I'm almost
embarrassed to admit it. Yet, I have to confess.
I actually enjoyed this movie.
"Garfield: The Movie" is far from a perfect
film, but it's one of those films I saw on the
right day with the right person in the right
mood. I found myself going "awwwwwwwwww" and
laughing at several points throughout the film
and have chuckled more than once since seeing
the film this afternoon.
What works with "Garfield?" Personally, I loved
the voiceover work of Bill Murray (as
"Garfield"). Murray was a wonderful choice for
this role, and while I find myself a bit
surprised he agreed to it...well, I'm glad he
did. It works nicely with the lazy attitude of
this famous cat. I also enjoyed a subdued but
pleasant performance by Breckin Meyer as Jon
Arbuckle, Garfield's hapless owner. Also, Odie
is a blast to watch throughout the film...it
sort of took me back to the old days of films
such as "That Darn Cat" and some of the early
animal-themed Disney films. It was cute and
funny to watch.
What didn't work here? For me, Jennifer Love
Hewitt was remarkably safe and blase'.
Additionally, I didn't care for her presentation
at all...from hair to costuming to make-up. None
of it seemed to fit her character. Quite
literally, she added nothing to the film.
I also found myself troubled by the CGI version
of "Garfield." While the voiceover worked, the
actual production of Garfield was remarkably
unappealing. He didn't look real, and was never
able to project any of the charm or mischief of
the character Garfield effectively. While I
enjoyed Odie, I was also troubled by how FAR
from Odie this dog actually appeared.
The script is very run-of-the-mill, and is only
saved by the inevitable charm of the characters.
(If you're a Garfield fan, they are
charming...if not, you will most likely find
them boring and cliche' ridden). Voiceover work
by Debra Messing, Brad Garrett, Jimmy Kimmel and
Alan Cumming all work nicely here. The film's
"villain" is perhaps one of the lamest film
villains in quite awhile as played by Stephen
Tobolowsky.
This film is a nice, safe family film and was
definitely worth my "Dollar Theater" viewing.
I'd consider it worth a rental, and the 6 and 7
year old children I was with enjoyed the film.
Great cinema? Hardly. A nice view for the entire
family? Yep, I'd say so.
©
Written by Richard Propes
TC Candler's Comment
A dreadfully
silly and unprofessional waste of film.
Jacob
Hall's Comment
N/A
