Sherlock Gnomes

[rusty_armour]

I finally got around to seeing Sherlock Gnomes. Cineplex has been screening kids' films as part of its Family Favourites series, so I was able to see Sherlock Gnomes this afternoon for $2.99. I'm, uh, kind of glad I didn't pay more than that. It's not that the film was bad. I just think it could have been better. The animation is excellent, but the story is kind of weak. Worst of all, I just didn't find it that funny. Based on the trailer, I thought it would be, but, mostly, it was just mildly amusing. I wondered if I was just too old to appreciate the humour, but I didn't hear any kids in the theatre laughing -- and kids usually laugh pretty loudly if they appreciate something. Maybe part of the problem is that I haven't seen Gnomeo & Juliet and just wasn't invested in the gnomes who weren't wearing a deerstalker hat or bowler.

I don't want to put people off of seeing Sherlock Gnomes, but you might want to avoid buying it on DVD. Catch it on TV, borrow it from the library, or find some other way to watch it cheaply. I think Sherlock Holmes fans will probably appreciate the references to Canon, and the film made great use of some familiar London sights, such as the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Sherlock Gnomes also has a good message for kids and probably isn't a bad introduction to Sherlock Holmes, though kids would do better with The Great Mouse Detective. Hell, I'd recommend that movie to anyone -- for Vincent Price alone. Sherlock Gnomes was obviously influenced by Sherlock as Sherlock Gnomes kept disappearing into his Mind Palace (which looked really cool, actually). The Moriarty in this film also reminded me of the Andrew Scott Moriarty, which was good and bad. I still have a nasty taste in my mouth after the fourth series of Sherlock and haven't been able to do more than re-visit some favourite fics in my AO3 Bookmarks (and, honestly, I'm surprised I even managed that). I'm also getting kind of sick of seeing Moriarty as a mix between Tigger and Jack Nicholson's Joker. What happened to the much more subtle mathematics professor who was capable of exuding creepiness and menace from the shadows and didn't need to put on a huge floor show? I miss that Moriarty.

One final criticism of the film: there is way too much Elton John music -- and it's old material, not music that was written for Sherlock Gnomes. I thought it was because David Furnish was one of the producers, but then I discovered that Elton John was the Executive Producer. Well, I guess using your back catalogue is one way to save money on music...

Comments

[smallhobbit]

I've not seen any particularly good reviews for Sherlock Gnomes. I enjoyed Gnomeo & Juliet, but in a 'that was fun I'm glad I only bought a cheap DVD' way. No doubt I shall watch it at some point, but, as you say, I won't go out of my way to do so.

[rusty_armour]

I've not seen any particularly good reviews for Sherlock Gnomes.

Yeah, I'd heard that it hadn't been that well received. I tried to keep my expectations in check, but I couldn't help being a bit disappointed.

I enjoyed Gnomeo & Juliet, but in a 'that was fun I'm glad I only bought a cheap DVD' way.

I would think that if you enjoyed Gnomeo & Juliet (in a "that was fun I'm glad I only bought a cheap DVD" way) then you'll get something out of Sherlock Gnomes.

No doubt I shall watch it at some point, but, as you say, I won't go out of my way to do so.

I think you should watch it if you get a chance, but don't go out of your way to do so. If the DVD ends up going cheap (and I expect it will), it might be worth it then.