Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Creative, much less tragic take on classic love story.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
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Gnomeo & Juliet
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 69 parent reviews
Parents say that this movie, while entertaining for some children, contains numerous adult references and themes that make it inappropriate for younger audiences. Many reviews highlight the overt sexual innuendos and violent scenes, which contrast with its intended G-rating and have left parents feeling concerned about its content for their kids.
- adult themes
- inappropriate humor
- mixed audience appeal
- questionable rating
- entertaining for kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 95 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a charming family-friendly adaptation of the classic Shakespearean story, appealing to both children and some adults with its humor, vibrant animation, and catchy soundtrack. However, reviews also note a few inappropriate jokes and moments of violence that may not be suitable for all younger viewers, prompting mixed feelings about its overall appropriateness and depth.
- family-friendly
- colorful animation
- humor mixed reactions
- some inappropriate content
- educational adaptation
- light-hearted fun
Summarized with AI
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?
Young kids will love all the loopy gnome humor -- even if they don't get all of the jokes -- and it's a great way to introduce them to Shakespeare. The premise of the story may sound a bit off-putting at first -- 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.
Talk to Your Kids 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?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 11, 2011
- On DVD or streaming : May 24, 2011
- Cast : Ashley Jensen , Emily Blunt , James McAvoy , Jason Statham , Michael Caine
- Director : Kelly Asbury
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Book Characters , Competition , Fantasy ( Fairy Tales ) , Family Stories , Friendship , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 84 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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