By Christa A. Banister, senior editor, www.watchgmctv.com


 

The Contender: Gnomeo and Juliet

Release Date: February 11, 2011

Rating: G

Starring: The voices of James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Michael Caine, Maggie Smith, Jason Statham, Hulk Hogan, Ozzy Osbourne and Dolly Parton

The One-Two Punch: The tragic Shakespearian love story gets a kitschy makeover, thanks to decidedly British humor, plenty of Elton John pop songs and a vibrant case of garden gnome protagonists that even William himself would’ve probably gotten a kick out of.

The Premise: Yes, once again, the Montagues and the Capulets are feuding, but that doesn’t seem to bother a couple of clearly-smitten-with-each-other garden gnomes from those rival families.

The Verdict: While seeing it in 3D adds nothing new to the experience, Gnomeo and Juliet is downright likeable, especially if you’re in the mood for something quirky. While Shakespeare enthusiasts may groan at the steady stream of Elizabethan humor, it’s refreshing to a see a kiddie movie script without the usual barrage of pop culture references and jokes that are clearly intended for the grown-ups watching.