Garfield: The Movie

I really have to question 'Garfield: The Movie'. The cartoon is traditionally a wacky series of normal events, and one half of the film is spent with just that, with the other being... exciting. 'Twas inevitable that the different, exciting section is the most entertaining, as ultimately, viewers are generally looking for something a bit different than what they can get on the television for free.

This isn't to say that the traditional part to 'Garfield: The Movie' is tedious. It is entertaining, just not entertaining enough. There are a lot of jokes which lack any of sense of humour whatsoever, but the film can also be immensly funny at times. I suppose this certain quality is similar to the cartoon series in a way.

The story goes that Jon is frequently taking Garfield to the verterinarian because he is attracted to one of the employees. She asks him if he can care for a dog named Odie and he agrees, bewildered. A rivalry forms between Garfield and Odie, and when Jon takes Odie to watch a dog show Garfield desperately sneaks into the car. Garfield attracts a legion of canines participating in a dog show and chase him, leaving their shocked owners, judges, audience and music behind. Hearing the music, Odie jumps down onto the stage and begins dancing as he was influenced by Garfield. One of the judges is so amazed by Odie's talents that he asks Jon if Odie may go into television. Jon denies this offer and the desperate judge manages to kidnap Odie, occurring from a chain of events which involved Garfield letting Odie outside at night. Feeling guilty, Garfield then goes on a mission to venture out his precious culdesac and rescue Odie.

The plot's nothing overly special although there is enough variety and quality to maintain your interest. At certain points the film becomes ridiculously absurd, and this suits the theme of the film perfectly. The direction is commendable, as almost every part of the film is nice to look at, and the acting is also pretty good.

What the film really needed was a few more fantastic, original scenes like the ones at the end. The film can get boring, and while this boredom is seldom available, it's still there.

In all, the film is an enjoyable watch and worth watching, although perhaps you might just want to consider renting.

Four Out Of Five.