Pop some popcorn, grab a blanket and get comfy, because “The Garfield Movie” is a must-watch. Whether you’re with friends, family, or by yourself, you will not regret sharing the next hour and a half with these bubbly and colorful characters.
Bright street lamps shine, cars rush by, thunder roars, rain pours and a timid orange kitten huddles in a box. The smell of lasagna wafts through the air, and inside a charming brick Italian restaurant, a man sits alone with his dinner. Drawn by the smell, Garfield runs towards Jon, pressing his baby face into the window. As Jon shares his meal, he starts something special. The beginning of an unbreakable friendship and Garfield’s dieting problems.
Released in May of 2024 and directed by Mark Dindal, this heartwarming movie makes you feel it all, starting with a bittersweet retelling of how Garfield (voiced by Chris Pratt) was left behind by his father, Vic (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson), and came to live with Jon Arbuckle (voiced by Nicholas Hoult), an endearing, nerdy and quirky man with a large heart.
Reminding you of the comics you read when you were young, The Garfield Movie tells the story of Garfield finding companionship with Jon, adopting a goofy dog named Odie, his hatred of Mondays and thriving in his life’s perfect balance.
That is, until many years later when Vic’s past relationships and debts come to light and Garfield and Odie are pulled into a milk heist. As truths emerge and Garfield is forced to help his long-lost father, he is taken on a journey of self-discovery and forgiveness. We learn that Vic made challenging sacrifices for Garfield’s benefit and watch as Garfield learns about love and how complicated it can be. Throughout their excursion, Garfield and Odie go on adventures ranging from trains to the pound and forests to milk warehouses.
Although you may think an animated movie is childish, Garfield tells a story in a way that can resonate with children and adults alike. Through humor, this delightful movie digs deeper into the hidden parts of life and teaches about empathy in a tender but relatable way.
In The Garfield Movie, friendships are strengthened, bonds are created, jokes are told and secrets are shared. If you like movies that make you laugh, sit on the edge of your seat and genuinely smile, then this is perfect for your family night or trip back to childhood.
