This timeless classic Romeo and Juliet has been told time and time again in various forms throughout the ages; however, on February 11, 2011, Touchstone pictures tells the story in a new creative fashion, with garden gnomes!
The story behind Gnomeo and Juliet is quite simple – Gnomeo and Juliet are in forbidden love, and are trying to find happiness while their families (the red and blue garden gnomes) are in the middle of a feud.
Gnomeo and Juliet has quite a power house behind the scenes; directed by Kelly Asbury (Shrek 2) and stars the voice talents of James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Michael Caine, Jason Statham, Maggie Smith, Patrick Stewart, with the classic music of Elton John.
However, even with all of the star power thrown into this film, it really can't connect with all four quadrants of the intended audience -- men over 25; men under 25; women over 25; women under 25 -- and only connects with children. With a very short run time of 84 minutes, the story is stripped down to the lowest complexity; and most of the jokes fall flat for adults...ultimately resulting in lackluster entertainment for two parts of the intended audience.
Even though the story itself is not at the level adults expect from today's animated films, there are still some components of Gnomeo and Juliet that work for a higher-aged audience -- including an ambitious soundtrack mix that picks up every "clink" a gnome makes when touching items, great CGI, and great soundtrack to be purchased.
If you are looking for ways to entertain the children this weekend, then Gnomeo and Juliet is a great film to see. If you are looking to spend a date night at the theaters this Valentine Day's weekend, then I would look elsewhere for your entertainment fix.
