Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Computer animation has bathroom humor, some name-calling.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Garfield Gets Real
What's the Story?
Garfield (voiced by Frank Welker) has grown jaded with the work demands of being the most popular comic-strip character in the Comic Studio. He wants a break, or, better yet, he wants to escape the land of comics to experience what it's like to live out in the real world, where people enjoy his comic strip each and every day. He gets his wish when a tear in the fabric of a screen in the studio sucks Odie into the real world as he chases a bone. Unable to help himself, Garfield follows him, and together they find adventure, even as they don't find any food. But with Garfield gone from the comic world, his comic strip is canceled, and the newspaper is looking for a suitable replacement. It's up to Garfield (with the help of all his friends) to bring himself and Odie back to the comic world and prove to everyone that he still should be the star of the funny pages.
Is It Any Good?
GARFIELD GETS REAL is, although not great, enjoyable enough for younger kids and for fans of the popular comic-strip character. The story is interesting enough to keep the interest of kids, and there are plenty of Garfield bons mots regarding Mondays to keep fans of the comic-strip feline equally engaged.
For everyone else, there isn't anything that is above average or overly worthwhile about it. The plot is as formulaic as they come, and the acting, although not bad, doesn't really feature any standout performances. This is an average computer-animated feature in every sense of the word. You don't learn anything new about Garfield, Odie, or Jon. For die-hard fans only.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Garfield. How does this installment starring the popular comic-strip cat compare to the comic strip and other movies in which he's featured?
How are cats and dogs and other animals portrayed in this movie?
Was this movie an effective use of computer animation? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 20, 2007
- Cast : Frank Welker , Gregg Berger , Greg Eagles
- Director : Mark A.Z. Dippe
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals
- Run time : 74 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate