, showcasing Jon’s unwavering affection for his mischievous pet. Hoult’s Jon is more emotionally fleshed out than in previous adaptations, showing a man deeply attached to Garfield despite the cat’s troublemaking tendencies. This iteration of Jon is both sympathetic and humorous, making his dynamic with Garfield one of the highlights of the film.
The movie’s score, composed by Christophe Beck, perfectly complements the film’s comedic and emotional moments. The music transitions seamlessly between light-hearted, playful tunes during Garfield’s antics, and more emotional, subtle compositions during the film’s heartfelt scenes. The soundtrack, which features a mix of original compositions and familiar tunes, adds a nostalgic touch to the movie, particularly for longtime fans of the Garfield franchise.
Despite its strengths, the movie is not without its flaws. Some critics have pointed out that certain plot elements, particularly the heist portion of the film, feel overly complicated and may not resonate with younger audiences. Additionally, while the film attempts to appeal to both children and adults, there are moments where the humor skews too mature for its target demographic. Jokes about topics such as roadkill and references to actors like Daniel Day-Lewis may leave some children puzzled, even as adults appreciate the humor. Furthermore, the film’s portrayal of its female characters, particularly the villainous Jinx, has been critiqued for leaning into negative stereotypes of shrill, domineering women, which may come across as outdated in a modern animated feature.
Nonetheless, “The Garfield Movie” (2024) succeeds in revitalizing the franchise for both longtime fans and new audiences. The film captures the essence of Garfield’s lazy, food-loving personality while giving him more emotional depth and vulnerability. The animation, voice performances, and writing all contribute to a fun, engaging experience that will likely resonate with viewers of all ages. Garfield’s journey, from confronting his feelings of abandonment to reconciling with his father, adds a heartwarming layer to the film, making it more than just a comedy about a lazy cat.