Leave it to Disney to successfully rewrite one of the most famous love stories in history . . . Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet. Featuring songs from singer, songwriter, and executive producer Elton John, Gnomeo & Juliet truly has something for an audience of all ages. There's comedy, action, romance, and even some subtle references to other Shakespearean plays.
If you are not familiar with the concept of garden gnomes, they are little statues that come to life to tend to your garden when nobody is looking. Well two feuding adjacent human households, a red house and a blue house, also happened to have feuding garden gnomes, as well. Can you guess the rest of the story?
Here is Disney's version of the famous balcony scene . . .
Although this film is rated G, there is a theme of hatred and violence . . . plainly put: war. You will need to be prepared for the possibility of questions arising about why the Reds and the Blues feel such animosity towards each other for no apparent reason.
I was surprised that the bonus features on the DVD did not include a segment or activity geared towards children. My three, ages 4, 4, and 7, did enjoy watching the "Crocodile Rock" music video featuring a garden gnome version of Elton John.
This film's voices include an impressive cast, including James McAvoy (Gnomeo), Emily Blunt (Juliet), Ashley Jensen (Nanette the Frog), Michael Caine (Lord Redbrick), Jim Cummings (Featherstone the Flamingo), Maggie Smith (Lady Bluebury), Ozzy Osbourne (Fawn), Patrick Stewart (William Shakespeare), Hulk Hogan (Terrafirminator voice over), and many more. To learn more about Gnomeo & Juliet
, visit GnomeoAndJuliet.com.The Gnomeo & Juliet 2-disc Blu-ray/DVD combo
, 3-disc combo with Blu-ray 3D, DVD, and digital download are now available at most major retailers of Disney movies.Thank you to Click-Communications for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon.
