Putting a feline spin on the classic fable The Prince And The Pauper (or as this film puts it, Paw-purr), Garfield 2 is a colourful family comedy caterwauling for a decent screenplay.
Bill Murray's energetic vocal performance as the computer generated, lasagne-loving kitty, dripping with sarcasm, can only sustain the film so far. Eventually, even he grows bored with the flimsy excuse for a plot and reverts to singing and a fleeting Hannibal Lecter impersonation.
The sequel's change of location from Garfield's cosy cul-de-sac to a glorious country pile in the heart of merry ol' England provides obvious comic moments as the overweight American tabby gets to grips with the ways of the aristocracy.
Supporting characters - a menagerie of talking animals - are largely forgettable including Jane Leeves and Jane Horrocks as ducks Eenie and Meenie and Sharon Osbourne as the goose Christophe.
The one notable exception is Winston the bulldog, voiced by Bob Hoskins, who seems a perfect match for man's best friend.
Billy Connolly sneers, leers and gnaws the scenery as the scheming villain of the piece - a dastardly toff with a greedy eye on the family silver - but looks somewhat uneasy with some of the physical comedy.
Garfield's long-suffering owner Jon Arbuckle (Breckin Meyer) intends to propose to his pretty veterinarian girlfriend, Liz Wilson (Jennifer Love Hewitt), but the mood is wrecked by the selfish cat and Liz's shock announcement she is leaving for London to attend a conference at Carlyle Castle.
Lifting himself from his gloom, Jon decides to surprise Liz by flying to England and asking for her hand in marriage there instead.
He leaves Garfield and pooch pal Odie at the kennels but, of course, the enterprising animals sneak into his luggage.
Movie double-acts come in all shapes and sizes ...and with varying degrees of success.
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