"Garfield": The Movie

I was well aware of the overall critical drubbing of "Garfield's" feature debut, yet I went to see it for myself, cat lover and early, rabid adopter (and long ago evacuee) of Garfield's comic strip. I couldn't take my eye off of the screen. The computer-animated feline was perfectly conceived, right-on believable in every respect of the famous cartoon critter, including the sardonic voice work from another big ol' pussycat, Bill Murray.

Go for the Laughs

It's amazing to me when reviewers don't consider the target audience for the films they critique. In the case of "Garfield," obviously, it's aimed at elementary school kids -- and what a kick it must be for them. Anyone downplaying comedies based on some perceived inequities of plotlines is missing the point. Most comedy movies exist for the laughs. The story is there to facilitate the gags, otherwise, stories are generally immaterial to the proceedings. Sure, the by-the-numbers dastardly villain subplot in this picture is tedious and unwelcome, but what matters is how Garfield and pals create fun in spite of pat situations. I found plenty to chuckle at during "Garfield" and look forward to another round with the wild-eyed boy.

Slurp Alert

My main grievance with the production is the creative (and, possibly, financial) choice to animate the title character only. All the other animals, including humans, are portrayed by the real things. Somehow, for example, an actual puppy fails to capture the inept stupidity of Garfield's nemesis/best pal, Odie. There's not a hint of his enormous flapping tongue, a huge comedic malfeasance.