Movies - The Garfield Movie: A Nostalgic Yet Modern Take on a Classic Character

By Mulder, 28 june 2024

In a delightful blend of nostalgia and contemporary storytelling, The Garfield Movie hit theaters in 2024, marking a new chapter for the iconic comic strip character created by Jim Davis. This American animated adventure comedy film, directed by Mark Dindal and scripted by Paul A. Kaplan, Mark Torgove, and David Reynolds, introduces Garfield to a new generation while honoring the charm that has endeared him to millions over the decades.

Chris Pratt lends his voice to Garfield, capturing the character’s lazy, lasagna-loving, Monday-hating persona with a fresh twist. Alongside Pratt, the film boasts an impressive voice cast including Samuel L. Jackson, Hannah Waddingham, Ving Rhames, Nicholas Hoult, Cecily Strong, Harvey Guillén, Brett Goldstein, Bowen Yang, and Snoop Dogg. This ensemble brings vibrant life to the animated world of Garfield, enriching the film with their diverse talents.

The storyline centers on Garfield’s unexpected reunion with his estranged father, Vic, voiced by Samuel L. Jackson. Vic, a charming and cunning street cat, pulls Garfield out of his comfortable suburban life and into a series of high-stakes, humorous adventures. This dynamic not only offers laughs but also explores deeper themes of family and self-discovery, as Garfield navigates his relationship with his father and the challenges that come with it.

The development of The Garfield Movie began in May 2016 under Alcon Entertainment. Mark Dindal was announced as the director in November 2018, with pre-production starting shortly after. By 2021, Sony Pictures secured global distribution rights, and Chris Pratt was cast as Garfield. The rest of the stellar cast joined in the following year, and the film’s animation was expertly crafted by DNEG Animation. Renowned composer John Debney, a frequent collaborator with Dindal, composed the film’s score, adding a rich auditory layer to the visual feast.

Jim Davis, the creator of Garfield, expressed his enthusiastic approval of Pratt’s casting, noting that Pratt embraced all sides of Garfield’s character, not just his deadpan humor. Director Mark Dindal echoed this sentiment, having long imagined Pratt’s voice bringing Garfield to life.

The Garfield Movie premiered at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on May 19, 2024, and was released in U.S. theaters on May 24, 2024, through Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Releasing. Despite receiving generally negative reviews from critics, the film has been a commercial success, grossing over $233 million worldwide as of June 2024. This success underscores Garfield’s enduring appeal and the film’s ability to resonate with both longtime fans and new audiences.

Garfield’s adventure begins with his cushy life being disrupted by Vic’s reappearance. Vic, known for his resourcefulness and trickery, drags Garfield and his loyal dog friend Odie into a heist that promises both danger and hilarity. This plot not only delivers laughs but also allows Garfield’s character to evolve, showcasing his journey from a self-centered, lethargic cat to a more empathetic and dynamic hero.

The film’s soundtrack is another highlight, featuring original songs that add to its vibrant atmosphere. Snoop Dogg collaborated with Keith Urban on Let It Roll, a track released as a single in April 2024. Other notable songs include Then There Was You by Calum Scott and Good Life by Jon Batiste, enriching the film’s musical landscape and distributed by Republic Records.

Garfield’s rich history as a comic strip character is woven into the film, with nods to his iconic traits and past escapades. Press materials emphasize the character’s broad appeal, noting his evolution from a comic strip star to a beloved figure in various media, including television specials and earlier films produced by 20th Century Fox.

In the movie, Garfield’s interactions with Jon Arbuckle, voiced by Nicholas Hoult, and Odie, voiced by Harvey Guillén, highlight the deep bonds and comedic potential of these relationships. Jon’s portrayal as a devoted yet often exasperated pet owner adds humor and heart, making their dynamic both entertaining and relatable.

The production team, including producers John Cohen, Broderick Johnson, and Andrew Kosove, along with Mark Dindal’s creative vision, have crafted a film that blends nostalgia with innovative storytelling. Their goal was to honor the legacy of the comic strip while introducing elements that resonate with today’s audience.

As the film continues to perform well at the box office, it stands as a testament to Garfield’s timeless humor and universal appeal. The Garfield Movie not only celebrates the character’s legacy but also introduces new facets that ensure Garfield remains a beloved figure for generations to come. The combination of star-studded voice talent, cutting-edge animation, and a heartfelt storyline makes The Garfield Movie a memorable addition to the franchise, delighting fans old and new alike.

Synopsis :
Garfield, the famous indoor cat who loves lasagne and hates Mondays, is about to embark on a crazy adventure! After finding his missing father, Vic, an uncombed street cat, Garfield and his dog friend Odie are forced to leave their lives of comfort behind to help Vic pull off a heist that's as risky as it is hilarious.

The Garfield Movie
Directed by Mark Dindal
Written by Paul A. Kaplan, Mark Torgove, David Reynolds
Based on Garfield by Jim Davis
Produced by John Cohen, Broderick Johnson, Andrew Kosove, Steven P. Wegner, Craig Sost, Namit Malhotra
Starring Chris Pratt, Samuel L. Jackson, Hannah Waddingham, Ving Rhames, Nicholas Hoult, Cecily Strong, Harvey Guillén, Brett Goldstein, Bowen Yang
Music by John Debney
Production companies : Columbia Pictures, Alcon Entertainment, Prime Focus, DNEG Animation, One Cool Group Limited, Wayfarer Studios
Distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing
Release date : May 24, 2024 (United States), July 31, 2024 (France)
Running time : 101 minutes