Gnomeo & Juliet (A Movie)

Movie Review: Gnomeo & Juliet

Today, I'll be reviewing a movie. My father was fortunate enough to score free tickets to an advance screening of Gnomeo & Juliet, and I was able to see it.

Going into the movie, I knew nothing about it, except that it was a children's movie, and took Romeo & Juliet to new places with Red gnomes and Blue Gnomes in place of Montagues and Capulets. What I discovered was a delightful gem of a movie, that was thoroughly enjoyable for people of any age. Executive produced by Elton John and with a star studded cast, it was a very well done musical version of an old classic.

That old classic is referenced (beyond the obvious plot line) several times in a tongue & cheek manner, but always subtly, and the movie doesn't beat you over the head with obvious references. Small things like a bus with a Stratford-upon-Avon destination and a cameo from one of the best Shakespearean actors of our time (instantly recognizable to Star Trek fans) will add a layer of experience to those viewers who notice them.

The movie itself has several references to cultural items (including Powerthirst) that most children won't understand, but it doesn't go out of its way to put them there. Yes, many children won't get all the references, but any movie will have viewers that aren't aware of every little cultural reference it contains. The humor is all easily understood by people of any age, but is not dumbed down for its target audience. There are also not as many gratuitous dancing scenes, which seem to be obligatory in children's movies for some reason. They were there, to be sure, but did not take over, and actually served the plot, instead of being completely pointless.

Naturally, the dancers need music to dance to, and I would be remiss if I did not comment on the music of a movie produced by Elton John. As with any soundtrack, the music does not overpower the film, and adds to the general ambiance. You will notice a disproportionate amount of Elton John songs, but that is to be expected. Truth be told, I didn't pay too much attention to the music after the duet he sang with Lady Gaga came on early in the film, but what else I remember of the music certainly couldn't be complained about.

The one really negative thing about the movie is its 3D. The movie was clearly not made for 3D, and does not need it. There are no balls flying towards the viewers, no sticks poking out of the screen, nothing that required any dimensions beyond the flat screen. In fact, the only parts of the movie that really "popped" were the logos of the companies that made the film. If you watch the movie in theaters, you would be better off not paying for the 3D version. Not only will you save money, you will avoid the loud "oohs" and "aahs" of children who act as if the movie is their first 3D experience - which it may very well be.

All in all, an excellent version of a classic. There's fun, excitement, humor and drama, with just enough "touchy-feely" moments to make this a really solid movie. It doesn't require a big screen showing, but it would certainly be worth the money.