I won't spend too much time on this movie, because I was pleasantly surprised at how entertaining it was and am somewhat embarrassed I like it. It won't make people or children forget about "Finding Nemo," but it could have been a lot worse.

"Garfield" is based on a comic strip, same name, created by Jim Davis, about a fat cat and his love of Lasagna and his annoyance for all other animals, including his fellow housemate Odie the dog and Nermal the neighbor hood cat.

The movie starts off as Garfield owning the house, until Jon, Garfield's owner, played by Breckin Meyer (Road Trip) brings home a dog, Odie, to impress the veterinarian whom he's fallen in love with named Liz, played by Jennifer Love Hewitt (I Know What You Did Last Summer). So, Garfield tries to get rid of the dog. He succeeds, yet feels guilty and has to go to the city to find him.

Garfield is the only computer generated animal in the movie. The voice of Garfield was Bill Murray (Lost in Translation), and while I don't think his voice was right for the part, I can't think of anyone else who would have fit.

The fact Jim Davis' cartoon has lasted for 20 years is a testament to how creative he has been with this character. The movie does not do anything to add or, more importantly, take away from his greatness. Producers of the movie chose Peter Hewitt--no relation to Jennifer Love--to direct, who has done several small movies and one crappy big one, "Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey." He did an admirable job considering I liked the movie more than I thought I would.

Maybe the problem is, since this comic has been in the paper every morning for 20 years, the script and characters seemed a little tired. Of course, I feel it is very difficult to put the character of Garfield on the screen.

Like I said, the movie isn't too bad, just don't go into it expecting a whole lot and you will be pleasantly surprised.

Brian - the Naked Gun