Review of Gnomeo & Juliet (2011) by Muktashif D — 08 May 2012

Sweet cartoon tale based (obviously) on William Shakespeare's tragedy Romeo and Juliet. Blue Gnomeo and red Juliet are figurines on adjacent lawns of neighbors who despise each other. They meet and fall in love despite the fact that the blue and the red garden gnome families are not on friendly terms either.

Little known Starz Animation Toronto is responsible for this colorful computer animated comedy. Yes comedy, as liberties have been regrettably taken to lighten up the source play. Additionally, the production lacks the detailed facial expressions that usually highlights these productions.

All of the gnomes have sort of the same generic features. Their repetitive countenances lack the distinction needed to engage the viewer. The production does feature an impressive array of British talent that includes James McAvoy and Emily Blunt as the lead characters.

There's also a plastic garden frog named Nannette, Juliet's best friend, who is a notably goofy side character. But it's ironic that the funniest voice belongs to American wrestler Hulk Hogan as an announcer that commands internet shoppers to purchase the Terrafirminator lawn mower: "It's a weapon of GRASS destruction!" The story could have used more funny bits like that.

Regardless, this was a sleeper hit and it's not too hard to see why. Innocent family offering is just pleasant enough to entertain the whole family.