Here Comes Garfield

Here Comes Garfield is a 1982 American animated television special based on the comic strip Garfield by Jim Davis. It lights up the screen with its playful charm and laugh-out-loud humor, making it an absolute must-watch for all ages.

Released during Garfield's peak of popularity, the special is animated by Bill Melendez Productions, the same team behind Charlie Brown and the Peanuts specials. The character voices are brought to life by talented actors including Lorenzo Music, Sandy Kenyon, and Henry Corden.

Lorenzo Music, famous for his work as Carlton the Doorman on Rhoda and the voice of Peter Venkman on the animated series of Ghostbusters, infuses Garfield's character with his unique deadpan and snarky delivery. Music's nuanced performance truly captures Garfield's essence, a lazy, sarcastic, and fat cat. Sandy Kenyon and Henry Corden, both accomplished actors by their own rights, beautifully give life to the characters they play, flawlessly contributing to the overall narrative.

The plot centers on Garfield's daily affairs in his comfortable suburban home with his loveable, loyal owner Jon Arbuckle and dimwitted canine companion, Odie. While Garfield is content to live a life of idle indulgence, things take a dramatic turn when Odie gets into an unfortunate predicacy. Thoroughly imbued with humor, the plot plays out like an extended comic strip, with short, sharp intervals of excitement and relaxation.

The narrative wonderfully showcases Garfield's lazy yet tricky side, demonstrating his sharp, quick-thinking intellect when it matters most. Despite all the grumbling and cynicism, the orange tabby proves that he has a heart of gold, especially when his friends are in trouble.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of Here Comes Garfield is the dynamic and colorful animation. The 1982 special retains the aesthetic of the original comic strip while adding full-color animation and movement to the characters, creating a nostalgic and lively visual spectacle that engages audiences of all ages. Garfield's classic look, the realistically detailed backgrounds, and the simple yet expressive character designs are unique and enjoyable to watch.

Moreover, the atmosphere of the series is livened up by the timeless soundtrack. The catchy music and witty, memorable lyrics contribute significantly to the ambiance, complementing the light-hearted spirit of the narrative.

The script remains faithful to the spirit of the original comic, filled with memorable one-liners and classic Garfield humor that never gets old. Despite the situational nature of the humor, the scriptwriters cleverly weave in a subtle yet poignant social commentary on animal treatment, keeping the narrative grounded and relatable.

As a bonus, the special interlaces the narrative with a handful of delightful song performances, each capturing a different facet of Garfield's personality. These songs reinforce the story's inherent charm and amplify the viewer's emotional engagement, making for a heartwarming experience.

Overall, Here Comes Garfield is a delightful romp, providing a snapshot into the life of the eponymous character, serving up equal measures of humor and sentimentality. With its exquisite voice acting, endearing narrative, engaging animation, and dynamic soundtrack, the TV special strikes the right balance between entertainment and emotional depth.

Perfect for both Garfield fanatics who grew up with the comic strip or the animated series, as well as the younger audience who are curious about this classic chatterbox cat, Here Comes Garfield is sure to captivate and entertain. For an unforgettable journey with lots of laughs, one full of charm and warmth, look no further. Get ready to be captivated by Garfield's wit, charm, and unmatchable personality, as he once again teaches everyone how to live life the Garfield way – with sarcasm, lasagna, and a heart full of love!