By Jeri Jacquin | August 28, 2024

Films

Jacquin, Jeri

Just in time for Labor Day weekend, THE GARFIELD MOVIE by director Mark Dindal and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, a cult cat, is being released on Blu-ray, DVD and digitally for the whole family.

Garfield (Chris Pratt) shares a little more about his life and how it all started for him. From the life of an abandoned kitten on the streets to discovering Jon (Nicholas Hoult) and his first pizza experience. While he is cozying up at home with his best friend Odie (Harvey Guillen) and eating a midnight snack, they are kidnapped by Shar-Pei Roland (Brett Goldstein) and Whippet Nolan (Bowen Yang).

In an abandoned building, Garfield hears a voice he recognizes: that of his father Vic (Samuel L. Jackson). But it’s not him who is responsible! An angry Persian cat named Jinx (Hannah Waddingham), who is mad at Vic and used Garfield and Odie to get to him. Jinx agrees to forgive and forget if they get her the one thing she craves.

On the way to Lactose Farms they meet Otto, who is the only one who can help Garfield, Odie and Vic get in and get the white liquid gold. Their biggest obstacle is Marge (Cecily Strong) and she has her own plan because safety is everything. It won’t be easy because father and son have to deal with the past because the goal is to get home!

Pratt brings a different vocal range as the voice of Garfield, as he speaks a lot more than most are used to, and at a faster pace. It’s an interesting comparison when juxtaposed with Jackson’s own brand of witty repartee. Jackson as Papa Vic has his own backstory to tell, but first Cat Dad has to get past a very stubborn son. Hoult as Jon is a loving pet dad who puts up with more than most pet owners would, but he wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Waddingham as Jinx is the total package. Think of the Siamese cats from ARTISOCATS, but with the same fluffy body with an English accent, and you have Jinx. She has a score to settle, and Waddingham gets the chance to settle it. Rhames as Otto is the strong, silent type for a brief moment, and when he finds a reason to shout orders, that’s when the big bull comes out in full force.

Goldstein as Roland and Yang as Nolan are Jinx’s henchmen who seem to enjoy their work. What they have going for them is that size doesn’t always matter in their plan. Marge is strong and dedicated to her work and has what it takes to prove it. She’s tough, smart, fast and won’t let a bunch of animals overwhelm her.

Kudos to Guillen as Odie because let’s face it, he stole the entire movie. Of course he caters to his buddy Garfield’s every whim and he seems to know what Garfield needs before he needs it – a true friend. He made me laugh and made me realize that he is definitely the smartest “person” in the movie.

The cast also includes Dev Joshi as Liz, Luke White as Vito, Alicia Turrell as Ethel, Janelle James as Olivia and Snoop Dogg as a blue Maine Coon.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment includes the production of films for television, digital content and theatrical release. Studios include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films and Sony Picture Classics. To see what’s coming to theaters and home entertainment, please visit www.sonypictures.com.

Special features include a Gag Reel, Easter Eggs: Garfield-Style Toppings, Deleted Scenes – Animatic, featuring Hannah Waddingham, Indoor Cat Outdoor Adventure, Cast of Critters, How to Draw Garfield, Odie, Vic, and More, Animation Reels And gallery.

Let me get this out of the way right away: THE GARFIELD MOVIE is different from its predecessors. My favorite is the 2004 version, GARFIELD: The Movie, because Garfield’s voice is provided by Bill Murray, who had the right voice, attitude, and wry humor for it. It’s also the version that sent my granddaughter into fits of giggles – two of my favorite things.

THE GARFIELD MOVIE is full of action, fun, laughs and charm, which is important for parents looking for entertainment that children enjoy. Garfield is the most well-known cat and the creation of Jim Davis. He began publishing the comic strip in 1976 and it was released nationwide in 1978.

Families looking for something to watch over Labor Day weekend will find an enchanting film for the whole family. Who doesn’t enjoy the antics of a lasagna-loving cat and his best friend Odie? Grab a big bag of popcorn, sit back, relax, and have a good giggle-filled time with the kids. This is what a great family bonding experience at home should look like, and our furry friends are happy to provide it.

In the end it gets bigger!

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