Review of Gnomeo & Juliet (2011) by Walter M — 31 Jul 2012

When the humans are away, the garden gnomes get to play, with lawnmowers. In lane 1, you have Tybalt for the reds. In lane 2, you have Gnomeo for the blues. Tybalt wins but not without an accusation of cheating from Gnomeo. As mortal enemies, Gnomeo vows revenge. While out and about in the middle of the night, he runs into Juliet of the reds who is looking for an orchid to spruce up the place. At first, they take a liking to each other but whatever feelings they have are complicated once their true identities are revealed.

"Gnomeo and Juliet" is much more fun than any movie about garden gnomes has a right to be. In its uniquely charming and delightful way, the movie also proves to be a winning introduction to William Shakespeare instead of relying on the usual pop cultural inanities, with just the slightest bit of innuendo. While one character is admittedly a little grating, the Elton John songs are neatly integrated into the story.(But why not 'I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues?' Seriously.) And now I know why the Yankees garden gnome my mom just got has been giving me the evil eye...