Movie Review: ‘The Garfield Movie,’ so much, but so little

When it comes to animated films, I’m usually the first one to fight the stigma that they are made only for kids. But every once in a while, there is a film or two that’s hard to defend. “The Garfield Movie” is one of those films.

“The Garfield Movie” will have kids laughing and dancing from start to finish. That’s OK, but we know from many other animated films that it’s possible for a movie to be enjoyable for kids while also giving adults something to enjoy, as well. These movies build connections between families because they’ll continue to watch them for the rest of their lives. I feel like a lot of the important moments in “The Garfield Movie” are shoehorned in and an afterthought by the time they need to happen.

“The Garfield Movie” is cheesy (no pun intended). Anyone who knows me knows how much I love Tom Cruise, and even I couldn’t help rolling my eyes every time the script made a direct Tom Cruise reference. I mean, they literally got Ving Rhames to play a bull who serves as the “guy in the chair” as Garfield breaks into a high-security facility. Even typing that felt weird. (Rhames’ character does the same for Cruise in “Mission: Impossible” films.)

I feel the worst thing an animated movie can do is cast voice actors who take you out of the movie. I wish I could say Chris Pratt’s voice as Garfield is enjoyable — the same way his voice as the titular hero in “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” surprised everyone — but this is not the case. Most of the vocal performances in “The Garfield Movie” feel this way, as if the actors walked in, said their lines, and left.

“The Garfield Movie” Final Thoughts

The lasagna-loving orange cat may have generations of fans, but I don’t see “The Garfield Movie” creating any more. Overall “The Garfield Movie” feels like a cash grab that will ultimately be forgotten on a streaming service within a year.

SCORE: 2/5

“The Garfield Movie” is rated PG and is in theaters May 24, 2024. There is no post-credit scene.