Flashback Review: Garfield: The Movie (2004)

In 1978 cartoonist, Jim Davis published a comic strip called, “Garfield.” Not your typical three-dimensional comic book series like “X-Men,” the comics centers around the titular character. An orange sarcastic fat cat who lives with his nerdy owner, Jon Arbuckle. Garfield’s lazy, loves to eat, favorite food is lasagna watches TV, torments Jon’s dog, Odie and often breaks the fourth wall talking to the reader. He dislikes Monday’s a strict diet and Nermal being the center of attention.

In 1980, Garfield made his TV debut in “The Fantasic Funnies.” Two Years Later, he appeared in an Emmy nominated TV special, “Here Comes Garfield” voiced by Lorenzo Music. The late voice actor later reprised the tole in other TV specials and last but not least, “Garfield and Friends.” The show aired in 1988-1994. Besides Garfield carrying his show, “U.S. Acres” focuses on farm animals starring Orson the Pig, the star who hangs out with his pals. Orson’s the complete opposite of Garfield.

My first exposure to Garfield was his first TV show. I was in kindergarten or first grade. I watched reruns it after leaving school along with shows on Fox Kids such as “X-Men: The Animated Series,” “Spider-Man: The Animated Series” & Power Rangers.” Man, I miss my childhood. Like Mickey Mouse & Bugs Bunny, Garfield became a cultural icon in merchandise, video games, t-shirts, collectibles, animated direct-to-video movies, a CGI cartoon in 2009-2016 and two live-action movies produced by 20th Century Fox starring Bill Murray.

Released in 2004, (same year Code Lyoko aired on Cartoon Network) “Garfield: The Movie” earned negative reviews from critics, fans and movie goers alike. Despite bad reception, it made money at the box office. Two Years Later, a sequel called, “A Tale of Two Kitties” also earned negative reviews. Bill regrets signing on voicing Garfield. He thought Joel Coen was writing the movie. Turns out it the writer’s name is Joel Cohen. Same guy who wrote “Toy Story,” “Money Talks,” “Cheaper by the Dozen,” He even addressed his boo boo in “Zombieland.” I haven’t seen anything Garfield related since A Tale of Two Kitties.

Anyway, Sony’s producing an upcoming animated C.G.I. reboot of Garfield with Chris Pratt voicing the character. I saw a trailer and he doesn’t sound like Lorenzo Music or Bill Murray. He’s just Star-Lord in a Garfield costume. Same problem happened when he voiced Mario. “The Garfield Movie” will be released on May 24, 2024. 20 Years after the live-action movie. I’m not stoked about it. I’d rather see Mr. Murray reprising his role as Peter Venkman in “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.” It’ll be released on March 29, 2024.

It doesn’t matter if SPOILERS are listed. Garfield’s cinematic debut is kitty excrement alongside Halle Berry’s “Catwoman.”

Full & Empty Qualities

Full: Bill Murray did a great job for his voiceover performance as the titular character. He sounds like Lorenzo Music.

Other Cast Members such as Breckin Meyer, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Nick Cannon, Brad Garrett & Stephen Tobolowsky all did a solid job for their respective performances.

Fun Fact 1: Bill & Stephen were also in “Groundhog Day.”

Fun Fact 2: Bill also played a character who loves to eat in one of my guilty pleasures, “Osmosis Jones.”

I know a lot of people don’t like Garfield’s appearance, but I think it looks fine. He also retains his sarcastic personality as well as breaking the fourth wall.

Cinematography was shot carefully.

Character Development involving Garfield. At first, he becomes jealousy towards Odie getting Jon’s attention. Then, he goes on a quest to save Odie from Happy Chapman.

Garfield’s dancing to Black Eyed Pea’s “Hey Mama” with Odie is the only good part.

Empty: Although Garfield’s design isn’t a problem, C.G.I. looks obviously fake.

I didn’t laugh, not one little bit.

If you’re a pure Garfield fan, here’s a list of problems.

• Jon’s too handsome. He’s supposed to be a dweeb and never gets good luck.
• Odie looks nothing like himself. Just a generic dog. This is Roland Emmerich’s Godzilla turning the giant radioactive dinosaur into a radioactive iguana all over again!
• Somehow, Garfield’s athletic and a dancing pro.
• Garfield lacks black stripes.
• Nermal isn’t a gray. He’s a plain cat.
• Jon & Liz become a couple.
• Liz lacks her snarky attitude. She’s way too kind.
• Garfield never holds a grudge towards Nermal. They’re good friends.
• Garfield’s girlfriend, Arlene isn’t pink.

A random moment with Garfield singing “Billy Joel’s “State of Mind.” Has zero connection to the plot.

How in the world did Garfield survive from falling into a delivery truck filled with lasagna? He’s doesn’t have rocky skin like Ben Grimm from “Fantastic Four.” Speaking of which that horrendous Fantastic Four movie produced by Fox, is a stinker. I hope Marvel Studios gets Marvel’s first superhero team right in 2025.

At one point Garfield said, “Got Milk?” Ugh! That reminds me of Buddy Love using the same line from “The Nutty Professor II: The Klumps.” That’s not original or paying homage. That’s downright theft.

The final scene shows Garfield dancing to James Brown’s “I Feel Good.” I didn’t laugh. It’s not a satisfying ending like Baby Groot dancing to Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” in “Guardians of the Galaxy.”

Product Placement featuring brands such as Wendy’s, Goldfish Crackers, Sony, Wal-Mart, Petco, Pepsi, Pedigree & Kellog’s.

The Final Verdict: D-

When I was 11, I used to like Garfield: The Movie. Now that I’m older, it has problems. If you wanna introduce your kids to Garfield, try the original cartoon. If you wish to show them the live-action movie and sequel, it’s your call.