Garfield: A Tail Of Two Kitties A Prince To Its Pauper

     What do you get when you cross a below average flick from 2004 with the basic plot of a Mark Twain novel? By the looks of Garfield: A Tail Of Two Kitties, you actually get a slightly better sequel. Now, the result isn’t life-altering or worthy of praise, but it is hardly repulsive enough to warrant harsh criticism. The truth is, the movie isn’t that bad of a choice to see with your kids. They are guaranteed to purr over the myriad of talking animals and you won’t mind the outlandish humor one bit.

     The original Garfield, which was based on Jim Davis’s comic strip, was a disaster – too stupid for adults and too boring for children. Garfield: A Tail Of Two Kitties utilizes the storyline of The Prince And The Pauper and it is almost as if all the characters needed was a decent story. Of course, there are several other differences between this movie and its predecessor including a change of setting and many more talking animals. It isn’t a classic of its kind like Babe but it is fun for the whole family for the time being.

     The movie picks up with the tabby cat Garfield’s owner Jon Arbuckle played by Breckin Meyer preparing to propose to his girlfriend (and Garfield’s veterinary doctor) Liz played by Jennifer Love Hewitt. Liz has other news for Jon that precedes his question, though. Liz has been asked to deliver a speech in England as a result of a last minute cancellation. Jon follows her to England, without her knowing, and Garfield, whose voice is again provided by Bill Murray, and
dog Odie sneak along as well.

     Meanwhile in England, a very wealthy woman passes away and leaves her entire estate to her beloved feline Prince who looks remarkably similar to Garfield. The woman’s only surviving relative Lord Dargis played by Billy Connolly is unhappy with this, though, and schemes to do away with Prince so that he can have the fortune for himself. Lord Dargis captures Prince and tosses him into a river. Someone finds Garfield in the streets of England and mistakes him for Prince while Jon mistakes Prince for Garfield.

     Now, each cat must live the others’ life. There is a catch, though: Lord Dargis is furious when he sees who he believes to be Prince back on the estate. A dog and a bunch of farm animals figure out Lord Dargis’s plan and, fearing their own pending homelessness, they do their best to protect Garfield despite their knowing that he is not Prince. Garfield must learn to live the life of luxury (while eluding the grasps of the evil Lord Dargis) and Prince must acquire a taste for lasagna.

     This leads to a whole bunch of nonsense but at least it is entertaining nonsense. The most outrageous scene, one in which Garfield teaches the farm animals the art of cooking his favorite Italian dish in a kitchen, is also the most memorable. There is just something amusing about watching a pig slide across floor tile, a dog wear a chef’s hat and a ferret make pasta. The scene may be the oddest thing you’ll see all year but you have to admit it keeps your eyes glued to the screen.

     That describes all of Garfield: A Tail Of Two Kitties. It carries no value except that of having fun. Such a value isn’t that insignificant, though, is it? Packaged within a sequel that is better than the original, the importance of enjoying yourself is nothing to condemn. Garfield: A Tail Of Two Kitties is nine lives away from classic literature, but it is lands on its feet as a family flick.