- Contributed
'Garfield' revels in being saved by his favourite dish: lasagne.
Tanya Batson-Savage, Freelance Writer
THE BEST part of Garfield: The Movie is the short Scrat in Gone Nutty which comes before it. Garfield the movie presents a barebones version of one of the most beloved cats in the world, Garfield. The movie has little to offer those who are not die-hard fans of the orange tom cat, or those who are above age eight.
On the other hand, Scrat in 'Gone Nutty' presents a witty piece of slapstick that should have persons of all ages laughing along. Scrat made his major debut in the movie Ice Age. He had no relation to the major plot but nonetheless was an intriguing part of the movie as he tried to chase an acorn. In 'Gone Nutty' he is once again having trouble getting his acorns together.
Garfield is the reason the term 'fat cat' was invented, and that is what is most loveable about him. Unlike fat humans, he has no low self-esteem issues as his narcissistic affair with himself is ongoing. Garfield is lazy. Garfield is self-centred. Garfield is sarcastic. Of course, as he is a cat, those are all expected.
A GREAT SOCIO-PATH
For everyone who has ever thought that cats are not pets, they merely have pets (humans) Garfield is living proof. This lasagne-loving feline makes a great socio-path. While he is willing to delegate for food, he is far more likely to use his tongue than his claws to defend himself.
Despite his laziness, Garfield finds that he will have to rescue his natural enemy a dog, Odie. Unlike Garfield, Odie is sweet, cute and loyal to a fault. He is also not very bright. Garfield's decision to rescue the rival for John's (their owner) affection comes as great feat for the cat. Not only does he have to rescue a dog, but he has to break his commitment to avoid hard labour (that is doing anything without constant breaks for snacks) he normally refuses to leave his cul-de-sac for the big bad world.
The weakest aspect of Garfield, though Bill Murray does a great job as his voice, is the script. The movie moves with the same lack of ease as the fat clogging Garfield's arteries. As a result, when Garfield isn't on screen saying something sarcastic, there is not much to either look at or listen to.
The movie presents an example of how not to adapt for the big screen. Despite Garfield's girth, the movie does not have enough meat on it. The supporting cast, largely animals, are cute, but not very interesting. The plot is also not very imaginative and largely more suited to a Disney made for TV movie, than the ultimate fat cat's foray into the big screen.
