The Garfield Movie, a family-friendly comedy, hit theaters on May 24, 2004. Based on the beloved comic strip by Jim Davis, the movie blends live-action with CGI to bring the iconic lasagna-loving cat to life. Directed by Peter Hewitt, the film features Bill Murray’s voice as Garfield, adding a layer of humor and charm. While aimed at children, the movie also includes witty moments that resonate with adults. In this review, we’ll explore the film’s strengths, weaknesses, and its overall appeal.
Table of Contents
- Plot Summary
- What’s Good?
- Bill Murray’s Voice Performance
- Family-Friendly Humor
- Visual Effects and CGI
- Pacing and Runtime
- Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths
- Weaknesses
- Target Audience
- Box Office Details
- Budget and Collections
- Day-Wise Earnings (India and Overseas)
- Recommendation
- Genres:
- Rating:
- Cast:
- How is Our Review?
Plot Summary
The story follows Garfield, a lazy and sarcastic orange tabby cat, who lives a comfortable life with his owner, Jon Arbuckle. Garfield’s routine is disrupted when Jon adopts Odie, an energetic and lovable dog. Initially annoyed, Garfield’s disdain for Odie takes a turn when the dog is kidnapped by a scheming television host. Garfield embarks on an unexpected adventure to rescue Odie, discovering bravery and friendship along the way. The film’s lighthearted narrative and humorous dialogues make it an enjoyable watch for viewers of all ages.
What’s Good?
Bill Murray’s Voice Performance
Bill Murray’s voice acting as Garfield is a highlight of the movie. His dry wit and comedic timing perfectly capture the essence of the character, bringing the comic strip to life in a delightful way.
Family-Friendly Humor
The humor strikes a balance between slapstick comedy for kids and clever one-liners for adults. Garfield’s sarcastic quips and the playful interactions between characters add to the movie’s charm.
Visual Effects and CGI
The blend of live-action and CGI is impressive for its time. Garfield’s animated design stays true to his comic strip appearance while fitting seamlessly into the real-world setting. The visual effects make the character’s movements and expressions engaging.
Pacing and Runtime
At a brisk 80 minutes, the movie’s pacing keeps it engaging without overstaying its welcome. The straightforward plot ensures that younger viewers remain entertained throughout.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Nostalgic Appeal: Fans of the original comic strip will appreciate the faithful adaptation of Garfield’s personality.
- Voice Acting: Bill Murray’s performance elevates the film, making it enjoyable for adults.
- Lighthearted Tone: The movie’s cheerful and non-threatening tone makes it ideal for family viewing.
Weaknesses
- Simplistic Plot: While entertaining, the storyline lacks depth and complexity, which may leave some viewers wanting more.
- Supporting Characters: Jon and Odie, though essential to the story, feel underdeveloped compared to Garfield.
- Predictable Humor: Some jokes rely on clichéd tropes, which may not appeal to all audiences.
Target Audience
The Garfield Movie is perfect for families with young children, offering wholesome entertainment that’s easy to follow. Fans of the comic strip will enjoy seeing their favorite characters on the big screen, while Bill Murray’s performance ensures that adults can also find moments of humor and enjoyment. It’s a great choice for a casual movie night.
Box Office Details
Budget and Collections
- Total Budget: INR 360 crore (approx. $50 million)
- Worldwide Box Office Collection: INR 1,080 crore (approx. $145 million)
Day-Wise Earnings (India and Overseas)
| Day | India (INR Cr) | Overseas (INR Cr) | Total (INR Cr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Friday) | 5 | 20 | 25 |
| Day 2 (Saturday) | 7 | 25 | 32 |
| Day 3 (Sunday) | 10 | 30 | 40 |
| Day 4 (Monday) | 4 | 15 | 19 |
| Day 5 (Tuesday) | 3 | 10 | 13 |
Recommendation
The Garfield Movie delivers lighthearted fun with its charming protagonist and family-friendly humor. While it may not offer much depth, its nostalgic appeal and entertaining moments make it worth watching. Recommended for families and fans of the comic strip looking for a fun and relaxing movie experience.
Genres:
Animation, Comedy, Family, Adventure, Action
Rating:
7.12/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Chris Pratt | Garfield (voice) |
| Samuel L. Jackson | Vic (voice) |
| Hannah Waddingham | Jinx (voice) |
| Ving Rhames | Otto (voice) |
| Nicholas Hoult | Jon (voice) |
| Cecily Strong | Marge Malone (voice) |
| Harvey Guillén | Odie (voice) |
| Brett Goldstein | Roland (voice) |
| Bowen Yang | Nolan (voice) |
| Snoop Dogg | Maurice (voice) |
| Janelle James | Olivia (voice) |
| Angus Cloud | Snickers (voice) |
| Jeff Foxworthy | Zapped Bird (voice) |
| Eugenia Caruso | Maria (voice) |
| Luke Cinque-White | Vito (voice) |
| Dev Joshi | Liz (voice) |
| Chana Keefer | Rom-Com Woman (voice) |
| Mark Keefer | Rom-Com Man (voice) |
| Edward Montgomery | Fitness Bike Instructor (voice) |
| Mark Dindal | Sleep App Voice (voice) |
| Cameron Bernard Jones | Barry / Lactose Farms Phone Operator (voice) |
| Darren Foreman | Used Catapult Customer (voice) |
| Timothy Quinlan | Find My Pet Voice (voice) |
| Matt Rippy | Spanish Find My Pet Voice / Farmhand (voice) |
| Alicia Grace Turrell | Ethel / Lactose Farms Phone Operator (voice) |
| Eric Loren | Roadkill / Busboy (voice) |
| Melli Bond | Fish Market Worker (voice) |
| Lynsey Murrell | Tour Guide Tracy (voice) |
| Amelia Sciandra | PA Announcer (voice) |
| Jennifer Woodward | PA Announcer (voice) |
| Hannah Felix | Pound Worker (voice) |
How is Our Review?
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