The opening line of the new DVD release "Gnomeo & Juliet" says it all…
"The story you are about to see has been told before…a lot. And now we are going to tell it again… but different."
And so begins the retelling of Shakespeare's classic tale of Romeo and Juliet. But this time all of the action takes place in a couple of suburban back yards between 2 feuding families of garden gnomes! Instead of the Montagues and the Capulets we get the Blue Gnomes and the Red Gnomes. In case you hadn't guessed, this movie is animated and for kids.
The title characters are voiced by James McAvoy and Emily Blunt while the rest of the voice talent is just about the most eclectic ever. For every Michael Caine, Maggie Smith or Patrick Stewart you also get an Ozzy Osbourne, Dolly Parton or Hulk Hogan.
Director Kelly Asbury (Shrek 2 and Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron) has done a great job at keeping the action fast paced for boys and the romance sweet for girls. The computer animation looks amazing. The gnomes actually look like they are made of wood and the landscapes have a realistic depth.
"Gnomeo & Juliet" is executive produced by Elton John so it should come as no surprise that his music fills the soundtrack. From classic tracks like "Crocodile Rock" and "Tiny Dancer" to new songs such as "Hello, Hello" and "Love Builds a Garden" the soundtrack gives the film an upbeat, happy feel throughout.
The DVD also contains some excellent special features including music videos, deleted scenes and multiple alternate endings.
The film is rated G so you don't have to worry about "Gnomeo & Juliet" jumping into a wood chipper because this film does end "happily ever after." Although it might not appeal to every age group in your household, younger children (probably 8 and under) will really enjoy the rocking rollicking adventures of "Gnomeo & Juliet."
Drumroll please… 7 out of 10 pointy hats!!
1 comment:
I was going to rent this title until you said the Gnomes looked like they were "made of wood." Anyone who knows anything also knows that garden Gnomes are made of ceramic, plaster and the occasional plastic or resin. Never wood. That would be ridiculous. Thus my children will not be subjected to this trash. (Even if the blu-ray is available for 9.99 in the checkout line at Ralph's Fresh Fare.)
Thank you for the review.
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