Garfield – A Tail Of Two Kitties

 

Picture: B-     Sound: B-     Extras: C+     Film: C+

 

 

This is reviewer is more than certain that in 1859 when Charles Dickens published the great “A Tale of Two Cities” he would have never imagined his title would lend itself to a animated comedy centering on an obese, orange, cat.  Nevertheless, though Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties has little to nothing to due with Dickens historic novel it remains amusing for its own reasons.  The film starts with good old Garfield (voiced by Bill Murray) mucking it up for his bighearted owner John (Breckin Meyer) once again, as he prepares to ask his girlfriend Liz (Jennifer Love Hewitt) to marry him.  Before John can pop the question Liz runs off to London for a Veterinarians’ conference.  A determined John, not to let anything get him down, chases after his Love.

 

Garfield fearing that his owners venture may change his daily habits, as well as eating habits, he slyly wiggles his way out of the kennel with his superfluous sidekick Odie, only to hide in John’s luggage as he journeys to jolly ole England.  Across the great pond in London, we find that a pampered cat that looks oddly like Garfield and sounds even more oddly like Tim Curry has been just left an estate worth millions.  Where this is good news for the cat (Prince XII) it is bad news for the last surviving relative of the dearly departed matriarch, her nephew, Lord Dargis (Bill Connolly).  In attempt to “get what he is owed” Lord Dargis discards of Prince XII in the Thames River.  In an odd occurrence of events Garfield and Prince XII manage to switch positions (very prince and the pauper), leading to comedy, mischief, and lasagna.  Overall, this live action/CGI combination film does not live up to great films such as Roger Rabbit, but is entertaining by its own right.  This film takes a lovable character that audiences have known for nearly three decades an places him back on the big screen for his second full length feature.  Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties utilizes situational comedy, cuteness, and skilled voice actors to drive home a family favorite.

 

The DVD itself is quite well put together.  This particular DVD gives the viewer the option of a full screen or Anamorphic Widescreen presentation.  Widescreen is by far the better choice for this film (not to mention most films) filling the screen better, being more clear and less condensed.  The picture quality is crisp, the CGI characters are clear and fluid being well incorporated into the live action sequences. 

 

The Sound is also quite good being presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, being available in English, Spanish, and French for all those parents emphasizing the importance of being bilingual early on.  The sound is overall clear and pleasant.  The extras for this children’s feature are also impressive and extensive to a degree.  Mainly being presented for a younger audience the features include Drawing with Garfield creator Jim Davis, an exclusive Garfield Comic Strip, Odie’s Photo album game (this reviewer found this entertaining, though too short), a Digital Garfield Maze Game, not to mention the extended footage offered in the Widescreen Version of the film.  Overall, a well put together DVD.

 

Audiences have been enjoying Garfield since his creation in 1977, and though this film may not be extremely mentally stimulating, it maintains a fun and family friendly aura.  So gather the family, curl up on the couch, and grab a plate of lasagna for this second Garfield, full length, live action, film.

 

 

-   Michael P Dougherty II