Garfield Goes Hollywood

Having missed out on this particular TV instalment as an eager kid at the height of my Garfield obsession in the 1980s, and still being an avid admirer of the sardonic ginger tabby cat even today, I was thrilled at the chance to finally catch up with it, along with a couple of the other best-loved specials, on its recent DVD release. And, putting it to the back of my mind that FOX had probably only granted it the light of digital day as a tie-in with the then just-out live action feature, I had a lot of fun with 'Garfield goes Hollywood', the one Garfield special which, from what I've seen, comes the closest to harbouring the spirit of the top-notch series, 'Garfield and Friends'. Nicely animated, and with a good range of genuinely funny gags, the enjoyable, if mildly predictable storyline sees Garfield, Odie and Jon Arbuckle heading out to the location hinted in the title for a once-in-a-lifetime shot at fame and stardom, via a national talent contest known as 'Pet Search'. Along the way, Garfield gets the itch for some creative freedom, not willing to settle for the hopelessly archaic song and dance routine devised for them by Jon, and goes to some pretty extreme lengths to obtain it.

Once the deciding round gets underway and the act in question has been severely revamped, with one member now excluded, the final outcome shouldn't be too much of a surprise, but Garfield's regular acerbic commentary upon his every experience, and the sheer volume of imaginative touches that just keep on coming as it goes leave you far too elated with what's in front of you to care. In addition to the wonderfully assorted variety of animal contestants entering in the 'Pet Search' competition (and just when you thought that 'Five Tap Dancing Pigeons and Herbie' skit couldn't get any more amusing…) we also get some neatly depicted glimpses of the local Hollywood scenery, a dream sequence paying homage to a handful of classic pictures ('the Wizard of Oz' and 'Singin' in the Rain' being among them), and, as per usual with any Garfield special, a square minimum of at least one agreeably catchy song number (in this one there are about three). On a side note, the humour here can occasionally get a tad more macabre than I'm used to from this cat (Garfield discovers a deviously sure-fire way of 'eliminating' a goldfish competing in a heat against him, while one woman is entering a pet who appears to have died, or at least passed out, prior to their turn), but certainly none the worse for it. Among the cream of Garfield's ventures, this slick trip to Hollywood is a delightful ride, and one which you can safely guarantee will never make you feel like you're too old to be revelling in cartoons. When they're loaded with this much quality, who on earth can resist?

Grade: A-

I have never seen the 1987 animated movie "Garfield Goes Hollywood" before now in 2025. But of course I am more than familiar with Garfield.

Writer Jim Davis put together an okay enough script and storyline, though I have to say that the narrative was a bit on the weak side. There are far better animated "Garfield" movies from the 1980s out there. But it was watchable enough for what it was.

It was nice to have Lorenzo Music voicing Garfield, Thom Huge voicing John and Gregg Berger voicing Odie, as it is establishes a familiarity to the other animated "Garfield" movies that is also voiced by these talents. Needless to say that the voice acting was good.

If you've read the "Garfield" comic strips or watched any animated "Garfield" movie in the 1980s, then you will find "Garfield Goes Hollywood" to be right there alongside the others. I enjoy the animation style and the art style in these old animated "Garfield" movies as it captures the essence of the comic strips.

My rating of "Garfield Goes Hollywood" lands on a five out of ten stars.

A Jim Davis Masterpice in MHO. I loved the whole concept of it- The Pet Search show, Jon's "talent" and the finale were wonderful! Plus you have to love those "Lemon Chickens" and the Garbonzo Brothers:) Truly the highlight though would have to be that amazing dance number between Garfield and Odie, who knew either of them were that agile? And that "Meow" Song was a treat. This Special is a MUST for Garfield fans or anybody up for a pre-comedy video night.

John, Odie, and Garfield are watching a TV show called "Pet Search" (it's like 'Star Search' but for pets). John wishes his pets had talent so they can win the $1000. Garfield and Odie show John they are talented, so John enters the 3 of them into the contest and wins the local contest. Now it's off to Hollywood for the finals and another adventure. And the winner is...

Not a bad Garfield film short. He's got better cartoons on the market but this one is worth watching.

Always loved Garfield as a kid - I grew up with him in the 1980's. I used to collect his stuff, read him in the funny papers and watched his weekly show. Good stuff.

8/10.

Have always been very fond of Garfield. He is a very funny and lovable character and 'Garfield and Friends' and his specials (like some more than others though) hold up very well today. Actually perhaps even better now as an adult but a child somewhat at heart than as a child. This is not nostalgia talking as there have been things loved as a child watched much later, and the question "what made me like this when younger?" Not so with 'Garfield and Friends' or his specials.

'Garfield Goes Hollywood' is not one of the best known Garfield specials and that is a shame. It is far from his best special (my personal favourites always having been 'A Garfield Christmas Special' and 'Garfield in Disguise', particularly the former), or even one of them, but it does deserve to be known more. Just because it is not as known well as some of the others doesn't mean it's bad, actually have always liked 'Garfield Goes Hollywood' and don't find an awful lot wrong with it at all. Just that it misses the extra something that the best of them had in comparison.

Yes, 'Garfield Goes Hollywood' doesn't have the emotional impact or heart of some of the other Garfield specials, though it is not devoid of either. Others are more memorable.

Others also have supporting characters that stick in the head longer than the ones here.

There are many great merits with 'Garfield Goes Hollywood' though. The animation is still as colourful as remembered with the generally smooth drawing (some transitions lack finesse on occasions), far from sparse backgrounds and attention to detail holding up really well. Some of the other specials are more memorable in the music department, but the music and songs still fit with no problem and very pleasant and catchy listens, especially "Desiree's Meow Solo".

Entertainment value, as to be expected, is non-stop, with some hilarious gags and wry and witty writing. Rarely have asides and sarcasm being funnier and more endearing for any character than with Garfield. Although not as strong as in other Garfield specials, the heart is there as is the charm, the sentiment being touching and not done in a preachy manner and the sweetness not being sugary. The story is thin but not dull and has a fun and affectionate atmosphere, that evokes excitement and nostalgia. The setting is put to imaginative use.

Garfield is as hilarious and lovable as ever and can never get enough of Odie, who is so cute. Their chemistry is one of the main reasons why 'Garfield Goes Hollywood' works so well, their dance number is a standout scene and one of my favourite Garfield/Odie scenes ever. Jon is amusing and he does not come over as annoying or bland here. Have no qualms with the voice acting, Lorenzo Music has never been bettered, or even equalled, as the voice of Garfield.

Overall, not one of my favourites but have always liked it a lot and still do. 8/10 Bethany Cox