hammondjh-00479
What else is there to say about this marvellous film? It appeals to children and adults alike, it has a great story line (if somewhat borrowed) and a wonderful music soundtrack. We need more quality like this.
studioAT
Getting youngsters into Shakespeare is tough, so this film was a nice introduction to the story of Romeo and Juliet through a more fun way.And this is a decent film. It's not in Shakespearian English, so is easily accessible and the voice cast give nice performances. By and large it's faithful to the original text too.But the ending spoils it. I know it was a kids film, but the powers that be really copped out by changing the ending. It all starts going downhill as a film from the moment Gnomeo has a chat with Shakespeare really.It's a shame because this film had some nice moments.
runamokprods
OK, lets get the negative stuff out of the way. As its detractors are so eager to point out, this isn't as good as Toy Story, or the vast majority of Pixar's outlet. It's not as good as Lion King, It's not as good as Shrek. And it does weirdly over-rely on the familiar songs of Elton John (who executive produced) as score.Fine. But that doesn't mean it can't be a cute, enjoyable, witty spin on Romeo and Juliet, with two backyards full of garden gnomes (and other garden features like frog fountains) at war with each other, and star-crossed lovers from each side falling in love in spite of it all.And who can dislike the voice cast? James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Michael Caine, Maggie Smith - some of Britain's very best bring character and comedy to their parts -- as do, in their own weird way Ozzy Osborne and Hulk Hogan in cameo roles (For that matter who could resist any film that brought such a surreal bunch of voices together?).Yes, this isn't an all-time classic. But I think we've gotten so spoiled by being in a golden age of cartoon features that it's too easy to dismiss a good solid, fun effort like this.
morrison-dylan-fan
Since my dad told me that he found the film to be far better than expected when he went to see it at the cinema with my brothers,I've been meaning to watch Gnomeo and Juliet for ages,but some reason have never had the chance.Taking a look on BBC iPlayer,I was happy to see the movie listed on catch-up,which led to me getting ready to finally meet Gnomeo and Juliet.The plot:Following the feud between their owners Mrs. Montague and Mr. Capulet,their living garden gnomes divide themselves,with the Montague side having blue hats,and the Capulet side having red hats.Getting stopped from winning a race by cheating Montague gnomes, Montague gnomes Gnomeo and Benny decide to get their revenge. Jumping over the wall.Gnomeo and Benny start spray painting the Capulet's place.Getting caught,Gnomemo and Benny start to run away.During the escape,Gnomeo runs into Juliet, (daughter of Capulet gnome leader Lord Redbrick) who both fall in love with each other at first sight. Despite knowing the hatred between their families,Gnomeo and Juliet are unable to put a wall between their love.View on the film:Playing around with the ending of Shakespeare's (who has a cameo!) Romeo & Juliet,the screenplay by co-writer(along with 8 others) director Kelly Asbury keeps things to a gentle, whimsical atmosphere. Avoiding the use of any major baddie,the writers heat up the feud with slick action slap-stick set-pieces,which go from a Death Race-style (with The Stath!) opening race,to a stealth mission to buy a killer lawnmower.Giving each of the gnomes their own sides, Asbury impressively give each garden a lush English countryside appearance,which is neatly counted by each gnome being given a rough stone/rock shine.Backed by a sweet soundtrack from Elton John, James McAvoy & Emily Blunt give terrific performances as the garden crossed lovers,with Blunt digging a romantic,gentle touch in Juliet,whilst McAvoy gives Gnomeo a rocky feeling of determination,as the two gardens get their own Romeo and Juliet.
AD
