Garfield: The Movie (2004)

 

Genre: Comedy/Family        Time: 1h 20mins        Director: Peter Hewitt

Quick Summary: Jon buys another pet dog named Odie in order to impress the girl he likes from his high school. However, when Odie is abducted, Garfield, along with his other animal friends, sets out to rescue him.

If you love Garfield, go watch this film immediately because it captures his energy and charm 100% in a wonderfully funny journey.

I want to start off by saying, Bill Murry. The absolute best person they could have cast for the voice of Garfield, he really has all the parts nailed down. His smugness, flicking between affectionate and dis attachment so easily, and his iconic grumpy nature.

It is very obvious the filmmakers knew their source material very well and that they equally love Garfield as much as the fans going to see this. This really was a film for the fans. Just like the comic strips only we can see/hear Garfield's thoughts and constant narration. I was constantly amused by him, pretty much all of his jokes landed very well for me.

One thing I will very much praise this film for is making Garfield stick out in a good way. His 3D CGI is so well done that you are naturally drawn to how bizarre he looks compared to everyone else, but your attention is always focused on his reactions and background gags. It's very clever in my eyes as he doesn't look gross or jarring, he is very pleasing to the eye and very charming to watch with all his funny dancing and cartoonish mannerisms. 

The script is pure comedy genius in my opinion. There are jokes for both young kids, like his silly shenanigans with Odie the dog like pushing him off the sofa every now and again, and then there are jokes for the adults, such as when he is locked away in a cage he asked the officer for some shoelaces (I found that joke hilarious). As well, most of Garfield's dialogue is just so entertaining to listen to, even when he isn't making a joke it's just so fun to watch him. 

The soundtrack is so fun as well, absolutely filled to the brim with puns. With songs such as Honky Cat by Elton John, What's new pussycat by Tom Jones, and Stray Cat strut. It really tops off how fun this movie really is, and it adds that perfect touch to each scene. 

This is genuinely really fun for all Family film that everyone can enjoy. I recommend anyone give it at least one watch. It's very easy to watch, simple plot, and honestly a really good time. 

9/10

• "You went in there to get a date and came out with a dog. That's bad even for you."

• "So much time, and so little... I need to do."

•  "I know you can't hear me, but can't you just listen?"