Gnomeo and Juliet

Is it wrong to fall in love with a computer generated gnome? I'm hoping not. We all know this most beautiful of stories, so I'm not going to give a synopsis. Except to say that this is predominantly a kid's film, so there are no vials of poison or daggers at the end. It is a wholly British movie, with a veritable who's who of famous voices, including, bizarrely but wonderfully, the very American Dolly Parton. I won't list them because it's fun to pick them out. Miss Montague and Mr Capulet live in their semi-detached houses and have an ongoing feud, which filters down to their garden, the gnomes and various accessories that dwell there. It is set in Stratford upon Avon, (where else?) and some very witty links to Shakespeare's other plays are interweaved which is great fun if you're familiar with his works (and if you're not, why not?). Gnomeo even ends up in conversation with The Bard himself, well his statue, which is great fun and was actually rather moving. Gnomeo is voiced by the multi layered, multi talented, multi gorgeous, James McAvoy. Juliet is voiced by the great Emily Blunt. There are lots of fun moments, lawn mower races and really sweet characters, without it being to 'pop culture' which lessens the risk of it becoming tired or old fashioned. The graphics are superb and the brilliantly executed sound effects really add to the feeling of the movie. Accompanying this delighful film is a toe tapping soundtrack from Elton John with some of his most beloved songs reworked to fit the storyline. It's a lovely movie that will be sure to delight lovers of Shakespeare and children alike. GNOMEO AND JULIET: It is the east, and McAvoy is the sun 7/10.