Review: Gnomeo & Juliet, the movie

GNOMEO & JULIET is fun for the whole family: toddlers – adults. The tale centers on two feuding families, the Reds and the Blues, who live in neighboring back yards in Stratford Upon Avon (but of course). When Gnomeo (a Blue) accidentally meets Juliet (a Red), they fall in love before they know who they really are (since they are in disguise for different reasons). When they meet it’s a magical, cat-and-mouse scene set in an abandoned greenhouse with a surprise appearance from a hilarious pink, plastic flamingo (think Florida yard art).

The entire cast of garden gnomes and other English garden accessories — mushrooms, frogs, & deer — are very comical and endearing, even when they’re being naughty.  The plot of the film somewhat mirrors the original Shakespearean story (except for the ending which is a Disney-happy ending) and parents will recognize the names and scenes from the play throughout this animated love story. The Elton John music infuses energy and ambiance in the film and all members of your family will be singing “Gnomeo, Gnomeo, Gnomeo” to the tune of “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting” for days!

The best part is this film is not scary at all; there are scenes of tension and a bit of sadness but in the end all is well. This is a film not to be missed and will definitely be added to your DVD play list for years to come.