Review - Gnomeo and Juliet

Romeo, Wherefore Art Thou?

The tale of Romeo and Juliet is as old as time, or at least as old as the day Shakespeare penned it. When it was written, I’m sure there wasn’t a sole that imagined telling the story with Gnomes. Up until this film came out, *I* never imagined Romeo and Juliet told with gnomes. But someone did, and that’s the only way this could have come to pass.

Gnomeo (James McAvoy) and Juliet (Emily Blunt) meet as innocently as any couple, but they are in the middle of a feud. The feud between the two humans that own the yards these gnomes reside in bleeds down to the gnomes and other lawn ornaments. A rivalry like nothing you have seen before, when the owners are away, the lawn ornaments will play.

With these animated yard dwellers, nothing is off limits. Lawn mowers become race cars, and alleys are a super speedway of mayhem. Will true love prevail?

Ok, so the story only has its roots in the Shakespearean tale. I mean, I don’t remember lawn mower races in the classic. And of course, being an animated kids’ film the ending has been slightly altered.

There are a number of adult themed jokes that go over the kids’ head and attempt to keep them engaged with the film, but it never got me. Despite the attempts to make me enjoy the movie, I just felt a bit blasé. I was never a part of the film and really didn’t feel like I had any investment in the film. Maybe it was a me thing, but even the heavy Elton John laded soundtrack just felt empty.

Gnomes may do a nice job of enhancing some folks yards, they may do Travelocity good as well, but for Romeo and Juliet…Gnomes are no go. Romeo, Wherefore art thou?

C

Gnomeo and Juliet
Walt Disney Studios Pictures

Director: Kelly Asbury
Cast: James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Jason Statham, Ashley Jensen

Rating: G
Runtime: 84 minutes.