Gnomeo & Juliet

The Bard’s most pop culture-friendly creation gets its umpteenth update in this animated comedy about star-crossed lovers who happen to be garden gnomes. Blue gnome Gnomeo (James MacAvoy) and red gnome Juliet (Emily Blunt) live in adjoining backyards, combatants-by-proxy in the cold war between their owners, neighbours named Montague and Capulet. Though they meet cute, their allegiances force them to keep their love a secret. The story stays surprisingly true to the source, with most of the character names and basic plot points – except, of course, most of the obvious, violent downbeats – still in place. Plus, the voice talent is superb and the script is loaded with smart gags and references aimed at adults. It works as training-wheels Shakespeare and more importantly as first-rate entertainment. - Matt Semansky