While undeniably popular, Jim Davis’ Garfield has always been a problem when it comes to big-screen adaptations. Yes, he hates Mondays and loves lasagna, which is easy enough to recapture. Still, in the comic strip, Garfield is indifferent to his human master and unkind to the pet dog, Odie, traits that may not register well if faithfully reproduced on the big screen. So, there’s always been some inner conflict going on with Garfield films.

Bill Murray was involved with the first two screen transitions, and it was an utter embarrassment - to this day, Murray makes the excuse that he thought a Coen Brothers was attached to the project. So this 2024 edition brings out Chris Pratt to voice our tubby feline. We also have Samuel L. Jackson voicing the character of Vic, Garfield’s father. 

Harvey Guillen (What We Do in the Shadows) portrays Odie, and Nicholas Hoult is Jon, the sad sack loser who takes Garfield in. And we have the origin story to kick off the film - Jon at an Italian restaurant, Garfield as an adorable kitten left in a box in an alley, and Jon brings Garfield home. The comic strip has been going on for close to 50 years now, and Garfield has come to represent the life of a couch potato, a lovable glutton, and the epitome of indifference to life. It’s worked, as there’s some guilty pleasure in following the exploits of the creature we know we can’t, and shouldn’t, be.

There are villains in this film: two rough dogs and a mastermind cat-villainess named Jinx (Hannah Waddungham from Ted Lasso). So, as you can expect, the life lessons that emerge involve resolving issues with your father, working with the ones you despise (insert Odie here), and celebrating product placements! Try to count how many occur during the film, starting with Olive Garden, FedEx, and Wal-Mart.

So, we come to a sentimental animated film from what has to be considered a cynical comic strip. For many, it’s sweet and works like a charm. But for those who truly remember Garfield and why the comic strip initially struck a chord, I wonder what they’ll think of this film.