The Garfield movie, released in 2024, garnered attention primarily due to the unexpected casting of Chris Pratt as the voice of the iconic lasagna-loving cat. Following his previous vocal role in the Super Mario Brothers movie, audiences were curious to see if Pratt could capture the humorous cynicism Garfield is known for. The film also stars Nicholas Hoult as Jon Arbuckle and introduces new characters voiced by Samuel L. Jackson and Hannah Waddingham, bringing a mix of new storylines into the Garfield universe.
Fans of Garfield had mixed reactions to the film. While some felt the casting was off, others appreciated the art direction that successfully translated Jim Davis's 2D art style into 3D animation, reminiscent of the Peanuts Movie. The storyline packed in a multitude of plots, from father-son dynamics to high-stakes heists, leading some to feel it was overstuffed.
The film's humor varied, with some jokes hitting the mark for diehard fans, reflecting the playful nature of Garfield sets in the 70s, while others seemed misplaced or overly generic. The nostalgic elements, including visual Easter eggs and nods to the comic strip, were appreciated by long-time followers.
Despite mixed reviews, the movie holds moments and characteristics that true Garfield fans will enjoy, ensuring that the famous orange cat continues to have enduring appeal. The film may not have been perfect, but for fans who have followed Garfield over the years, it offers a slice of what makes Garfield timelessly endearing.