#REVIEW: “SHERLOCK GNOMES”

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Sherlock Gnomes is the Sequel to 2011’s Gnomeo & Juliet. This time around the garden gnomes have moved from the beautiful garden they had in Stratford-Upon-Avon, England to a disenchanted garden in London, England. When Gnomeo (James McAvoy) and Juliet (Emily Blunt) have been named the new leaders of their new home Juliet begins putting everyone before Gnomeo. But when a string of gnomes begin disappearing Gnomeo and Juliet come back together and join forces with the snooty legendary detective Sherlock Gnomes (Johnny Depp) to save their family and friends.

By adding a beloved character such as Sherlock, the Film is able to invent something new to a Sequel that would be hard otherwise. Yet, Sherlock is nothing without his archenemy Moriarty (Jamie Demetriou) who’s yet again the main villain here. Even though audiences have witnessed this pairing before, the animation brings a fresh element to their familiar banter. Also adding this story into Gnomeo and Juliet’s helps split the storylines and keeps the Film entertaining. All characters, particularly the gnomes, are loveable and save the Film when the Script occasionally falters. Blunt is great as the fearless, strong and caring Juliet. And McAvoy is endearing as the passionate, romantic and determined Gnomeo. But it’s Depp and Demetriou who stand out. Demetriou is wonderful as the antagonist Moriarty. He appears to relish in playing this well-known character and brings his own flare. While Depp is hilarious as Sherlock. Adding his personal touch to phrases and reactions like only he can.

Overall, Sherlock Gnomes is a fun adventure for the whole family. Near the beginning it slightly drags but when it hits the story picks up without slowing down. And it has British humour that charms and delights.

Paramount Pictures Canada release SHERLOCK GNOMES on Friday, March 23, 2018.