148 reviews
Lighten up, really
Cut the pretentious crud. This film is obviously intended to entertain a younger audience, and it does a good job at doing that, while somewhat tactfully putting in some jokes for the parents. No, it's not spectacular. If you watch this movie expecting something "Grade A", you're not going to get much out of it.
The plot: generic, predictable. But obviously so, considering it's called "Gnomeo and Juliet".
The cast is an oddball compilation of respectable actors, with the exception of the obscure addition of Ozzy. But what is really keeping this movie going is the cuteness of it. That is the selling point, and what makes it most appealing. If you go into this movie expecting something more, you will be left disappointed. So I suggested you loosen up, look for a laugh, and you'll enjoy it more. It's not a bad film.
The plot: generic, predictable. But obviously so, considering it's called "Gnomeo and Juliet".
The cast is an oddball compilation of respectable actors, with the exception of the obscure addition of Ozzy. But what is really keeping this movie going is the cuteness of it. That is the selling point, and what makes it most appealing. If you go into this movie expecting something more, you will be left disappointed. So I suggested you loosen up, look for a laugh, and you'll enjoy it more. It's not a bad film.
Was pleasantly surprised
Gnomeo and Juliet is the latest re-imagining of Shakespeare's tragedy, Romeo and Juliet . I will admit that I didn't go into this film with high hopes, but while its not an instant classic, I was pleasantly surprised.
Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean...
The film begins with an amusing homage to these lines, before we really get into it. The garden gnomes of two neighbouring backyards, the Red Gnomes and the Blue Gnomes, have an ongoing rivalry as to who's garden is best. They constantly try to sabotage each other and dislike each other immensely. After a lawnmower race in which Tybalt the Red gnome (voice of Jason Statham) beats the Blue gnome Gnomeo (voice of James McAvoy), Gnomeo and sidekick Benny decide to sneak in by night and vandalise the Red's garden. Meanwhile Juliet (Emily Blunt), protected and thought too fragile by her father Lord Redbrick, is desperate to prove she is otherwise. Gnomeo and Juliet meet, and the rest is history as they say.
Of course, the film can't follow the original play exactly - this is a kids movie! It's not a tragedy, it's a comedy. This is where I expected to be let down - I honestly didn't think I would find it funny, but I'm glad to say for the most part, I found this film charming and funny. It could have been funnier, but the younger audience will love it, which is the important thing I suppose.
Shakespeare fans will have fun spotting the little references to the Bard's works (including a cleverly worked in quote from Macbeth of all plays). I did. For instance, the owner of the Blue Gnomes is Miss Montague (Romeo's family in the play), while the owner of the Red's is Mr. Capulet (Juliet's last name). The owners themselves hate each other. Spotting the celebrity voices is fun too. Michael Caine is Lord Redbrick, Maggie Smith is Lady Bluebury (I didn't notice this) - I particularly enjoyed Patrick Stewarts brief appearance as a statue of Shakespeare, with whom Gnomeo has a brief conversation. Shakespeare was a smug guy. The voices were all well cast, and the animation is of a good quality.
Complimented with a fun Elton John soundtrack (he was an executive producer, go figure), this film is enjoyable, and a good one for the kiddilinks.
Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean...
The film begins with an amusing homage to these lines, before we really get into it. The garden gnomes of two neighbouring backyards, the Red Gnomes and the Blue Gnomes, have an ongoing rivalry as to who's garden is best. They constantly try to sabotage each other and dislike each other immensely. After a lawnmower race in which Tybalt the Red gnome (voice of Jason Statham) beats the Blue gnome Gnomeo (voice of James McAvoy), Gnomeo and sidekick Benny decide to sneak in by night and vandalise the Red's garden. Meanwhile Juliet (Emily Blunt), protected and thought too fragile by her father Lord Redbrick, is desperate to prove she is otherwise. Gnomeo and Juliet meet, and the rest is history as they say.
Of course, the film can't follow the original play exactly - this is a kids movie! It's not a tragedy, it's a comedy. This is where I expected to be let down - I honestly didn't think I would find it funny, but I'm glad to say for the most part, I found this film charming and funny. It could have been funnier, but the younger audience will love it, which is the important thing I suppose.
Shakespeare fans will have fun spotting the little references to the Bard's works (including a cleverly worked in quote from Macbeth of all plays). I did. For instance, the owner of the Blue Gnomes is Miss Montague (Romeo's family in the play), while the owner of the Red's is Mr. Capulet (Juliet's last name). The owners themselves hate each other. Spotting the celebrity voices is fun too. Michael Caine is Lord Redbrick, Maggie Smith is Lady Bluebury (I didn't notice this) - I particularly enjoyed Patrick Stewarts brief appearance as a statue of Shakespeare, with whom Gnomeo has a brief conversation. Shakespeare was a smug guy. The voices were all well cast, and the animation is of a good quality.
