Just as in the fictional world of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, there was a gnome named Sherlock in the world of Gnomeo & Juliet, the star-crossed lovers from Gnomeo & Juliet (2011).

When the gnomes started going missing in Sherlock Gnomes, Sherlock (Johnny Depp) takes it on himself to rescue them, considering he is the ‘sworn protector of London’s garden gnomes’. With the help of his able-yet-neglected assistant Watson (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and the only two gnomes who weren’t kidnapped — Gnomeo & Juliet (James McAvoy and Emily Blunt) — the four go out to solve a mystery that involves the Tower Bridge, Gargoyles, Doll Houses, Chinatown and a lot of action.

Sherlock Gnomes remind me of The Great Mouse Detective that came 30 years back; in that animated film, a mouse characterised on Holmes solves a case with the aid of his trusted lieutenant and the client. However, in this version, the Gnomes are saved by Sherlock who doesn’t realise the importance of relationships until it is too late. With Juliet as his trusted sidekick, this time (something happens to Watson and Gnomeo) the two run all over London to find the missing gnomes before arch-villain Moriarty (Jamie Demetriou) has the last laugh.

Just like Smurfs, this film has an array of characters who are as different from each other as different could be. The head Gnome (voiced by Michael Caine) is caring while there are gnomes who like to act, who wants to fight and then there is one that can hear anything from anywhere due to her large ears. With Johnny Depp as the Great Gnome Detective, you get a Sherlock who is both eccentric and aloof at the same time. The script makes fun of all things Holmes. The animation is top notch as well because you wouldn’t have expected something of lesser quality from the director of Kung Fu Panda!

This film is a must watch for families since the film teaches many important lessons during its one hour and 30-minute duration. It will help you understand basic things like teamwork, friendship, and equal partnerships.

Watson does get fed up with Watson during the case but after watching the other two work in tandem, he realises how good his friend could be and same goes for Holmes. And oh yes, the crime-fighting duo saves the day by being Waston and Sherlock — the great crime detectives.

Published in Dawn, Young World, April 7th, 2018