Gnomeo and Juliet

There is something inherently charming about garden gnomes—their diminutive stature, their shiny, pointy hats, not to mention their flair for finding travel tickets at reasonable rates. So it is no surprise that these inanimate lawn decorations ended up as the protagonists of Gnomeo and Juliet, an animated take on the classic Shakespearean drama, but redone with warring gnomes.

With a run time of 84 minutes, Gnomeo rehashes the tale of star-struck lovers without any complicated subplots or diversions. Gnomeo (James McAvoy) is a blue garden gnome, destined to hate the red garden gnomes as part of a long standing grudge that originated before his time. But when he meets Juliet (Emily Blunt), the spunky daughter of the red gnome leader, he questions their prolonged rivalry and the frivolousness of their feud. The movie is filled with running jokes and witty puns, but the best gags were undoubtedly packed into the movie trailer, which is perhaps why it did relatively well over the weekend.

The film has a few standouts—such as the duet between Elton John and Lady Gaga during the titular characters’ first encounter—but it lacks the extra elements that make certain children’s movies lasting and celebrated. Director Kelly Asbury’s previous directorial effort, Shrek 2, was filled with memorable characters and dry wit, something that Gnomeo and Juliet would need if it intends to stay relevant.

So will the film please audiences? Yes and “gno.” For younger audiences, the movie provides fast-paced instant gratification but an age-appropriate ending that would have made Shakespeare cringe. Gnomeo, however, will be unable to transcend the category of a harmless, pleasant children’s movie.