Complimented with a fun Elton John soundtrack (he was an executive producer, go figure), this film is enjoyable, and a good one for the kiddilinks.
The Bard gets animated
No other writer lends himself to so many different film interpretations as William Shakespeare, whose plays have spawned musicals (West Side Story), teen comedies (10 Things I Hate About You), even cartoons (though not credited as such, Hamlet is an obvious source of inspiration for The Lion King). The latter genre is used again for a peculiar take on Romeo and Juliet, put together with CGI under Disney's Touchstone banner.
The film takes place in the present day, where Montague and Capulet no longer are two warring families, but simply two next-door neighbors who just don't get along. This animosity is also found in their adjacent gardens, where the gnomes, much like the toys in Toy Story, come to life when no one's watching. The blue gnomes, led by Lady Blueberry (Maggie Smith), belong to Mrs. Montague, while Lord Redbrick (Michael Caine) and his red acolytes belong to Mr. Capulet. Their mission is to find new ways to make the enemy garden look bad, and it all goes well - so to speak - until a full-scale war erupts, and star-crossed lovers Gnomeo (James McAvoy) and Juliet (Emily Blunt) find themselves caught in the middle...
The material is an unusual choice for Disney, which traditionally favors straightforward adaptations of popular stories (albeit with necessary alterations) over postmodern riffs that combine tribute and spoof. This take on Shakespeare's tragedy would probably be better suited for a Dreamworks treatment, as they make no mystery of having older audiences in mind. Disney, on the other hand, is torn between pandering to younger viewers and giving Bard aficionados the fun yet intelligent picture they crave and deserve. Sure, there are in-jokes galore (the house numbers 2B and Not 2B are the standout), but the third act is particularly underwhelming, with too much screen-time for the mandatory talking animal sidekick (an annoying flamingo, voiced by Disney mainstay Jim Cummings) and a climax that has inevitably been altered - presumably - to keep the kids from crying.
When it works, however, Gnomeo & Juliet is an absolute joy: the opening send-up of the play's prologue set the tone quite nicely, Elton John's contribution to the soundtrack is faultless, and the voice cast is a hoot. Aside from the filmmakers having the nerve of putting Jason Statham and Ozzy Osbourne in the same film as Smith and Caine (surely a once in a lifetime kind of thing), the idea of incorporating Shakespeare himself as a character (voiced by Patrick Stewart) and having him criticize the film's plot detours is the self-mocking stroke of genius there should be more of throughout the movie.
All in all, this is a nice little film that is worth watching for entertainment value. It suffers from some lazy writing and questionable gags (shouldn't the Terrafirminator be voiced by Arnold Schwarzenegger instead of Hulk Hogan?), but it contains enough Shakespearean wit and invention to make for a fun 82 minutes.
The film takes place in the present day, where Montague and Capulet no longer are two warring families, but simply two next-door neighbors who just don't get along. This animosity is also found in their adjacent gardens, where the gnomes, much like the toys in Toy Story, come to life when no one's watching. The blue gnomes, led by Lady Blueberry (Maggie Smith), belong to Mrs. Montague, while Lord Redbrick (Michael Caine) and his red acolytes belong to Mr. Capulet. Their mission is to find new ways to make the enemy garden look bad, and it all goes well - so to speak - until a full-scale war erupts, and star-crossed lovers Gnomeo (James McAvoy) and Juliet (Emily Blunt) find themselves caught in the middle...
The material is an unusual choice for Disney, which traditionally favors straightforward adaptations of popular stories (albeit with necessary alterations) over postmodern riffs that combine tribute and spoof. This take on Shakespeare's tragedy would probably be better suited for a Dreamworks treatment, as they make no mystery of having older audiences in mind. Disney, on the other hand, is torn between pandering to younger viewers and giving Bard aficionados the fun yet intelligent picture they crave and deserve. Sure, there are in-jokes galore (the house numbers 2B and Not 2B are the standout), but the third act is particularly underwhelming, with too much screen-time for the mandatory talking animal sidekick (an annoying flamingo, voiced by Disney mainstay Jim Cummings) and a climax that has inevitably been altered - presumably - to keep the kids from crying.
When it works, however, Gnomeo & Juliet is an absolute joy: the opening send-up of the play's prologue set the tone quite nicely, Elton John's contribution to the soundtrack is faultless, and the voice cast is a hoot. Aside from the filmmakers having the nerve of putting Jason Statham and Ozzy Osbourne in the same film as Smith and Caine (surely a once in a lifetime kind of thing), the idea of incorporating Shakespeare himself as a character (voiced by Patrick Stewart) and having him criticize the film's plot detours is the self-mocking stroke of genius there should be more of throughout the movie.
