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 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Gnomeo & Juliet
- Review Date: February 7, 2011
- G
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
Creative, much less tragic take on classic love story.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this Shakespeare-inspired animated comedy features some of the same overall themes as Romeo and Juliet, minus most of the bloodshed and the tragic ending. Although there's still serious enmity between the Montague and the Capulet gnomes, the violence isn't as prominent. A couple of gnomes do get smashed (or maimed), but most of the destruction is to the gardens themselves. Language is limited to insults and slang like "shut up," "codger," and "daft." Mature tweens who enjoy the story may be ready for the real play or more serious Shakespeare adaptations.
What's the story?
You're probably familiar with the basic story of GNOMEO AND JULIET -- since it's based on the most famous tale of star-crossed lovers ever told -- but this version features English garden gnomes. On Verona Avenue, two houses owned by feuding owners Miss Montague (voiced by Julie Walters) and Mr. Capulet (Richard Wilson) feature gardens that come to life with groups of equally adversarial gnomes, led by Lady Bluebury (Maggie Smith) and Lord Redbrick (Michael Caine). One night, when they're both in disguise, Lady Bluebury's handsome son, Gnomeo (James McAvoy), meets Lord Redbrick's lovely daughter. Juliet (Emily Blunt), and they form an instant connection ... until they realize they're from rival gardens. Skirmishes between the two families cause the "star-crossed lovers" to rendezvous in a neutral garden, where an old plastic flamingo Benny (Matt Lucas) helps them see that their love is stronger than the enmity between their gardens.
Is it any good?
At first, the premise of this story sounds a bit off-putting -- Shakespeare's much-beloved tragedy via CGI gnomes? But, of course, that's what purists must've thought when they first heard about West Side Story, and that's one of the greatest musicals ever. So enter Gnomeo and Juliet with an open mind, and you'll find this adaptation quite original and amusing -- and equally (if not more) a tribute to producer Elton John as it is to Shakespeare. John's best songs -- including "Bennie and the Jets," "I'm Still Standing," "Crocodile Rock," and "Your Song" -- are all incorporated in the score, and the larger-than-life singer even recorded two songs especially for the soundtrack. The result is a familiar accompaniment to an even more familiar tale -- much like a Baz Luhrmann production for kids and parents.
Grown-ups familiar with Shakespeare's works will have fun noting all of the movie's Bard references (like Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Movers, Tempest Teapots, and a line from Macbeth, to name just a few ) and watching the tragic tale transform into a comedy performed by some of Britain's finest actors and comedians. McAvoy and Blunt, it's obvious, are charming whether in the flesh or voicing animated lawn decorations. Young kids will love all of the loopy gnome humor -- even if they don't get all of the jokes -- and it's a great way to introduce them to the Bard.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what makes Romeo and Juliet such a timeless story. What's so fascinating about "doomed love"? What are some other movies loosely based on Romeo and Juliet?
Why couldn't the blue and red gnomes get along? Did the gnomes have understandable reasons for wanting to get back at each other? How else could they have solved their problems?
The William Shakespeare statue jokes that the original story doesn't end well; how did the filmmakers modify the ending here? Do you think it's OK to change a classic story? In this version, what motivates the two sides to come together?
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AGE
Mature and violent story NOT for 5 year olds despite "G" rating
As a high school English teacher, I would use this version of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet to introduce Grade 9's to the story before we explored the difficult language. But the story of Romeo and Juliet is, at its core, a tragic, violent story with plenty of sexual innuendo, and this version only makes these story elements cute -- it does not remove them. Therefore, a five-year-old accustomed to TV programs such as Mickey Mouse Clubhouse or Dora the Explorer, which are completely devoid of stressful and confusing conflict or any mature situations now has to grapple with a gnomes flirting, calling one another names (such as "pansy" or saying "shut up"), trying to destroy each other, being destroyed, and fighting in a brawl. For example, the protracted final scene where it appears Gnomeo and Juliet have died was very intense and alarming for our five-year-old. Therefore, to put it more succinctly, this is NOT a G-rated movie and it is NOT suitable for "all ages" as the film rating suggests. The adults in the audience were howling with laughter while our five-year-old was, at times, unsettled, alarmed and deeply worried, and that's the point: at the end of the day, it's still a complex Shakespearean tragedy despite being portrayed by cute gnomes.
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AGE
Probably deserved a PG rating
Though I thought this was a good movie, I believe it was far too violent for a G rating. My 5 year old daughter actually got too scared during the scene in which the blue gnomes were avenging Gnomeo's death and we had to leave early. Much more appropriate for a 2nd or 3rd grader rather than a kindergartener.
