Have said more than once about having always had a soft spot for Garfield as both a child and actually especially as a young adult, who is a child at heart with broader knowledge garnered over time. Have always found Garfield such a funny and endearing character, one that really stands out, and his specials and 'Garfield and Friends' hold up very well, and even more so, now. Not so much 'The Garfield Show' and especially the 2004 live action film.
As far as the Garfield specials go, 'Garfield in the Rough' is great and among the best ones, the occasional roughness in animation quality aside. Making one feel nostalgic about camping and reminding one of the excitement and danger of it. From personal tastes, 'Garfield in the Rough' is not quite as hilarious or as imaginative as 'Garfield in Disguise' or as poignant or charming as 'A Garfield Christmas Special', but that is not to say that any of those qualities are not present. They certainly are, just not quite as much.
The animation is still as colourful as one would expect, the drawing mostly is smooth, the backgrounds don't come over as sparse and there is some lovely attention to detail. The music is playful, catchy and with not a questionable placement. It's upbeat and above all it's memorable.
From start to finish, 'Garfield in the Rough' entertains, peppered with typically witty and wry humour and asides that are both hilarious and endearing. There is also an excitement, nostalgia and an emotional impact that doesn't get schmaltzy, there is a big warm heart underneath. It's constantly charming too and any cuteness doesn't get excessive. The story achieves not being simplistic or trying to have too much, the sprightly pace keeping things engaging.
Garfield is as funny and lovable as ever and can never get over the cuteness of Odie. Cannot imagine anybody else voicing Garfield other than Lorenzo Music.
Overall, great. 9/10 Bethany Cox
