Gnomeo & Juliet – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Gnomeo & Juliet

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2011

52%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Garden gnomes do Shakespeare—it's as middling as it sounds, but harmless enough for a rainy afternoon.

5.9/10

55%

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Gnomeo & Juliet

movie

G, 2011

52%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Garden gnomes do Shakespeare—it's as middling as it sounds, but harmless enough for a rainy afternoon.

5.9

55%

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5.9/10

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, Gnomeo & Juliet is perfectly safe and technically wholesome, but let's be real: it's aggressively mediocre. The premise is cute for about five minutes, then you're stuck watching garden gnomes deliver Shakespeare-lite dialogue peppered with lawn-care puns for another 80 minutes.

The reviews tell the story—55% on Rotten Tomatoes, 5.9 on IMDb, a 2.9 on Letterboxd (ouch). It's not bad enough to turn off, but it's not good enough to remember. If your 6-year-old picks it on Disney+ and you need an hour of peace, fine. But there are dozens of better animated films that are just as safe and actually entertaining.

The one redeeming quality? It introduces the concept of Romeo & Juliet without traumatizing anyone, which... sure, that's something. But honestly, just show them the Lion King II if you want star-crossed lovers done right in animation.

Age Fit

Best for ages 5-9 who can handle some cartoon peril and mild slapstick. Older kids will find it too juvenile and the puns insufferable. Not one that adults will enjoy alongside their kids.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Animated Romeo & Juliet retelling with garden gnomes features themes of overcoming prejudice and family feuds. Tone is light and family-friendly with slapstick humor. Models cooperation and reconciliation between warring factions. Some mild cartoon peril and garden-variety violence (gnomes getting smashed/broken), but overall emotionally appropriate for young viewers.

Imaginative

Takes Shakespeare's classic story and transplants it to a garden gnome setting with some creative visual gags. However, it's a fairly straightforward adaptation without much originality beyond the premise. Doesn't particularly invite creative exploration or building—it's more of a 'what if gnomes did Romeo & Juliet' gimmick that wears thin. The world-building is serviceable but not particularly inspiring.

Safe

Very safe for young viewers. Common Sense Media rates it for age 5+. Cartoon violence involves gnomes getting knocked over or broken (they can be glued back together). No scary content, inappropriate language, or mature themes. The 'tragedy' of the original is softened significantly with a happy ending. No surprise disturbing content—it's exactly what you'd expect from a Disney+ animated family film.

Enriching

Provides a very gentle introduction to Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet themes (feuding families, forbidden love, reconciliation), but dumbed down significantly. Minimal cognitive challenge or meaningful takeaways beyond 'don't judge others based on what color they are.' Entertainment value is middling—critics and audiences were lukewarm (55% RT, 5.9 IMDb). Doesn't offer much in terms of skill-building, empathy development, or lasting insight. It's forgettable fluff.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Introduces young kids to Romeo & Juliet themes in the most non-threatening way possible—literally with lawn ornaments
Voice cast includes big names (James McAvoy, Emily Blunt) who bring some charm to the material
Visually colorful and bright enough to hold attention of younger viewers
Happy ending avoids the tragedy of the original, making it genuinely kid-friendly

⚠

What to Watch For

Some cartoon violence—gnomes get smashed, broken, run over by lawnmowers (they're glued back together, don't worry)
The humor is very pun-heavy and groan-worthy; parents may find it tedious
It's forgettable—don't expect kids to want to rewatch this one repeatedly

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the red and blue gnomes were fighting in the first place?"
"Have you ever had a friend that other people didn't think you should be friends with? How did that feel?"
"This is based on a really old play by Shakespeare called Romeo & Juliet—want to hear how the original story ends? (Spoiler: way darker)"

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