Have always remembered Garfield with fondness. He has always struck me as very funny and endearing, one of the funniest animated characters ever when it comes to asides, and his specials and 'Garfield and Friends' hold up very well today (less so 'The Garfield Show' and the first live action film, the second was an improvement while still having its issues). Even better perhaps throughout adult eyes, and this is coming from somebody who is something of a child at heart but has become harder to please overtime.
'Garfield His Nine Lives' stands out among the other Garfield specials and in terms of structure and tone, as well as seeing a different Garfield, it is a contender for the most unique. It is not among my favourites of his specials, not in the same way that 'Garfield in Disguise' and especially 'A Garfield Christmas Special' are. It is still great though, with next to nothing to dislike about it, and those who love the book it's based upon will love it as the special does it justice. 'Garfield His Nine Lives' is an example of being different but in a good way, not in a way that disgraces the character.
The animation occasionally could have been smoother, but most of it sees some lovely detail and colour that was the right mix of vibrant and atmospheric. It was very interesting to see Garfield in these different varied settings for the stories, and some very imaginative moments are boasted here. The music always fits and never less than pleasant and infectious.
All nine stories featured entertain and charm with a wide range of emotions and tones not usually seen in Garfield specials, some parts are unusually twisted but not in a way that to me comes over as too scary. Again the entertainment value is constant, with some smart wry humour while there is also an emotional core that doesn't come over as too sentimental.
Funny and loveable as ever, Garfield does not disappoint and peerlessly voiced by Lorenzo Music who hasn't been bettered or equalled as the character since. Odie continues to be adorable and the chemistry between the two delights. The supporting characters are fun. Have no issues with the voice work either.
Overall, different but great. 9/10 Bethany Cox
'Garfield His Nine Lives' stands out among the other Garfield specials and in terms of structure and tone, as well as seeing a different Garfield, it is a contender for the most unique. It is not among my favourites of his specials, not in the same way that 'Garfield in Disguise' and especially 'A Garfield Christmas Special' are. It is still great though, with next to nothing to dislike about it, and those who love the book it's based upon will love it as the special does it justice. 'Garfield His Nine Lives' is an example of being different but in a good way, not in a way that disgraces the character.
The animation occasionally could have been smoother, but most of it sees some lovely detail and colour that was the right mix of vibrant and atmospheric. It was very interesting to see Garfield in these different varied settings for the stories, and some very imaginative moments are boasted here. The music always fits and never less than pleasant and infectious.
All nine stories featured entertain and charm with a wide range of emotions and tones not usually seen in Garfield specials, some parts are unusually twisted but not in a way that to me comes over as too scary. Again the entertainment value is constant, with some smart wry humour while there is also an emotional core that doesn't come over as too sentimental.
Funny and loveable as ever, Garfield does not disappoint and peerlessly voiced by Lorenzo Music who hasn't been bettered or equalled as the character since. Odie continues to be adorable and the chemistry between the two delights. The supporting characters are fun. Have no issues with the voice work either.
Overall, different but great. 9/10 Bethany Cox