Given that writer/director Kelly Asbury is a veteran of the Shrek franchise (he directed Shrek 2) it’s hardly surprising to find that the film shares an irreverent pop sensibility, but this goes against it, as does the lack of a genuinely standout sequence.
Surprisingly entertaining.
Totally crackers but it gets powered by pure invention and eccentricity alone.
As far as the comedy content goes: well, to quote a well-known song, it's a little bit funny. Not much more than a bit, but enough to make this a cheerful, likable children's picture with a big heart.
Star power alone isn’t enough, and the makers of Gnomeo & Juliet seem more interested in its plethora of references (Shakespearean and otherwise) than any genuine heart.
A rickety garden folly.
It's directed with flair and energy, spirited, funny and charming.
It's like pitting an Austin Princess against a Dodge Charger.
Thanks to the guiding hand of director Kelly Asbury (Shrek 2) and sweet voice work in the leads by James McAvoy and Emily Blunt, it’s not bad at all.
A lot of thought, love and (on the part of the animators) hard work has gone into this picture, and it even has a happy ending.
Lots of silliness and jokes that would make a panto writer blush will keep young ones happy, while adults can play-match the voice to the actor.
Elton John: 'I have a gnome of my own'
Elton John--Gnomeo and Juliet shouldn't work but it does
Interview: Ashley Jensen, actress
Gnomeo star James McAvoy hates garden gnomes
General release. Check local listings for show times.