All in all, this is a nice little film that is worth watching for entertainment value. It suffers from some lazy writing and questionable gags (shouldn't the Terrafirminator be voiced by Arnold Schwarzenegger instead of Hulk Hogan?), but it contains enough Shakespearean wit and invention to make for a fun 82 minutes.
so funny but just ordinary
Finally a happy animation
This movie is simple and joyful. Starting with the story, taken from Shakespeare, which is much better that concocting an unsatisfying script just in order to be original. I like that the story is what it is, and a lot of the humour comes from playing with this idea of borrowed action and characters. Plus, the kids have a way of finding out about the original writer and play, if not by asking earlier, at least when Old Will's statue appears as a character. Then the gnomes, individualised in a successful and comic manner (honorable mention for the "I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts" gnome!).They are kitschy pieces of garden landscape, but still they can be nice, in a hip manner. They are mocked and sort of self-mocking themselves, as the plastic flamingo manages to do brilliantly.
And the music is absolutely super, it adds to the general atmosphere of fun. As much as I personally remain not interested in the Lady Gaga show, I could still appreciate her and Elton John's song - it sounded great.
It is a simple pleasure to watch the movie, even if in the end I wonder what made me become childish and sort of feel guilty to have liked so much a colourful and loud movie about garden gnomes. And the kids seem to love it, too.
I read a few comments that didn't do it any justice, almost avoided it because of them. But it's better that other animation of this year seen so far, for example the much praised Rio. And it's a happy movie! It's tiring that "sad streak" that maintained in the Disney movies and that was passed on to other American animations, why does anyone considers that movies for children need a tragic spot? This one plays a bit with the drama, but finally let everybody be happy.
And the music is absolutely super, it adds to the general atmosphere of fun. As much as I personally remain not interested in the Lady Gaga show, I could still appreciate her and Elton John's song - it sounded great.
It is a simple pleasure to watch the movie, even if in the end I wonder what made me become childish and sort of feel guilty to have liked so much a colourful and loud movie about garden gnomes. And the kids seem to love it, too.
I read a few comments that didn't do it any justice, almost avoided it because of them. But it's better that other animation of this year seen so far, for example the much praised Rio. And it's a happy movie! It's tiring that "sad streak" that maintained in the Disney movies and that was passed on to other American animations, why does anyone considers that movies for children need a tragic spot? This one plays a bit with the drama, but finally let everybody be happy.
Fair animated Romeo and Juliet as gnomes
Gnomeo (James McAvoy) is a blue gnome, and Juliet (Emily Blunt) is a red gnome from next door. Neither side gets along including the human owners. One night, Gnomeo and Juliet meet and they fall in love before they realize they're on opposite sides. Now they must deal with their battling families.
It's an animated story of Romeo and Juliet produced by Elton John. It's notable for the many Elton John songs. However there isn't much truly funny moments. The comic relief lack real comedy. And the lead voices don't have anything special. They make the mistake of using their regular voices. They really need to develop their cartoon voices. The story is fair and watchable. It doesn't have the memorable characters needed.
It's an animated story of Romeo and Juliet produced by Elton John. It's notable for the many Elton John songs. However there isn't much truly funny moments. The comic relief lack real comedy. And the lead voices don't have anything special. They make the mistake of using their regular voices. They really need to develop their cartoon voices. The story is fair and watchable. It doesn't have the memorable characters needed.
- SnoopyStyle
- Feb 1, 2014
- Permalink
Greatly animated, but something was missing...
I had initially heard good stuff about this animated movie, so I decided to give it a go! The story, well sure it is loosely based on the Romeo & Juliet story, but it is more than just that. There is also a bunch of comedy in the story, along with some really interesting characters.
The CGI animation looked really cool and were nicely made. Lots of really great details in the scenes and the in each characters. It was obvious that lots of efforts had been put into this.
As for the best part of the movie, well that would simply have to be the list of voice actors/actresses. Holy moly! There is such a bunch of really good names on this list, James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Michael Caine, Jason Statham, Patrick Stewart and a bunch others. There were also some really cool cameo appearances by Hulk Hugan and Ozzy Osbourne.
That being said, then the movie was somewhat shallow. Sure it had enough entertainment value for one watching, but I doubt it highly that I will ever be watching this movie ever again. For an animation of 2011 it didn't quite reach up to the likes such as "How to Train Your Dragon", "Megamind" or "Despicable Me". The movie is beautifully made, but it just lacks something vital.
A good enough movie for an evening of entertainment, but it is about as far as it goes.
