Reviews
Amazon.co.uk Review
Every now and then, the CGI effects in Garfield: The Movie are less than perfect--which makes you realize of how astonishingly seamless the rest of the effects are. When Garfield's owner Jon (Breckin Meyer) agrees to take in a homeless dog so as to flirt with a sexy veterinarian (Jennifer Love Hewitt), Garfield does his best to oust the dog from the house. But when a greedy television performer (Stephen Tobolowsky) kidnaps the mutt for his own nefarious purposes, Garfield sets out on a rescue mission. Garfield is a terrible movie, yet there's something weirdly compelling in its awfulness. Bill Murray, who voices the fat cat, has mastered a comic style that wallows fondly in ridiculousness. Perhaps, seduced by the siren call of Murray's voice, the audience can only marvel at the sublime junk of our culture. --Bret Fetzer
Synopsis
The long-running, popular comic strip about the fat and lazy cat named Garfield comes to life with this live-action Hollywood comedy. Based on characters created by Jim Davis, the film tells the story of this supremely spoiled pet, who wants the affection of everyone around him, only he wants it on his own terms. Trouble arises one day when, under the influence of the beautiful veterinarian Liz (Jennifer Love Hewitt), Garfield's owner Jon (Breckin Meyer) stuns him by bringing home a cuddly dog, Odie. Jealous at the attention Odie is receiving, Garfield locks Odie out of the house. Odie runs away and when he's kidnapped by the evil television personality Happy Chapman (Stephen Tobolowsky), Garfield realizes his mistake, and embarks on a brave mission to rescue his new housemate.Bill Murray is a perfect choice to provide the loveable voice behind the computer-animated cat. Director Peter Hewitt keeps the story moving along at a clipped pace, which will ensure that children's attention spans won't be tested. Breezy and charming, GARFIELD is a nostalgic return to the past for older viewers who grew up with the fuzzy feline, and an engaging introduction for younger audiences who are meeting him for the very first time.