Sherlock Gnomes

2018  PG  ANIMATED  1h 26min

CAST— James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Mary J. Blige, Johnny Depp

MUSIC— Chris Bacon  DIRECTOR— John Stevenson

     When last Gnomeo and Juliet were seen the subject was Shakespearean lore tempered with modern renditions of classic Elton John songs. Now Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous consulting detective Sherlock Holmes is molded into plaster, as Sherlock Gnomes is on the case of a recent rash of pilfered gnomes throughout London. Along for the ride (and most of the dirty work) is his partner in crime-solving, Dr. Watson, overworked and underappreciated. When the Montagues and Capulets arrive in London their new garden is given over to their old blue and red lawn decorations. Gnomeo and Juliet, no longer secretly pining for each other, are equal partners, their union now to be celebrated as they are announced to be in charge of the garden. But their new responsibilities as leaders put them at odds with each other again. During a lovers’ spat away from the garden a gnome thief strikes home, leaving not a trace of their family and friends. It’s up to Gnomes and Watson to solve the case, the clues to which all point to Sherlock’s archenemy, Moriarty, here portrayed as the cutesy mascot of an English pie company. Gnomeo and Juliet must join forces with the two sleuths, themselves having differences of opinion, if they hope to save London’s gnome population. Not as inventive, clever, or as funny as its predecessor, this pseudo mystery is purely a showcase for American Johnny Depp to put on a British accent and vocally ham it up as Sherlock. The mystery angle is obvious from the start, the characters already tired two films into the franchise, but less discerning audience members may appreciate the goofiness this sequel has to offer. AKA Gnomeo & Juliet 2.

OUR RATING— **

PRECEDED BY— Gnomeo & Juliet (2011)