The CGI animation looked really cool and were nicely made. Lots of really great details in the scenes and the in each characters. It was obvious that lots of efforts had been put into this.
As for the best part of the movie, well that would simply have to be the list of voice actors/actresses. Holy moly! There is such a bunch of really good names on this list, James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Michael Caine, Jason Statham, Patrick Stewart and a bunch others. There were also some really cool cameo appearances by Hulk Hugan and Ozzy Osbourne.
That being said, then the movie was somewhat shallow. Sure it had enough entertainment value for one watching, but I doubt it highly that I will ever be watching this movie ever again. For an animation of 2011 it didn't quite reach up to the likes such as "How to Train Your Dragon", "Megamind" or "Despicable Me". The movie is beautifully made, but it just lacks something vital.
A good enough movie for an evening of entertainment, but it is about as far as it goes.
- paul_haakonsen
- May 13, 2011
- Permalink
Pretty decent
I wasn't expecting Gnomeo and Juliet to be amazing, and it wasn't. However, it was pretty decent, and quite an improvement over the trailer which gave me low expectations for this film. Gnomeo and Juliet was better than I thought, it is not among the best animated films of all time and it never tried to be, but it isn't among the worst.
The story loosely based on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is predictable with not that many surprises, but at least it didn't have a jarring change of tone and at least it went somewhere. The film is also too short in my view, and some of it was rather rushed.
However, Gnomeo and Juliet is beautifully animated, with wonderful colours and backgrounds. The character designs weren't as good, but they were tolerable. The film also has an energetic soundtrack, a funny and witty script that children especially will love and likable characters. Adults will love or at least admire the voice cast, as all of them from Maggie Smith, Ashley Jenssen and Michael Caine to Patrick Stewart, Julie Walters and Jim Cummings are terrific.
Overall, a decent movie that didn't try to be anything more than it was other than a fun and entertaining film. 7/10 Bethany Cox
The story loosely based on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is predictable with not that many surprises, but at least it didn't have a jarring change of tone and at least it went somewhere. The film is also too short in my view, and some of it was rather rushed.
However, Gnomeo and Juliet is beautifully animated, with wonderful colours and backgrounds. The character designs weren't as good, but they were tolerable. The film also has an energetic soundtrack, a funny and witty script that children especially will love and likable characters. Adults will love or at least admire the voice cast, as all of them from Maggie Smith, Ashley Jenssen and Michael Caine to Patrick Stewart, Julie Walters and Jim Cummings are terrific.
Overall, a decent movie that didn't try to be anything more than it was other than a fun and entertaining film. 7/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- Mar 3, 2011
- Permalink
Gnomeo and Juliet — Good fun for kids, but adults won't watch it more than once
Gnomeo and Juliet is a good animation movie for kids. Great colors, lots of things happening, silly stuff, and very expressive.
The garden gnome idea is excellent, with all the different gnomes and backyard fixtures, and how each courtyard has its own setup. It's a nice world with good dynamics.
The things that makes this film less attractive to adults is the blandness of the story and the dialogs. All too easy. More over, the Rome and Juliet parallel is badly chosen. There's been so many revision of that piece that it takes a good one to stand out, and this one is poor at best. If they had gone with a simple love story it would have been better. At least it wouldn't be a parody of what is a tragedy.
The garden gnome idea is excellent, with all the different gnomes and backyard fixtures, and how each courtyard has its own setup. It's a nice world with good dynamics.
The things that makes this film less attractive to adults is the blandness of the story and the dialogs. All too easy. More over, the Rome and Juliet parallel is badly chosen. There's been so many revision of that piece that it takes a good one to stand out, and this one is poor at best. If they had gone with a simple love story it would have been better. At least it wouldn't be a parody of what is a tragedy.
- AvidClimber
- Apr 17, 2013
- Permalink
Gnomeo & Juliet was a pretty entertaining computer animated feature
Just saw this computer-animated feature with my movie theatre-working friend and we both enjoyed it. It's basically a parody of William Shakespere's "Romeo & Juliet" tragic play without the tragedy, of course, involving gnome lawn ornaments. One family wears red hats while the other wears blue. There's also a plastic flamingo, an active ornamental mushroom, and several likewise rabbits. Like in the Toy Story movies, these creatures only move whenever no humans are around. Oh, and there's many classic Elton John songs that dominate the score to great effect like hearing "Saturday Night's All Right for Fighting" during a lawn mower race or "Your Song" when the title characters are holding hands. And wonderful voices by various celebrities like Ozzy Osbourne, Hulk Hogan, Patrick Stewart, Michael Caine, and Maggie Smith. In summary, Gnomeo & Juliet was both quite highly amusing (if not completely hilarious) and very touching (as touching as this parody is allowed to be). So on that note, that's a recommendation. Oh, and I liked the 3-D effects too.
