Horst in Translation (filmreviews@web.de) "Garfield in the Rough" is an American 24-minute cartoon from 1984, a special year indeed, and that means that this Emmy-winning film will have its 35th anniversary already next year. The heart and soul is once again Lorenzo Music with his incomparable voice acting and I truly think nobody could have done it better. I liked almost everything about this one: Jon's enthusiasm, but cluelessness, Garfield's grumpiness that finally turns into ambition, Odie's rare, but memorable presence, the rabbit and beaver characters with the priceless face expressions, the music and the general idea and plot. The only thing I maybe wasn't too big on was the actual wild cat showing up at the very end, so the film finishes weaker than it is for the most part and as most people tend to remember endings fairly well, this is maybe the reason why it is not the most-known of these many Garfield cartoons. Or among the most known you could say too. The funny comment by Garfield at the very end could not make up for that either. Still it is definitely good enough quality-wise to see it and in my opinion these Garfield cartoons are the very best in terms of cartoons after the Golden Age of Animation. How can you not like this cat? Impossible. I should put a . and turn this into a rhetorical question. Huge fan here, also of the books and there's no way I'm gonna give this one a negative recommendation. But I guess I don't have to give a recommendation at all as you probably have seen other Garfield cartoons before considering seeing this one, so you should be in a good position yourself to decide whether you wanna give it a go. I think you should and nice to see the Emmys giving it some well-deserved recognition. Despite the somewhat dramatic ending, it's all about the comedy and I think it's also a good watch for younger audiences. This is the stuff your kids should see when growing up. And this is also the stuff you should see when being grown-up. Why are you still here reading my review. Watch it now!

astro_92 I was a little boy the first time I saw this animated special. It appealed to me back then as it still does today. Garfield cartoons are always immensely enjoyable and funny. Garfield in the Rough (1984) is easily the best out of the travel adventure specials.In this vastly amusing program, Jon, Garfield, and Odie decide to go on a camping trip. Jon, especially, is all psyched about taking this little vacation. At first, Garfield is not to thrilled about going camping; it takes some time for him to get settled in once they get their equipment all together. Jon brings his battery-powered radio and decides to relax to some music with his pets. As soon as he activates the appliance, a special news report bulletin comes on explaining that a vicious panther has escaped from a local zoo and has been sighted near Lake Wobegone. Garfield panics and suspects that the creature is nearby. After stating that they will be alright, Jon performs a song that his parents used to sing entitled "Camping is My Life". This moment is clearly one of the highlights from the special. The song is incredible, no doubt. I also really liked it when Garfield ventures through the woods and meets Dicky and Billy, a beaver and a rabbit, respectively. Before he meets these two friendly animals, a nature song can be heard while the cat feasts his eyes on the glory and wonder of the beautiful scenery that is being shown to all. The nature song really touches me, so every time I play this program I make sure that this moment has my full attention. The final highlight of this Garfield story is the one where our heroes fight off the hostile panther while waiting for the park's rangers, who shoot a tranquilizer dart at its neck, dropping it unconscious. Our story has a pleasant ending and the boys head back home again where they'll be safe.

Shawn Watson I totally love the Garfield TV specials. You can always rely on them for intelligent and classy humor and 'In the Rough' is no exception. In this one Garfield, Odie and Jon go camping in the Lake Wobegone forest. But there's a massive escaped Puma on the loose and it's looking for lunch.Brilliant songs, a clever short story and undeniable cuteness make this one of the best Garfield TV specials (well they all are really). Catch it on TV whenever you can or just go out and buy the DVD. And I know I say it all the time, but if only the terrible Garfield movie was this good..

Movie Nuttball This Garfield animated short is a good one! It is quite spooky once Garfield,Odie,and their master,John get to the great outdoors.The Panther is really neat.Lou Rawls' song(s) is good.I think this is really a good cartoon and its for any age!