Last night I visited with family and we watched a lovely animated film entitled Gnomeo & Juliet.
Another gem from the creative geniuses at Rocket Pictures. I was thoroughly charmed. Montagues and Capulet's are feuding human neighbors who live in adjoining English Homes on "Verona Drive." Both homes have tacky lawn decor- from garden gnomes to plastic flamingos which of course come to life when the humans aren't around. As a lover of anything kitchy- I was delighted. Particularly when I saw that one of the gardens has an actual bathroom toilet used as flower vase. I was in heaven!
Obviously, the star-crossed lovers are gnomes in opposing gardens. James McAvoy and Emily Blunt do a superb job of providing the voices of the lead characters. What is really lovely that they incorporated a great deal of dialogue from the actual Shakespeare play. This is definitely not a picture that talks down to it's audience. It is entertaining to children, yet sophisticated enough for adults. Classic Elton John songs provided much of the score. I was delighted when, in a dream sequence, the gnome named "Paris" actually serenades Juliet with a classic Elton song while wearing a pair of signature Elton John sunglasses. Two of my favorite characters were a flirtatious frog named Nannet, Juliet's nurse- voice provided by Ashley Jennings, and the "Featherstone"- which came if the form of a romantic Latino Pink Plastic Flamingo- voiced by Jim Cummings. Adorable- very creative. There's a wonderful scene when Gnomeo has a debate with Will Shakespeare himself (The Bard is actually a Statue that comes to life when humans aren't around) They debate the depressing ending of true story of Romeo and Juliet. Genius!
The film was filled with surprises- including celebrity voices of Dolly Parton, Hulk Hogan, Patrick Stewart, Michael Kain, and many more. Clearly, many people wanted to be a part of this smart animated film. The commercials and previews used to advertise this film really did not do it justice. The last animated film that I enjoyed this much was Toy Story 3.
During this film, I sipped on a concoction of Iced Cinnamon Espresso: I mix in cinnamon with the espresso before brewing, then pour over a tall glass of ice and 2 tsp of sugar. My iced beverage and chocolate chip biscotti were just like the film- sophisticated, yet sweet.
Watch Gnomeo & Juliet- it's pure pleasure. My only regret is not seeing it sooner.
No comments:
Post a Comment