| Garfield
The
Movie
Although
it boasts comedy that won't offend parents or children,
Garfield the Movie isn't the most memorable children's film.
We couldn't help feeling a little disappointed. Compared to
many kids' movies, Garfield has fewer "laugh out
loud" moments. The
humor and situations are quite "clean", with
Garfield's sarcasm perhaps less biting than that found in
the comic strip. Garfield is the only completely CGI
animated animal in the movie, and is voiced by Bill
Murray--probably an apt choice. His love of food and general
laziness is played up for many of the film's laughs. Although
Garfield remains the lasagna-loving, lazy cat we all know,
many elements of the comic strip were not transferred well
to the movie. Nermal fans might be disappointed with his
portrayal. Not only are his appearances brief, his character
is off the mark. In the comic strip, Nermal is pegged
"the cutest cat in the world", while in the movie,
he is far from that. Jon isn't quite the dorky character
with the bad wardrobe, and Liz (the veterinarian) returns
his affections--in the comic strip, his infatuation is
unrequited. |
Garfield
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 The plot of
the movie centers around Jon's adoption of Odie the dog, and
Garfield's fears that he is no longer the center of Jon's world.
This is actually an apt story line for the intended audience, as
it reminds us of issues surrounding children when a new sibling
arrives in
the home. Odie is dog-napped by a down-and-out television host
looking for a new sensation and a boost to his career. It's up to
Garfield to save the day, especially since he was the one who
locked Odie out of the house for the night.
As already
noted, of all the characters, Garfield remains truest to the comic
strip. Garfield outsmarts dogs (although they help him out in the
end), hates Mondays, dances with Odie to the Black Eyed Pea's "Hey
Mama", sings the blues, flushes the toilet when Jon's in the
shower, and barely makes it up onto Jon's bed due to his
"full figure".
Garfield the
Movie boasts clean humor, intriguing animation, and a decent,
uncomplicated storyline. It's a straightforward kids' movie that
doesn't work too hard at pleasing the parents.
 Just released June 29, 2004, Garfield
As Himself is a fantastic DVD for Garfield fans. The DVDs
include three prime-time Garfield cartoon specials: Here Comes
Garfield, Garfield on the Town, and Garfield Gets a Life. This DVD
is a treat!
Garfield As Himself
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