“Sherlock Gnomes” Review
Two stories come together in this new twist of the classic tale Sherlock Holmes gnome style. MGM’s Sherlock Gnomes picks up where Gnomeo and Juliet left off with the Montagues and Capulets finally living in peace and harmony as the garden gnomes venture to a new garden this time in London. Little do they know that someone is out to get rid of all the gnomes as Sherlock Gnomes and Watson seek to protect all gnomes from being smashed.
All in all, the story is told in the same fashion as the original, set to the iconic music of Sir Elton John who produced both animated adventures for new eyes.
Emily Blunt and James McAvoy return to voice the star crossed lovers in the new adventure and ultimately the two don’t disappoint with a new comic relief as Gnomeo and Juliet, now named leaders of the new garden, must figure out how to grow everything for Spring, while battling their first quarrel as lovers. The dialogue is crisp and new, as the writers purposely tried to keep the story moving with the witty banter between the two.
The new addition of the voice talent of Johnny Depp as Sherlock Holmes is typical as his own character illuminates in the image of Sherlock. I literally felt as though the character was made for him and I was watching the same character portrayal as seen in his Jack Sparrow role. Depp brought his own wit and humor to the character as well as his self love for himself that he is most definitely know for. Sherlock’s partner, Watson (Voiced by Black Panther star, Chiwetel Ejiofor) also provided a more serious side as Watson purposely made sure that Sherlock was always one step ahead of his notorious arch nemesis, Mankini (Julio Bonet).
The animation was lively and colorful as the scenes flowed at a fast pace adding to the need of Sherlock with the help of Gnomeo and Juliet to save their family. At times in the beginning the fast pace was a little unexpected and one might say, “Hold On”, but it also gives the audience the feeling of a new story inside another.
Overall Sherlock Gnomes is a film for everyone to enjoy. There are moments when literary fans will enjoy the twist of the story, similar to how the writers of the original Gnomeo and Juliet put the beloved Shakespeare play to the rock and roll music. Though, one might say, the sequel isn’t quite as well done as its predecessor. The beginning kind of comes out of nowhere as they try to mesh the to stories together. That aside, one does eventually understand what the plot is and shall hope to find the overall story somewhat enjoyable.
Sherlock Gnomes came out in theaters Friday April 23 and is currently playing in a theater near you. Watch the trailer below.
“Split” Breaks Records
M. Night Shyamalan‘s latest suspense thriller is taking the box office by storm with a record 40 million opening weekend making it the fifth largest January opening to date.
Universal Pictures Split follows the story of the multi personalities of Kevin Wendell Crumb in a struggle to survive amidst himself. Otherwise known has Dissociative Identity Disorder, Crumb played by James McAvoy finds himself wrestling with his own identities which ultimately leads him to kidnapping three young girls and holding them hostage for what is to be his newest identity which has yet to be unleashed, called ‘the monster’.
Overall, the movie will have audiences sitting on the edge of their seats trying to figure out just which personality will come out next as the three girls race to find an escape through one of the many identities of Mr. Crumb. McAvoy’s portrayal of each identity is seamless as you truly see the real struggle of someone with this rare disorder.
Additionally, Shyamalan holds true to his own distinct style by using hidden easter eggs to further give dept to his story, including his always subtle cameo as well as his use of the color yellow to stimulate the current hysterical and personality change that our character goes through.
Split also stars Anya Taylor Joy as Casey, Haley Lu Richardson as Claire, Jessica Sula as Marcia and Betty Buckley as Dr. Karen Fletcher who tries to cure Crumb though the personalities ultimately get in the way.
Split came out in theaters, January 20, 2017 and is currently playing in a theater near you.