TaryBiggBall
It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.
Humbersi
The first must-see film of the year.
Zandra
The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.
Logan
By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.
Horst in Translation ([email protected])
Two more years and "A Garfield Christmas Special" will celebrate its 30th anniversary. I think the big strength of these Garfield half-hour films is the humour. They always manage to give off a cool vibe of not taking themselves too seriously and yet they deliver a message or contents that are very fitting for the occasions. This little movie here is maybe the perfect example of it and it is possibly also the most famous Garfield short film. I wouldn't say it's the best, but it's still very good. The music does not only include the singing from the characters, but there is always also a catchy little tune in the background that is one of the famous Christmas songs. And the heart in here is for example when Garfields finds a special present for Jon's grandmother. He and Odie spend the holidays with Jon and his family. Jon's father is very funny in here. He always seems like he cannot be arsed to do something and then still does it with the boys somehow making fun of him in a playful manner, for example when he reads the story to them. A really entertaining 24 minutes here and Lorenzo Music's (rip) voice is simply perfect for Garfield. Very much recommended.
FredGailey
A lot of cartoons of the 80's and 90's did obligatory holiday specials. And, though,I fail to recall any by name I'm sure if you could think of any cartoon series of the time you'd find they produced some sort of yuletide special at one point. Maybe because they were so cookie cutter is why none are memorable to me. 'A Garfield Christmas' special however is different. Although, there's no real plot to speak of, this special has heart. There is a lot of sentiment packed in this short little half hour (thats with commercials) and a lesson about love of family that really shines through. However, the message conveyed is not so overly sappy that you feel like you're being beat over the head with it. But have no fear, the dry humor and sarcasm that Garfield is know for is left intact, balancing out the tender moments that give us a rare glimpse at Garfield's softer side. And lets not forget the songs, they are my favorite thing of all about the special, the lyrics get stuck in my head every time I watch it. I think the quality of music is right up there with 'Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer'. This special is on the same level as, dare i say, 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' and in that regard I don't understand why it doesn't receive the same fanfare, it is hardly aired but it is more than worth buying on DVD.
jerekra
Garfield is one of the best cartoon characters of all time. So quite naturally his Christmas special is one of the best Christmas cartoons of all time.Jon, Odie, and Garfield all go to the farm to spend time with Jon's family. Once there they all get to enjoy the magic of Christmas with each other, decorating the tree, reading Christmas stories, and just being with each other.As funny as this cartoon is, what made it stand out to me was the sentimental elements. Garfield spends a lot of time with Grandma when she is sad as Christmas is the time where she misses her husband the most. That goes to show that Garfield does in fact have feelings for others although most of the time he seems kind of as only caring for himself.It is a great cartoon. Funny, sentimental, and entertaining. Highly recommended.
Catherine_Grace_Zeh
In my opinion, this is an excellent holiday special which is very entertaining and appetizing. However, I couldn't bear seeing Grandma (voice of Pat Carroll) sitting by herself on Christmas Eve. In addition, the thing that really makes this special worth watching is the music, especially "Christmas Is Here" and "An Old-Fashioned Christmas." When those songs are performed, I always get warm and tingly. I would have to say that's my favorite song of this special. If you ask me, Jim Davis is a really good artist. In conclusion, I highly recommend this excellent holiday special which is very entertaining and appetizing to everyone, especially all you fans of the comic strip who have not seen it. When you see it, prepare to smile, have a good time, and bon appetit.