Gnomeo & Julia (2011) Touchstone Pictures
1 hr. 24 min.
Starring (voices…): James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Michael Caine, Maggie Smith, Jason Statham
The Order by Kelly Ashbury
MPAA Rating: G
Critic Rating: *** stars (out of 4 stars)
Now where would one go wrong with the friendly computer-animated kid in the romantic comedy Gnomeo & Juliet? In addition to the idea of cutesy bringing William Shakespeare’s Romeo & amp; Julia‘s reedy charm for the munchkin masses to adore on their level offers a new perspective on appreciating the garden gnomes—and at the expense of the Bard’s classic tale of love and loss. It is a true spring that Gnomeo & Julia‘s lively and engaging kiddie imbues the crowd with delightful impishness, imagination and spirited wit.
You may anticipate comparisons to Toy Story, and be hasty to cry shamelessly. Well, that’s really understandable, but that doesn’t mean that the fantasy of familiarity is afraid to work on its own identifiable merits. First of all, Gnomeo & Juliet has its lovely roots in the triumphant tastes of producer Elton John’s toe-tapping melodies that he aims to offer in a bluesy impression reminiscent of Toy Story or a particular tragic thread in Shakespeare. stories of family giving up and forbidden love. The revolving influence of John’s recognizable festive songs through films infused with the great voice of great British talents, varied. characterizations, harmless humor, messages of tolerance and devotion – all the nutrients this creative festival grabs with a punch of inspired slime.
Directed by Kelly Ashbury (“Shrek 2”), Gnomeo & Julietrepresents nothing distinctly unique that hasn’t been experienced in spunky 3-D animated stories before. In fact, the visuals (courtesy of Toronto-based Starz Animation) aren’t what you’d call Pixar-related precision mode. However, the vitality of the visuals shines brightly from the chopped up gnomes to the village surrounding our protagonists. Nevertheless, Gnomeo & amp; Julia manages to create a rich target on the shoulders of three-dimensional ceramic garden gnomes, pink flamingos and other intricate ornaments that provide an ornate, distinct target.
The film takes place in the neighboring estates of the Montacute and Capulet families listed at address 2B and Not 2B of Verona Drive, England (I got it…how clever!). It doesn’t help that families are divided into disputes even though they share the same land. Ms. Montague and Lord Capulet are distraught as they are forced to engage in business tirade. Interestingly, Montacut and Capulet’s blue and red garden gnomes reflect the vigor of their owners. Lady Blueberry (voiced by Maggie Smith) is the leader of the blue gnomes while Mr. Redbrick (Michael Caine) oversees the activities of the red gnomes.
Things get tumultuous when Lady Blueberry’s son Gnomeo (voiced by James McAvoy) develops an attraction to Lord Redbrick’s beloved daughter Juliet (Emily Blunt). This prejudice upsets Gnomeo because he always intended to despise the “red menace”. In fact, Gnomeo gets a red gnome’s kick out of regular gnome Tybalt (Jason Statham) by challenging him with a smart do-or-die attitude. However, Juliet’s immense infatuation with the red pixie gnome is forbidden by the charming and dangerous but hey… Gnomeo cannot resist the temptation to carry these two loves into their affairs despite the forebodings of hostility that exist between their warring factions.
As Gnomeo and Juliet get closer in a growing passion, the garden becomes a war zone for the red and blue gnomes fighting for destruction and despair. Can Gnomeo and Juliet’s strong bond of love outweigh the ferocity and destruction of the discordant cohorts that threaten the vitriolic front at Verona? Will Gnomeo and Juliet’s daring love convince their quarreling fellow gnomes, who, caring as one, despite their differences and stubbornness, can make a humane solution? Naturally, we all know what happened to poor Gnomeo and Juliet, so a quick inquiry is more necessary… don’t you think?
The super escape game that is Gnomeo & Julia spreads naturally and sweetly. The screen effectively conveys its message through quirky, diverse backdrops. As gnomes committed to the incorruptibility of love and faith, McAvoy’s Gnomeo and Blunt’s Juliet are incredibly charming, recalling Shakespeare’s critical words “going away with him so sweetly.” Pleasantly eccentric, Gnomeo & amp; Julia shines as a definitive kiddie diet. Some embrace sleazy slapstick and pine for the charisma of its supporting characters who range from a flamboyant phoenix to Juliet’s most confident and loyal friend the frog.
It’s one of the notable voice artists that leads McAvory and Blunt to join in the fun and vocal fun. Additional supporting actors include the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Julia Waters and Ashley Jensen whose voice includes the chip frog of Julia’s sidekick. Even trained Shakespearean actor and iconic Start Trek: The Next Generation writer Reverend Patrick Stewart showed up to rip off some zippy dialogue from The Bard. Arguably, Elton John gives more impact to his mods to evoke the appearance of a stage play whose art features large sunglasses to make the sign of zany worn by one of the many gnomes.
Granted Gnomeo & Juliet fails in its quest to join the superlative ranks of animated powerhouses on the tracks of Toy Story and Shrek as its depth and dynamics pale in comparison. . However, the entertainment factor is still evident in the showy shenanigans. Ah, good ole Billy Shakespeare’s grandkids would have been so proud.
