movie review: sherlock gnomes (2018)

⭐️⭐️

Sherlock Gnomes is what happens when a pun gets turned into a movie, and somewhere along the way, they forget to make it funny. While the concept of a gnome detective solving garden mysteries has some potential, the execution falls flat, resulting in a film that feels more like a chore than an adventure.

The Story:

What Works:

  • Colourful Animation: The film is visually appealing, with bright, detailed designs that younger audiences might enjoy.
  • Star-Studded Voice Cast: Johnny Depp, Emily Blunt, and James McAvoy all do their best with the material they’re given.
  • A Few Clever Moments: There are occasional glimpses of wit, but they’re too few and far between.

What Doesn’t Work:

  • Flat Humor: The jokes rarely land, and the overreliance on gnome-related puns gets old fast.
  • Thin Plot: The mystery lacks intrigue, and the story feels like it’s simply going through the motions.
  • Underutilized Characters: Watson and Juliet have interesting potential, but they’re side-lined in favour of Sherlock’s arrogance and Gnomeo’s antics.

Final Thoughts:

While Sherlock Gnomes might entertain very young viewers with its bright colours and silly gnome antics, it’s unlikely to hold the attention of older audiences. It’s a disappointing follow-up to Gnomeo & Juliet that lacks the charm and heart of its predecessor.

Would I recommend it? Only if you’re stuck babysitting and need something to distract the kids lol. Otherwise, you’re better off hanging out with your own garden gnomes.

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