Its been ages since the last time we went to the pictures so ...... Husband dearest having had a few days off work for the half-term holiday last week was persuaded that he really, really wanted, nay, needed to see GNOMEO AND JULIET. (A truly fun site, be sure to click on the link for videos, games and other activities.)
Based on Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet, instead of the Verona's and the Capulet's, we have the Red's and the Blue's who, in a homage to the original story, live in gardens next door to each other on Verona Road.
And this wasn't the only reference to Shakespeare's tragedy either, the film was littered with little clues (the bus going to Shakespeare's birthplace of Stratford-On-Avon being one of them) that went over the heads of the younger film-goer but had us more mature film fans ill laughing.
Not content with just Shakespeare references though, the film was studded with references to other films as well - the stone bunnies (Braveheart) being Hd's favourite and the end scene from Grease in which the lovers drive away into the sunset being mine. (I've deleted the relevant spoilers in case you want to see the film and play 'spot the movies' for yourself. For those of you wishing to know just highlight the spaces.)
The best bit?(Not something we always agree on but we did in this instance) Gnomeo's conversation with a stone statue of Shakespeare in which the play write declared that he still preferred his version of the story which after all has a better ending.
That said, for me, coming a very close second for laugh-out-loudness, was the not so easily spotted reference to computer manufacturers Apple where needless to say the iconic image isn't an apple at all but a banana.
A great film for all the family, it had enough slapstick that wasn't overly violent for the little un's and, as I mentioned previously, more than enough to keep the adults happy. Oh yes, and there was also a smattering of Elton John songs in which in his cameo role he proved he wasn't above making fun of himself.
16 comments:
We all enjoyed this one too on Sunday.
AJ sat still for most of it which I thought was good for 3 yrs old.
I do love the jokes that go over the kids heads, it makes it fun for us too.
This one was a hit with us. Last time I enjoyed a kids film was Shrek.
The house names was another good pun.
carol
Thanks for this review Tracy!
I wasn't sure if it was worth watching and now I would love to.
Glad to be the first to comment! That's a treat...
Oh no! @Dizzy C - You beat me to the punch!! :)
Okay, glad to be the second in that case...
It's been such along time since I saw a good animated movie. Gnomeo and Juliet sounds like a fun movie! Thanks for the review, Tracy.
First time I heard of this movie...I was shelfing the books for the tie in editions in the kids section. Looks adorable and sounds even better. Will have to check it out. Thanks for sharing! ^_^
Petty, this looks and sounds quite enjoyable! (How do you do that highlighter stuff?) Thanks for a fun review. This would be a terrific family film. :)
Gnomeo and Juliet is really a fun movie! Thanks, Tracy!
This one sounds great; I think my daughters would love it (but make fun of APPLE...!)
First time to hear about this movie.I would sure try.
The last one I enjoyed was Ratatouille !
I've seen this advertised, but wasn't sure if I'd like it or not. From what you've described, it almost sounds "Shrekish" in some ways (which is a good thing).
I may have to ask my husband to put it in his Netflix queue once it's released that way.
I definitely want to see this one.
Must confess to having enjoyed this film much more than I expected I might. Despite it's knockabout fun trailer, it is a very intelligent film which does the bard much honour and I'm confident he would have approved.
Glad you had a good time! I just can't do the CGI animated movies - they just... it's a little too close to puppetry, I think, and I am Not! okay with puppets!
I want to see this one, it sounds so cute!
Good to hear! I plan to see this with my Little One next weekend so it was good to hear it was fun.
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