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AGE
Adult themes in Romeo and Juliet just don't translate well to kids
I agree with some of the other reviewers that this was not an appropriate movie for all ages. Clearly that's what they were attempting to create, but I think they missed the mark by a mile. The problem for me with this movie is the same classic problem outlined in "Nurture Shock" (a great parenting book). While the film does its best to redeem itself at the end, the fact is most of the 124 minutes you spend in the theater are about destruction, hate and revenge. There's not even an attempt to show remorse or a second thought along the way. While this may be fine for the real Romeo and Juliet, kids take these actions at face value as they happen. (Plus my 8 year-old just about squeezed my hand off during a couple of the violent scenes.) While a couple scenes were funny (I did like the flamingo character), all in all I wish I didn't take my kids to see this one. And for that matter, when I asked them how they liked it, both of them just shrugged and said, "eh."
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Kid, 11 years old
March 2, 2011
AGE
Hilarious and Appropriate!
Two words... LOVE IT!!
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AGE
a very cute and adorable movie.
3.5/5
The greatest love story ever told, starring...garden gnomes? In the upcoming "Gnomeo & Juliet," Shakespeare's revered tale gets a comical, off-the-wall makeover. Directed by Kelly Asbury ("Shrek 2") and showcasing both classic and original songs by Elton John, the film features the voices of James McAvoy and Emily Blunt as Gnomeo and Juliet, who have as many obstacles to overcome as their quasi namesakes when they are caught up in a feud between neighbors. But with plastic pink flamingos and thrilling lawnmower races in the mix, can this young couple find lasting happiness? Two garden gnomes, Gnomeo (voice of James McAvoy) and Juliet (voice of Emily Blunt), try to avoid tragedy and find a happy ending to their star-crossed love affair when they are caught up in a feud between neighbors.
man, why is it getting all the bad or below average reviews both from critics and people. i don't care what the say but i loved it, its not a masterpiece or something but it is good and enjoyable movie. The greatest love story ever told, starring...garden gnomes? In the upcoming "Gnomeo & Juliet," Shakespeare's revered tale gets a comical, off-the-wall makeover. Directed by Kelly Asbury ("Shrek 2") and showcasing both classic and original songs by Elton John, the film features the voices of James McAvoy and Emily Blunt as Gnomeo and Juliet, who have as many obstacles to overcome as their quasi namesakes when they are caught up in a feud between neighbors. But with plastic pink flamingos and thrilling lawnmower races in the mix, can this young couple find lasting happiness? Two garden gnomes, Gnomeo (voice of James McAvoy) and Juliet (voice of Emily Blunt), try to avoid tragedy and find a happy ending to their star-crossed love affair when they are caught up in a feud between neighbors.
man, why is it getting all the bad or below average reviews both from critics and people. i don't care what the say but i loved it, its not a masterpiece or something but it is good and enjoyable movie. i was unaware of this Garden Gnomes phenomenon in Britian, they love them there. and after watching this british animated movie, i love them too. what an idea, i like it. this movie will much appeal to very younger audience. i am not a young child but i loved it too. so it is the first animated movie of this year and i liked it, i am glad. talking about its chances of Oscar nominations, i must say the chances are very low.
this movie features voices of James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Michael Caine, Maggie Smith, Jason Statham , Matt Lucas and Ozzy Osbourne. nice, very diverse cast. i love the voices of Caine and smith, in general i love the british accent. music is nice by Elton John, nice songs in it. not good but nice. animations are good and different, very colourful movie.
i loved and felt all the adventure in this movie i felt it, edge of the seat thriller kind. story was really good and lovable. screenplay could have been slightly better but overall good. a very cute and adorable movie. it has some good moments but some of them are very silly type. it is delightfully entertaining and enjoyable flick, go for it.
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AGE
Great movie for young children.
Took just-3 to see it twice. He loved the movie to bits. Only real problem was that one of the gnomes gets smashed by a car, but is resurrected later in somewhat dodgy fashion. Great role-modelling for young girls in particular.
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AGE
Something to do with a 2 year old on a rainy day.
It was a good movie and my 2 yr old grandson was quiet thru the whole thing. I think he enjoyed the popcorn more than the movie.
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AGE
Strong female roel model in Juliette, Action-packed without too much violence
We took our 6 and 2 year olds to see this movie. We really liked the strong female character of Juliette, who (for once!) didn't need saving by the male character, nor was she overly sexualized and beautiful. The film had enough action and adventure to keep both kids interested throughout the entire film. We liked that there wasn't a lot of name-calling between characters, in fact, most of the interactions were very sweet. The scenes of the big lawn mower were a little intense for our 2-year-old and there were some violent actions, but they were few in comparison to many children's movies. It was nice to see a kids film that didn't have a super-scary vililan (like a witch or bad guy.) Overall, we thought it was a fun movie that ends with a very positive message and will recommend it to our friends with small children.
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Kid, 8 years old
February 21, 2011
AGE
Hilarious
I think it is pretty awesome because it is hilarious! And it is fun because the gnomes are funny!
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AGE
delightful for all ages
This film is absolutely a delight, from start to finish. The characters are engaging; the animation is terrific; and the humor is unexpectedly layered and sophisticated while still being accessible to both young and old.
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Director: | Kelly Asbury |
| Cast: | Ashley Jensen, Emily Blunt, James McAvoy, Jason Statham, Michael Caine |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 84 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | February 11, 2011 |
| DVD release date: | May 24, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
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