This week we have a interesting take on the Shakespearean classic of Romeo and Juliet. For those of you with children this might be the one for you. Disney has brought across the pond a delightful, fun little romp into the land of garden gnomes.
Without further ado we have...
The trailers for Gnomeo and Juliet
Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil
Red Riding Hood is training in the group of Sister Hoods, when she and the Wolf are called to examine the sudden mysterious disappearance of Hansel and Gretel.Okay, I didn't see the first one and will probably not see this one either. If you have kids or you enjoyed the original Hoodwinked then this one might be for you. Opens April 29th, 2011
Soul Surfer
A teenage surfer girl summons the courage to go back into the ocean after losing an arm in a shark attack. Based on a true story this is going to be one to watch for an award or two I think. Its a possible for me to see in the theater if its not competing with a much more anticipated movie. I would recommend this one based on the trailer I saw. Opens April 8th, 2011
Winnie the Pooh
Oh Pooh. A remake of the classic tale of Pooh and his friends. For those Pooh fanatics or even burgeoning fanatics this is a must see. Opens July 15th, 2011
Rio
When Blu, a domesticated macaw from small-town Minnesota, meets the fiercely independent Jewel, he takes off on an adventure to Rio de Janeiro with this bird of his dreams. When Blu, a domesticated macaw from small-town Minnesota, meets the fiercely independent Jewel, he takes off on an adventure to Rio de Janeiro with this bird of his dreams. From the producers of Ice Age this one looks like a good family movie. The fish out of water tale is generally a good story if done right. Let's hope that the trailer does not have all the good parts and leave the rest of the movie just not as good. Opens April 15th, 2011.
Hop
The Easter Bunny is accidentally hit by a car, and it's up to the offending driver to save Easter. Okay, don't get me wrong I liked Despicable Me but this one is kind of out there. I like the tales of the supernaturals (Santa Claus, Tooth Fairy, etc.) and this one might be worth a watch but I don't know if it will be for a rental or in the theater yet but either way it could be interesting. Opens April 1st, 2011.
African Cats
A nature documentary centered on two cat families and how they teach their cubs the ways of the wild.If your a fan of Disney's Nature series this is another in that line. I'm all for big cats on the Serengeti Plains but I don't think I will see this one in the theaters. Might be worth a rental though. Opens April 22nd, 2011.
And now for the Main Event:
Gnomeo and Juliet
Garden gnomes Gnomeo and Juliet have as many obstacles to overcome as their quasi namesakes when they are caught up in a feud between neighbors. But with plastic pink flamingos and lawnmower races in the mix, can this young couple find lasting happiness?
Yes you read that right plastic pink flamingos and lawn mower races. This is a fun-filled animated romp through the lives of two warring factions of garden gnomes and romance between them. I will admit that I was skeptical on how good this film was going to be when I walked into the theater and paid for the tickets. After having sat down, settled in and waited patiently until the movie started I watched all the other people trickle in with their kids, snacks and drinks, I was mildly surprised at the number of families that was there at the early show on a Sunday. Then the movie started (after all the trailers had played of course) and from that point on I was hooked into wanting more. Even after the movie was over we still wanted more from this world of gnomes. It didn't matter that the film was based on Romeo and Juliet (as if you didn't know already) or that there was numerous other references to Shakespeare's works, it was still fun and entertainign and kept us engaged for the entire 84 minutes.
Of course it didn't hurt that almost all the music was from Elton John and had just the right feel at just the right moment. I won't be overly critical of this movie since it was such a fun family film and i recommend it to everyone that has kids or is a kid at heart or at the very least needed a movie to go see with their sweetie for Valentines Day that wasn't a girlie romance movie (sorry ladies, a romantic comedy is not what a guy wants to see every time he takes you to the movies). All in all I say watch this one, it may not be award-winning but it certainly is worth seeing.
Entertainment: 5
Family-Friendly: 5
Special Effects: 3
Plot: 4