Insufficiently amusing, unmemorable holiday fodder.
- david-984-632403
- Feb 21, 2011
- Permalink
My boys LOVED it!!!
Juliet & Gnomeo.
- morrison-dylan-fan
- Apr 28, 2016
- Permalink
Gnomeo and Juliet
Shakespeare at His Best
I really like this movie. It was cute, fun and action packed. My family and I laughed a lot, and I loved all the music by Elton John especially the song "Crocodile Rock." We were dancing in our seats! This is the kid's version of the William Shakespeare classic love story "Romeo and Juliet," but made for kids. I think what makes this movie so cute is the majority of the characters are garden gnomes that come to life when the humans aren't looking. I enjoyed all the characters. I thought they all did a great job, but I do have my favorites. Gnomeo, voiced by James McAvoy, was very adventurous and ready to accept any challenge. Juliet, voiced by Emily Blunt she was an attractive, brave tough little cookie whose father, Lord Redbrick voiced by Michael Caine, is an over protective father. He reminds me of my father! Finally Nanette the frog, voiced by Ashley Jensen - I think she brought a lot of humor to this movie. I particularly liked her red lips and long eyes lashes. I rate this movie 5 out of 5 stars. I thought it was hilarious, and cute. I recommend this movie to kids 5 and up, because it does have a few violent scenes. So If you want to laugh and listen to good music at the same time. you must see this one! Reviewed by Ny'Asia Bell, age 7, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
A pretty good family movie
I actually really enjoyed this. It was a great movie to just sit down and blob out to. I would rate it highly if you are looking for a movie for all the family to watch. There was plenty of cuteness to keep the young ones happy, with enough comical references to amuse adults as well. Sure, this does end with a happy ending, unlike the original. I thought the conversation with the Shakespeare statue about this was quite funny. I'm glad I didn't pay movie prices to see it but as a cheap DVD, it was a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours. It was so much better than some animated movies of late (e.g. the Hoodwinked movies or Yogi Bear).
- adeej-in-nz
- Oct 27, 2011
- Permalink
The Royal Shakespeare Company didn't present this one.
Intro - Gnomeo and Juliet, quite clearly (judging from the title), is based on William Shakespeare's tragedy Romeo and Juliet, which focuses on two star-crossed lovers, except it doesn't stay completely faithful to the play. And it's a lot less tragic.
Act 1 – The voices of Gnomeo and Juliet consist of a popular cast mostly made up of Britons – James McAvoy as Gnomeo, Emily Blunt as Juliet, Michael Caine as Lord Redbrick, Matt Lucas as Benny, and Jason Statham as Tybalt plus the voices of Hulk Hogan, Ozzy Osborne, and Maggie Smith.
Act 2 – Also quite clearly as an animation, this film was created for a young target audience. Perhaps to give a basic understanding of Romeo and Juliet to the children if they were to ever study Shakespeare. If that was the purpose of this film, then it fails as most of its content is filled up with the content needed for a children's film instead of what was needed for an animated re-enactment. It gives a rather remote understanding of the play by occasionally sprinkling references throughout (not following it point by point), keeping the theme of rivalry between the families (represented as Reds versus Blues) and of course, by keeping some of the original names – well precisely, it only keeps two names, Juliet and Tybalt. Any viewer that already has studied Shakespeare's play in one way or another (whether having seen the 1996 film or seen a stage production) would often wonder during Gnomeo and Juliet why it took the original name almost wholly, giving the impression to all who would go into the theatre thinking that they would be in for an animated take of the revered play.
Act 3 - On the other hand, if the purpose of the filmmaking was to provide entertainment, which is what an animated film needs to satisfy its child audience, then Gnomeo and Juliet succeeds. This world powered by warring indoor and outdoor gnomes with its playful way of depicting a feud between the Montagues and the Capulets is a delight for children to watch, especially with a few belly laughs in for them. As for the adult audience, it's interesting to see that this is a unique animated twist of the story but the entertainment is limited, as the comedy is intended for the audience. The gnomes in the film come to life when out of the way of humans, like the toys did in Toy Story. This is exciting for those who enjoyed Toy Story, to see similar characters but certainly not as likable (alas), but to others it may just be considered a B grade rip-off.
The final Act - Either one of two reactions could be predicted from everyone going to see Gnomeo and Juliet. The first would be "This is broken Shakespeare" which is most likely to come from adults disappointed of the outcome (likely because of their incorrect first thoughts of the title). The second one is "Wow, I want to see that again!" which would obviously come from anyone who enjoyed it. Judging from the reactions of the children in the same theatre, the latter reaction is the more likely one, and in that case Gnomeo and Juliet is actually a good film for the kids, which is honestly what it intended to be.
