SummaryThe greatest love story ever told, starring... garden gnomes? In the upcoming "Gnomeo & Juliet," Shakespeare's revered tale gets a comical, off-thewall makeover. Gnomeo and Juliet have as many obstacles to overcome when they are caught up in a feud between neighbors. But with plastic pink flamingos and thrilling lawnmower races in the mi...
SummaryThe greatest love story ever told, starring... garden gnomes? In the upcoming "Gnomeo & Juliet," Shakespeare's revered tale gets a comical, off-thewall makeover. Gnomeo and Juliet have as many obstacles to overcome when they are caught up in a feud between neighbors. But with plastic pink flamingos and thrilling lawnmower races in the mi...
"Gnomeo & Juliet" doesn't have a single original idea in its pointy, ceramic head.
Spirited and brisk as this animated family film can be, its energy can't disguise the fact that it's an awkward mash-up of Shakespeare puns, hackneyed pop culture references and familiar Elton John songs, with one of those everything-but-the-kitchen-sink scripts cobbled together by committee. (Nine screenwriters receive credit, for those of you keeping score at home.) The concept of yard gnomes acting out the tragic romance of "Romeo and Juliet" is clever enough — I mean, come on, who doesn't like yard gnomes? — but that's pretty much all this film from director Kelly Asbury ("Shrek 2") is. Like "Snakes on a Plane," the title is the gag, and it tells you all you need to know.
And of course, "Gnomeo & Juliet" is in 3-D. There was never any question about that, was there? While adding a third dimension can provide an inspired sense of perspective and makes some of the details pop in a tactile way — the chips in the gnomes' paint, the smudges of dirt on their faces — it is, as always, unnecessary.
"Gnomeo & Juliet" does feature a strong voice cast, though, led by James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Michael Caine and Maggie Smith, with cameos from the likes of Dolly Parton, Hulk Hogan and Ozzy Osbourne. Some of the one-liners and visual bits hit their targets, but for the most part, reheated gags and sequences that recall earlier, better animated films are the norm.
This iphone app was aweosme. I gave it to me kids and tehy wouldn't stop playing. Dunnow how it intstalled - came w/ chaep ripoof iphoon, stuk to bottom of bar tabl w/ gum, makes phon smell like hops. tasttyyy phon thx yeah.
So Gnomeo and Juliet is a mixed bag. On one end the film as some good animation, some likeable characters, and does a nice job in some parts telling the story of Romeo and Juliet for kids. However, just when the film seems to getting heartfelt and doing a nice job with the whole message on prejudice it shoves a lot of pop songs, pop culture references, and adult jokes down your throat. If this film was just a bunch references and pop jokes I would be giving this film a 4 or 5 but because it does have some moments, more or less the same basic premise, and some of the adult jokes work it is getting a 6. I was not bored or groaning as much as I do in other kids films and this one kept my interest to an extent. If I had kids I would still show them this because there is nothing terrible or bad in here. As it is Gnomeo and Juliet is a nice adpation of the Shakespeare classic except for when it tries too hard to be hip and appeal to older kids and adults. But other than that it is a decent flick. Not going to recommend this one or dissuade you from seeing it but if you wind up watching it the film is not as bad as it could have been.
Wow. I still can't believe I actually took time out of my schedule to see this movie. Well, I suppose I'd better get straight to the reviewing process, so here it goes. *ahem* This movie rivaled many of those straight to DVD children's releases you find in many bargain bins at most of your local retail stores, and that's not a compliment. This movie starts out slightly bearable, but not even fifteen minutes into this movie was I ready to accept the large amount of disappointment I was going to be bombarded with. You think that with the movie being titled "Gnomeo and Juliet" that there would be some hilarious puns and gags that would leave you in stitches throughout the entire movie, then again, maybe that was just me, because the experience I had with this movie was an all-out bummer; a total waste of time. The thing that hurts me the most is all of the wasted talent the movie constantly shoved in my face. Do yourself a favor: if you see this movie anywhere, do NOT buy, rent, or even touch this movie. It won't be worth your time or your children's time. Trust me.
Because of nothing better out and my four year old wanting to go to the theater, the two of us saw Gnomeo and Juliet. Now, I don't go to any of these animated movies with my daughter expecting anything other than something entertaining for her to watch. Colorful characters? Check. And....thats about all I got from it. I have read Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet three times because I am a true fan of the story, and I feel like this children's adaptation has completely butchered it to the point where it should not have been made at all. But then again, it isn't about me, but my daughter who should enjoy it. Its just that I can think of dozens of ways to have better spent that $25 dollars for her amusement. I would avoid this movie if possible.