Toon Talk: Gnomeo and Juliet - Feb 15, 2011

Toon Talk: Gnomeo and Juliet
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In addition to those previously mentioned, there are several other familiar voices heard in Gnomeo & Juliet, including Ashley Jensen (of Ugly Betty fame) as Juliet�s goofy frog confidante, action movie star Jason Statham as the rabble-rousing Tybalt, and Little Britain�s Matt Lucas as Benny, Gnomeo�s unlucky sidekick. Rounding out the cast are the unlikely likes of Hulk Hogan, Ozzy Osbourne and Dolly Parton, as well as prolific Disney voice man Jim Cummings as a lovesick lawn flamingo. Plus: a special vocal cameo by Patrick Stewart.

Another star on hand is Elton John, who�s music is heard throughout the film, quite cleverly for those familiar with his back catalog. John, along with his frequent collaborator Bernie Taupin, also penned two new songs for the film, �Hello, Hello� (a duet with Lady Gaga) and �Love Builds a Garden�. John is also a producer on the film (along with his partner David Furnish) through his Rocket Pictures.

Gnomeo & Juliet�s computer animation was handled by the Canadian studio Starz Animation (whose previous works include the VeggieTales movies and the 9 feature film). Their fine work here proves (Studio Ghibli aside) that not all out-of-house animated films released by Disney (in this case via Touchstone) are as instantly forgettable as Valiant and The Wild.

Toon Talk Rating: B

Coming Soon:
  • Bambi makes its high def debut in a brand new Disney Diamond Edition Blu-ray (March 1)
  • The Miyazaki legend lives on: Hayao�s son Goro makes his directorial debut with Tales from Earthsea, available on Disney DVD March 8.
  • The Red Planet is getting more specific: Mars Needs Moms! In theaters March 11.
  • Rapunzel lets down her hair in the animated hit Tangled, on Disney DVD and Blu-ray March 29.
  • Two Pixar classics, The Incredibles and Cars, also make their Disney Blu-ray debuts (April 12).
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  • High School Musical�s resident diva breaks out on her own in Sharpay�s Fabulous Adventure (April 19, Disney DVD and Blu-ray).

    • Discuss It

    -- Kirby C. Holt
    -- Logos by William C. Searcy, Magic Bear Graphics

    Kirby is a lifelong Disney fan and film buff. He is also an avid list maker and chronic ellipsis user ... In addition to his Toon Talk reviews, Kirby is the creator of Movie Dearest, a blog for movie fans.

    Took Talk: Disney Film & Video Reviews by Kirby C. Holt is posted whenever there's something new to review.

    The opinions expressed by our Kirby C. Holt, and all of our columnists, do not necessarily represent the feelings of LaughingPlace.com or any of its employees or advertisers. All speculation and rumors about the future plans of the Walt Disney Company are just that - speculation and rumors - and should be treated as such.

    -- Posted February 15, 2011
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