Verdict: It isn't really Shakespeare, but does the young target audience care if it isn't?
Act 1 – The voices of Gnomeo and Juliet consist of a popular cast mostly made up of Britons – James McAvoy as Gnomeo, Emily Blunt as Juliet, Michael Caine as Lord Redbrick, Matt Lucas as Benny, and Jason Statham as Tybalt plus the voices of Hulk Hogan, Ozzy Osborne, and Maggie Smith.
Act 2 – Also quite clearly as an animation, this film was created for a young target audience. Perhaps to give a basic understanding of Romeo and Juliet to the children if they were to ever study Shakespeare. If that was the purpose of this film, then it fails as most of its content is filled up with the content needed for a children's film instead of what was needed for an animated re-enactment. It gives a rather remote understanding of the play by occasionally sprinkling references throughout (not following it point by point), keeping the theme of rivalry between the families (represented as Reds versus Blues) and of course, by keeping some of the original names – well precisely, it only keeps two names, Juliet and Tybalt. Any viewer that already has studied Shakespeare's play in one way or another (whether having seen the 1996 film or seen a stage production) would often wonder during Gnomeo and Juliet why it took the original name almost wholly, giving the impression to all who would go into the theatre thinking that they would be in for an animated take of the revered play.
Act 3 - On the other hand, if the purpose of the filmmaking was to provide entertainment, which is what an animated film needs to satisfy its child audience, then Gnomeo and Juliet succeeds. This world powered by warring indoor and outdoor gnomes with its playful way of depicting a feud between the Montagues and the Capulets is a delight for children to watch, especially with a few belly laughs in for them. As for the adult audience, it's interesting to see that this is a unique animated twist of the story but the entertainment is limited, as the comedy is intended for the audience. The gnomes in the film come to life when out of the way of humans, like the toys did in Toy Story. This is exciting for those who enjoyed Toy Story, to see similar characters but certainly not as likable (alas), but to others it may just be considered a B grade rip-off.
The final Act - Either one of two reactions could be predicted from everyone going to see Gnomeo and Juliet. The first would be "This is broken Shakespeare" which is most likely to come from adults disappointed of the outcome (likely because of their incorrect first thoughts of the title). The second one is "Wow, I want to see that again!" which would obviously come from anyone who enjoyed it. Judging from the reactions of the children in the same theatre, the latter reaction is the more likely one, and in that case Gnomeo and Juliet is actually a good film for the kids, which is honestly what it intended to be.
Verdict: It isn't really Shakespeare, but does the young target audience care if it isn't?
- musanna-ahmed
- Feb 12, 2011
- Permalink
not worth it
I took my 7-year-old to see this and was quite disappointed. I get the whole Romeo & Juliet parallels, but this bordered on the absurd. While the story tries to depict love based on who you are and not what family you belong to, it ends up stereotypical, hokey and focuses more on revenge than is does love. Everyone is "out to get" everyone else and by the end, I was wishing it had the non-G ending. There's no memorable music, no feel-good lessons and the animation was average at best. The only redeeming factor was the Flamingo. His character had more depth than either Gnomeo or Juliet's and I felt more of an emotional attachment to him. Though I didn't pay the extra money to see it in 3D, it was hardly worth it to see in 2D. Don't bother with this one.
3D Review: A horrible idea treated with a solid execution
*** out of (****)
Talking gnomes. A parody of Romeo and Juilet. It's 3D. It's a kid's wet dream and a parent's worst nightmare. With all the money, actors, and original ideas out there, why make a movie personifying toys, and have a surcharge for a darker motion picture? Say what you will about this movie, but I liked it. For once, the jokes were funny, the film knew how to had fun, and overall, I just had a really great time. Although, I must confess, I was excited for this movie before seeing it. I knew going in what I was going to get, and I got exactly that. Let me tell you something, the idea sounds horrible on paper, but seeing as how the directors took note of that, they treated this movie with a nice direction. With a title as sublime as "Gnomeo & Juliet", I guess no one can really be disappointed. But, in the hands of a worse or even amateur director, this could've been a disaster.
First of all, the performances were nice. Both leading protagonists are charming, charismatic, and fulfill their roles. I found the characters very cute, and a lot of fun. Also, I thought the jokes weren't too bad. There's a lot to like from adults and kids alike. This film speaks to multiple demographics. Furthermore, the 3D, while darker, added a decent field of depth. It wasn't the best use of the modern technology, but not the worst. To put the cherry on top, this movie is just a lot of fun. The jokes are. The actors are. The scenery is. The whole movie is just one enjoyable ride.
