Gnomeo & Juliet

Directed By: Kelly Asbury
Written By: Rob Sprackling, John R. Smith, Andy Riley, Kevin Cecil, Kelly Asbury and Steven Hamilton Shaw
Starring: James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Maggie Smith, Ashley Jensen, Michael Caine & Jason Statham
Rated: G

MY RATING: C+

A cute new way to teach kids about Romeo and Juliet. 
 
This film takes place in England and picks up with two neighbors who are feuding, the Montagues and the Capulets, naturally.  What they don't know however is that when they're away their yards come to life and their garden gnomes are also feuding.  They happily stick to their side of the fence, either the blue or the red side but one night Gnomeo (James McAvoy) and Juliet (Emily Blunt) decide to sneak into each other's yards which is when they meet and there's love at first sight.  Once they fall in love they can't bare to be apart and decide to try to be together despite their feuding families.  It's the classic Shakespeare tale told in a clever entertaining way for a new generation of kids.  There's humor, romance, adventure and some beautiful new Elton John (Executive Producer) songs.  

Now I wouldn't say it was one of the best animated films I've ever seen but it was pretty darn clever.  I'm a sucker for an original idea and I was quite amused by the thought of garden gnomes coming to life.  The beginning didn't fully hold my attention but once Gnomeo (McAvoy) and Juliet (Blunt) met the story began to pick up.  Their little love story was adorable.  But don't worry there was some action too.  Of course it had a predictable ending, not because of Romeo and Juliet, they had to change that, but because you know kid's movies have to have happy endings.   Nonetheless your child may be left in suspense which means they did a good job.  Ashley Jensen was funny as Nanette the frog sprinkler and so was Jim Cummings as Featherstone the love struck flamingo.  I was pleasantly surprised by this little film because I was not interested in it at all but figured why not check it out and I'm glad I did.  Gnomeo and Juliet is better than a lot of the ridiculously silly animated movies I've seen lately but it's also not up there with the likes of Toy Story and Shrek.  It held it's own right in the middle though.  So if you're looking for a cute, funny little animated film with a predictable, simple story then definitely check this out.  You and your kids will enjoy it. 

I say check it out but there's definitely no rush.