In case you were wondering, the concept of this movie is “Romeo and Juliet” starring garden gnomes. That’s why it’s called “Gnomeo and Juliet.” I just want to make sure everyone is on the same page here. You’re welcome.
I was apprehensive about seeing this animated movie because the aforementioned concept seemed pretty shaky at best. But then, the movie’s introduction acknowledges that this is a story that, “has been told… a lot.” It also promises that this time around, it will be different.
For those unfamiliar with Shakespeare’s famous story (What’s wrong with you?), the movie is about two families who hate the you-know-what out of each other. When a boy from one family and a girl from the other fall in love, they try to escape the feud to be together happily ever after. But while “Romeo and Juliet” ends in tragedy, “Gnomeo and Juliet” ends with gnomes dancing to an updated cover of Elton John’s “Crocodile Rock.” Different? Oh, sure. But is it the unoriginal perversion of Shakespeare’s story that I thought it would be? Surprisingly… no.
While I was correct in my assumption that the story would be watered down for children, it’s not as squeaky clean as I thought it would be. Gnomes get cracked, beaten, and in one instance, shattered (the lawn ornament equivalent of “slain”). But with it’s witty script, Elton John-inspired soundtrack, and countless hidden “Easter eggs” for Shakespeare aficionados, there’s still plenty here for adults to enjoy as well. (I’ll start off your egg hunt: The duplex where the warring houses reside is divided between the addresses “2B” and “2B." Get it? Don’t worry, it’ll come to you.)
James McAvoy and Emily Blunt (Gnomeo and Juliet, respectively) lead a surprisingly recognizable cast that features Michael Caine, Maggie Smith, Jason Statham, and Ozzie Osbourne. Patrick Stewart even makes an appearance as “Bill Shakespeare,” an eccentric statue of the story’s original author. When Gnomeo tells his story to Bill, Bill tells Gnomeo that he once wrote a similar story and cautions Gnomeo that he’s not headed for a happy ending. This brilliant device is the perfect way for the filmmakers to say, “Yeah, we know,” when they’re inevitably met with comments like, “Hey, that’s not how the story ends!”
I should note that I saw “Gnomeo an Juliet” in 3D and was disappointed in its presentation. Nothing in the movie requires being seen in 3D. Save your money and see it in 2D.
“Gnomeo and Juliet” may indeed be “Romeo and Juliet” as played by garden gnomes, but as promised; it’s different this time. It’s familiar, yet fresh. See it with the kids or make it a date. It makes for a cute, fun, and well-spent hour and a half.
Written by Tim
Edited by Aaron
Written by Tim
Edited by Aaron
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