Any complaints? For one, I didn't like the ending. What could have been a ballsy, Pixar- esque type ending turns into another kid's film resolution. Also, this movie isn't something you have to rush out to see. I'd say a matinée is most recommended. And, you don't HAVE to see this movie in 3D. 2D or 3D, it really won't make a difference.
All in all, Gnomeo & Juilet wasn't the worst movie I saw. In fact, it's far from it. It was a decent movie that was very entertaining. I actually might revisit it now and then.
Talking gnomes. A parody of Romeo and Juilet. It's 3D. It's a kid's wet dream and a parent's worst nightmare. With all the money, actors, and original ideas out there, why make a movie personifying toys, and have a surcharge for a darker motion picture? Say what you will about this movie, but I liked it. For once, the jokes were funny, the film knew how to had fun, and overall, I just had a really great time. Although, I must confess, I was excited for this movie before seeing it. I knew going in what I was going to get, and I got exactly that. Let me tell you something, the idea sounds horrible on paper, but seeing as how the directors took note of that, they treated this movie with a nice direction. With a title as sublime as "Gnomeo & Juliet", I guess no one can really be disappointed. But, in the hands of a worse or even amateur director, this could've been a disaster.
First of all, the performances were nice. Both leading protagonists are charming, charismatic, and fulfill their roles. I found the characters very cute, and a lot of fun. Also, I thought the jokes weren't too bad. There's a lot to like from adults and kids alike. This film speaks to multiple demographics. Furthermore, the 3D, while darker, added a decent field of depth. It wasn't the best use of the modern technology, but not the worst. To put the cherry on top, this movie is just a lot of fun. The jokes are. The actors are. The scenery is. The whole movie is just one enjoyable ride.
Any complaints? For one, I didn't like the ending. What could have been a ballsy, Pixar- esque type ending turns into another kid's film resolution. Also, this movie isn't something you have to rush out to see. I'd say a matinée is most recommended. And, you don't HAVE to see this movie in 3D. 2D or 3D, it really won't make a difference.
All in all, Gnomeo & Juilet wasn't the worst movie I saw. In fact, it's far from it. It was a decent movie that was very entertaining. I actually might revisit it now and then.
- MovieProductions
- Mar 8, 2011
- Permalink
One of the dumbest movies ever made
- Rectangular_businessman
- Jul 19, 2013
- Permalink
Cute cartoon with a Shakespearean twist!
What a shame!
"Is his... big and pointy?" asked the frog. "A squirrel dropped his nuts." said Juliet. The frog added "The nuts where the size of boulders." How does this pass as entertainment for our children, I was disappointed to say the least - I guess these days pedophiles are writing the family movies. Why did I say pedophile? Simply cause the double meaning jokes are too disgusting, but mostly cause the jokes are a sick attempt to make todays children as perverted as the people who wrote Gnomeo and Juliet. If a pedophile was in your garden, talking dirty to your child, you would ask him to leave. Without the below-the-belt jokes the movie would have been okay I suppose, although I'm not a big fan garden gnomes. Furthermore, Gnomeo and Juliet is a pale copy of Toy Story, no where near as good.
Fun stuff for kids, more than OK for their parents
In the beautiful British town of Stratford-Upon-Avon there's a street where the owners of two neighbouring houses have no idea of the rich lives being led in their backyards. In these backyards there are two groups of garden gnomes - one garden is ruled by the blue hatted variety, the other is ruled by the red hatted variety. An age old feud - of which the reason has long since been forgotten - is keeping them apart, but unexpected events might just be enough to get them back together again.
Loosely based on the Shakespearean tragedy Romeo And Juliet this animation film keeps the middle line between tragicomedy and romance. Like many animation films being made these last years it combines fun things for kids with fun things for adults - without hurting either group (the innuendo that is fun for adults is not seen by kids whose innocence protects them from it, the deviation from the original tales to make it fun for kids is not so warped that it makes it unrecognisable for them parents).
The animation is great - the gnomes and the gardens are just lovely to watch. The setting with gnomes is flawless - the sounds, the implications of being a garden gnome - it works out really well.
If there would be one bit of negativity for this film it is that its trailer is a bit too biased towards an audience that wants to see romance instead of a bit of light comedy.
8 out of 10 midsummer night's dreams
Loosely based on the Shakespearean tragedy Romeo And Juliet this animation film keeps the middle line between tragicomedy and romance. Like many animation films being made these last years it combines fun things for kids with fun things for adults - without hurting either group (the innuendo that is fun for adults is not seen by kids whose innocence protects them from it, the deviation from the original tales to make it fun for kids is not so warped that it makes it unrecognisable for them parents).
