Review: GNOMEO & JULIET

The greatest love story ever told, starring…garden gnomes? In the upcoming GNOMEO AND JULIET, Shakespeare’s revered tale gets a comical, off-the-wall makeover. When feuding neighbors go at it on Verona Drive, the garden gnomes join the fight and it’s Red vs. Blue. Hunky blue gnome Gnomeo (James McAvoy) meets the rebellious red gnome Juliet (Emily Blunt) when they are both outside their yards on a quest for a rare flower in a near-by abandoned yard. Each disguised for their secret mission, neither realizes the other is actually the “enemy” and both are smitten. Once they discover each others true identity, they must convince their families that there is no reason to hate each other. With the help of cheeky frog Nanette and a hilarious plastic pink flamingo, they return to their yards only to find that world war three has broken out in the garden, complete with smashed gnomes and the killer uber-lawnmower “Terrafirminator” bent on total destruction.

This was one of those animated movies that you think is geared towards kids but ends up being so much fun for kids and adults alike. The voice casting was genius with the likes of Michael Caine (Lord Redbrick), Maggie Smith (Lady Bluebury), Patrick Stewart (William Shakespeare), Jason Statham (spot-on as the red gnome tough guy) and even Ozzy Osbourne as a dopey but loyal fawn. Throw in Hulk Hogan and Dolly Parton for some laugh-out-loud lines and you can’t go wrong.

One of the things I liked most was all the clever in-jokes and visuals. For those Shakespeare buffs paying attention, keep your eyes out for a brand of glue known as The Taming of the Glue, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern moving firm and Tempest Teapots.

What truly gave this movie its heart was the music. Executive producer Elton John provides a greatest-hits sound track, with each song perfectly framing the scenes where they are used. They capture not only the whimsy of the gardens and the gnomes, but also the sentiment of being young and in love. Listen to what Elton John says about the old and new songs and what it was like working with composer James Newton Howard courtesy of Hollywood.com.

So take everyone you GNOME this Valentine’s Day weekend to see GNOMEO AND JULIET! The film hits theaters everywhere in 3D today. Have you picked a side yet in the ultimate 3D battle? Get ready to see the Reds face-off against the Blues this weekend!

Overall Rating: Five Out of Five GNOMES

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GNOMEO & JULIET hits theaters everywhere in 3D today.