New on DVD: One Fun Kids' Flick

Good news! There is a new family flick out on DVD this week that will please both you and your children. Enjoy. 

Gnomeo and Juliet

Animated kids' flick

The Gist: Two families of garden statuary from neighboring yards have an ancient and storied rivalry. The gnome daughter of the red clan, Juliet falls for the son of the blue, Gnomeo. It’s plaster love at first sight. But all those concrete bunnies, frog fountains, and silly gnomes have scores to settle. Will the lovers find peace? This film is based…you guessed it…on Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” Loosely.

The Ups: Lots of laughs and plenty of clever references to Shakespeare as well as pop culture make this movie fun for both parents and kids. The classic characters are reimagined: the nurse as a frog and the priest as a plastic flamingo, but their essences remain the same. Music from Elton John adds zip and glitter to the tale. Although the film makes allusions to the tragic ending in the classic, outcomes are adapted for the elementary school set. Read our full review.

The Downs: No downs beyond a few mild wink-wink jokes that most kids will miss. Although the film doesn’t quite reach the sublime levels of a “Toy Story 3,” it’s a solid and moving film that is worth a watch.

The Verdict: Watch it with your kids. Then tell them all about Shakespeare and the original tale of woe of Juliet and her Romeo.

Be Aware: Rated G. Appropriate for all audiences.

I am Number Four

Kids' Action Flick 

The Gist: In an adaptation of books aimed at middle school readers, this movie follows a kid with special powers who discovers there’s a hit list for people like him. Three have been killed. He’s next. He has to figure out who he is while running from his would-be assassins. Oh, and fall in love too.

The Ups: The sci-fi source material is interesting and engaging.

The Downs: The adaptation is not. Alex Pettyfer as the lead demonstrates that not every pretty face has the ability to act. He looks good on screen, but doesn’t draw people in. The story and effects feel rehashed from other sci-fi stories. The film lacks spark.

The Verdict: Skip it. Wait for “The Hunger Games.”

Be Aware: Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action and for brief language.