The animation is great - the gnomes and the gardens are just lovely to watch. The setting with gnomes is flawless - the sounds, the implications of being a garden gnome - it works out really well.
If there would be one bit of negativity for this film it is that its trailer is a bit too biased towards an audience that wants to see romance instead of a bit of light comedy.
8 out of 10 midsummer night's dreams
The producers must had be stoned to think of this movie concept like this. Gnomes saying. Anyways, still the movie isn't that bad. It's more mediocre.
- ironhorse_iv
- Oct 9, 2014
- Permalink
Worst Side Story
Gnomeo and Juliet (1:24, G, 3-D) — other: talking animals, 2nd string, formula
Under one version of the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics, things don't really exist if they're not being observed at that particular moment. That's way deeper than this movie ever gets. Instead, it follows the tradition from the nutcracker story, parade of the wooden soldiers, and most recently Pixar's Toy Story films, in that the one absolute, overriding imperative of all inanimate objects is that they must instantly freeze into their static forms whenever a human being is about to lay eyes on them. In between, when no one's looking, they're free to cavort as they will.
Here, loosely filed under "talking animals", the inanimate objects with the secret lives are plaster garden gnomes, 2 households of them, the blues living at the Montague place, the reds next door at the Capulets'. (They live on Verona Drive, the blues at number 2B, the reds at 2B with the slashed-circle "do not" sign over it, so that's "to be or not to be" for those who can't tell the difference between Romeo, Juliet, and Hamlet. Similarly, later in the movie there's a moving truck of the Rosencrans and Guildenstern line. Sigh.)
Gnomeo, a blue, falls in love with Juliet, a red, but their clans are feuding with each other. And, when you're made of plaster, feuds can lead to more than just the clink clink of little feet. This is particularly true when the bravos on each team decide to rev up their power mowers and do a little dirt-trackin' in the nabors' garden.
There are some B+ names in the voice cast — James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Maggie Smith, Patrick Stewart, Jason Statham — but the animation looks cheap (often using either completely immobile scenery or just a plain pastel backdrop), and the story is ludicrous. There are over half a dozen credited writers, and I'm tempted to say that too many cooks spoil the broth, but that implies some level of coordination among them. Instead, it looks like one of those sophomore-English writing assignments, where everybody gets to write a page of the story before passing it along to someone else (who may or may not care what's gone before) to write the next.
What's supposed to pass for comic relief comes largely from Featherstone, a pink plastic lawn flamingo who's been in a storage shed for the last 30 years, and an excitable but mute toadstool with a Lassie complex. Never made me crack so little as a grin.
I saw it in 3-D. Would I recommend it? Heck, I wouldn't recommend it in ANY D.
Under one version of the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics, things don't really exist if they're not being observed at that particular moment. That's way deeper than this movie ever gets. Instead, it follows the tradition from the nutcracker story, parade of the wooden soldiers, and most recently Pixar's Toy Story films, in that the one absolute, overriding imperative of all inanimate objects is that they must instantly freeze into their static forms whenever a human being is about to lay eyes on them. In between, when no one's looking, they're free to cavort as they will.
Here, loosely filed under "talking animals", the inanimate objects with the secret lives are plaster garden gnomes, 2 households of them, the blues living at the Montague place, the reds next door at the Capulets'. (They live on Verona Drive, the blues at number 2B, the reds at 2B with the slashed-circle "do not" sign over it, so that's "to be or not to be" for those who can't tell the difference between Romeo, Juliet, and Hamlet. Similarly, later in the movie there's a moving truck of the Rosencrans and Guildenstern line. Sigh.)
Gnomeo, a blue, falls in love with Juliet, a red, but their clans are feuding with each other. And, when you're made of plaster, feuds can lead to more than just the clink clink of little feet. This is particularly true when the bravos on each team decide to rev up their power mowers and do a little dirt-trackin' in the nabors' garden.
There are some B+ names in the voice cast — James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Maggie Smith, Patrick Stewart, Jason Statham — but the animation looks cheap (often using either completely immobile scenery or just a plain pastel backdrop), and the story is ludicrous. There are over half a dozen credited writers, and I'm tempted to say that too many cooks spoil the broth, but that implies some level of coordination among them. Instead, it looks like one of those sophomore-English writing assignments, where everybody gets to write a page of the story before passing it along to someone else (who may or may not care what's gone before) to write the next.
What's supposed to pass for comic relief comes largely from Featherstone, a pink plastic lawn flamingo who's been in a storage shed for the last 30 years, and an excitable but mute toadstool with a Lassie complex. Never made me crack so little as a grin.
I saw it in 3-D. Would I recommend it? Heck, I wouldn't recommend it in ANY D.
- RichardSRussell-1
- Feb 10, 2011
- Permalink