Review: ‘Gnomeo and Juliet’ Delights Audiences

By Michael Lopez

At first glance, Gnomeo and Juliet seems like a difficult movie to pull off. For one thing, it has the tough task of translating William Shakespeare’s very serious play, Romeo & Juliet, into a lighthearted family-friendly animated feature. Beyond that, the film takes place in a small English garden and incorporates old Elton John songs into the story.

Nevertheless, the team at Rocket Pictures — the production studio launched by Sir Elton and his partner, David Furnish — made it work, with the help of some major talent. Lady Gaga, Nelly Furtado and Elton cut several new tracks for the soundtrack.

Gnomeo’s mostly UK cast really brought the lawn furnishings to life. James McAvoy’s Gnomeo is tough, sensitive and full of charisma. His lady love Juliet (voiced by Emily Blunt) is a delicate, sweet heroine with a biting British wit. Other memorable characters include a plastic deer voiced by Ozzy Osbourne and Ashley Jensen as a hilarious lovestruck frog sprinkler.

There's enough comedy and charm to entertain parents and adults, giving Gnomeo the feel of a Pixar film. Instead of incorporating formulaic Broadway songs, you'll hear such classic Elton tunes as “Your Song” and “Tiny Dancer,” and the standout Gaga/John ballad “Hello Hello.”

Like the Shakespeare original, the plot revolves around the feuding Capulet and Montague families. But in this version, the action takes place in the red- and blue-themed gardens of two bickering neighbors.

Miss Montague’s blue garden is home to Gnomeo, his pointy-headed buddy Benny and a very cute animated mushroom. Juliet, Nanette the frog and garden bad guy Tybalt reside on Mr. Capulet’s red lawn. Despite the ongoing color battles, Gnomeo and Juliet learn to love each other and eventually bring each side together.

Don’t worry, this fair tale forgoes the original story's gruesome ending in favor of a few tearful moments (such as the backstory of Latino flamingo Featherstone) mixed in with fast action and lots of comedy. The film even includes a lookalike Elton gnome (sorry, no Gagas in the garden).

The bottom line? Great animation, great songs and a story that truly stands the test of time. Plus, Gnomeo and Juliet is 3D, so there will be plenty of sprinkler drops, dandelion petals and wild lawnmowers flying right up in your face. Elton and company definitely scored big with this one!

Do you plan to see Gnomeo and Juliet? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Elton John, Gnomeo and Juliet, Lady Gaga, Música, Movie Reviews, Movies, William Shakespeare