Legendary comic tabby cat Garfield isn’t exactly treated kindly in the realm of cinema, with the live-action movie from 2004 met with extremely mixed reception. Fast forward to 2024, and a new movie is released, but this time an animated adventure comedy flick, starring none other than the man with the voice – Chris Pratt, who will be voicing Garfield. Who? The almighty Starlord, and the voice of the iconic plumber Mario.

Chris Pratt is not the only A-list celebrity joining the adventure of Jim Davis’ creation as Samuel L. Jackson, Nicholas Hoult, and many notable actors have also joined the cast. We all know who’s Garfield, the true embodiment of laziness in an orange tabby cat. In The Garfield Movie, the carefree lasagna-loving cat gets an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father, Vic, voiced by Samuel L. Jackson. After the reunion, Garfield and his canine buddy Odie are then forced into a risky heist with Vic.

A-Meow-Sing Tale of Family 

It’s Garfield. It’s a family-friendly animated film through and through. For what it goes for, it is a solid film with an emotional journey between Garfield and his estranged father, Vic. And it does a good job channeling the emotional bonding moments, where even as an adult, some scenes are still touching and impactful.

What shaped Garfield into an iconic character has always been the humor, and the film has plenty of them. You will undoubtedly be walking out of the cinema with a smile, especially during the various mishaps in the dairy farm segment.

Odie the dachshund dog is no doubt a highlight. He is just a highly adorable and loyal little bugger, and the moments where he teases Garfield really show his endearing side. The plot is excellently told, with an animation style that fits into the world and narrative greatly. The animation spots a vivid cartoon mood, with Garfield being rounder this time to push his character’s cuteness and personality. Not to mention, the fluffy texture of the cats and Garfield’s dropping ears are really impressive and well-rendered.

Yes, I highlighted Chris Pratt as the voice of Garfield early on as a joke, but Pratt really showed his range here as Garfield. No voice of his sound off-putting and he manages to capture the cat’s mischievous and cheeky personality. Of course, Jackson also delivers a great performance as Vic, portraying a father with hidden pains.

Worth a Lasagna? 

All and all, The Garfield Movie works its simplicity into a coherent and charming tale of family bonds, with a cute aesthetic that gets you soft in the heart. It is an enjoyable flick for young children and pet lovers, and of course, Garfield fans. Get your plate of lasagna, and enjoy a wild ride.