'The Garfield Movie' Review Roundup: Here's why critics are panning the Chris Pratt film
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Directed by Mark Dindal and penned by Paul A. Kaplan, Mark Torgove, and David Reynolds, 'The Garfield Movie' hits screens on Friday, May 24.
Adapted from Jim Davis' book, the film features a stellar cast including Chris Pratt, Samuel L Jackson, Hannah Waddingham, Nicholas Hoult, and Harvey Guillén.
This upcoming animated adventure, based on the beloved character Garfield, vows to take him on an exhilarating journey beyond his usual routine, promising excitement and thrills.
When it was announced that Chris Pratt, known for his role in 'Guardians of the Galaxy', would voice the title character in 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie', many reacted negatively. However, despite mixed reviews, the 2023 release proved successful, earning over $1.3 billion worldwide for Illumination.
As for 'The Garfield Movie', its potential success this weekend remains uncertain. Early reviews are not favorable; currently, it holds a disappointing 42% "fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 55 reviews.
But before going to watch the movie, here's a round-up of the reviews and what the critics have to say:
Critics slam 'The Garfield Movie' for being a 'kids movie' rather than a nostalgic trip for its longtime adult fans
Criticizing Chris Pratt's "colorless and pale" vocals, Frank Sheck from The Hollywood Reporter scathingly wrote, "The rudimentary animation does the film no favors, nor does the lead vocal turn by Pratt, who strangely has become one of Hollywood’s go-to animation stars with Onward, The Lego Movie and its sequel and The Super Mario Bros. Movie."
He further added, "His colorless vocal work here pales in comparison with his predecessors Bill Murray, who voiced the character in the two live-action movies, and Lorenzo Music, who played it brilliantly for so many years on television. The strange result is a Garfield without attitude."
Indicating that the film was more of a kid's film than a commercial movie, Kate Erbland from Indiewire said, "Is this a kid’s movie or a commercial? And if it’s the latter, a commercial for what exactly? Certainly not more movies like this. I already know about Olive Garden’s breadsticks."
She further added, "I’d like to know more about funny, sweet, smart family-centric features, the kind the multiplex is so desperately lacking. Call it a case of the Mondays, but this kitty needs to go way back to the drawing board."
Another critic from Mama's Geeky also gave her 2 cents on the immaturity of the movie as she wrote, "The Garfield Movie is adorable, but it is more of a kids movie than a family movie.
The majority of the humor is geared toward a younger audience, and the plot is made simple so that kids can understand it without having to ask questions."
Jesse Hassenger from Paste Magazine called the film "disposable" as she wrote, "The Garfield Movie may be as disposable as one of those numbered paperbacks that ex-kids of a certain age may fondly recall from their Scholastic book orders, but it approximates their sense of fun, too."
Is 'The Garfield Movie' worth watching?
According to various reviews, the film falls short in several key areas. The animation, described as rudimentary, does little to enhance the overall experience, and Chris Pratt's vocal performance is seen as lackluster, failing to capture the iconic attitude of Garfield.
Critics argue that his portrayal pales in comparison to his predecessors, Bill Murray and Lorenzo Music, leaving Garfield without his signature charm.
The movie is criticized for its reliance on product placement and shallow humor, leading some to question whether it feels more like a commercial than genuine family entertainment.
The plot is noted for being overly simplistic, with jokes and themes primarily aimed at very young children, potentially leaving older audiences and long-time Garfield fans unengaged.
This commercialized approach has led to disappointment among those expecting more from a film centered on such a beloved character.
Despite these critiques, there are a few positive notes. Some reviews suggest that while the film may not reach the heights of classic Garfield specials or series, it is an improvement over some of the character's more recent outings.
However, this faint praise does little to elevate the overall perception of the film. Ultimately, while 'The Garfield Movie' may entertain young viewers with its colorful animation and simple humor, it seems to lack the depth, wit, and charm that broader audiences and Garfield enthusiasts were hoping for.
'The Garfield Movie' trailer
'The Garfield Movie' is all set to hit theatres on Friday, May 24.