Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is possibly the most universally recognizable love story to exist, which is the only thing that really holds it together. The performances are decent enough and it’s not the actors fault that they really have nothing to work with here. They genuinely lean in to the characters, yet it still sometimes comes off as a bit corny at certain moments. Juliet & Romeo takes a big leap but misses the landing.

 

There is sadly nothing good or redeemable that this film offers. First of all, the lighting and cinematography is so off and distracting—it looks like a combination of a soap opera, a high school musical stage play, or an SNL skit/short. Also, do not get me wrong—I love a musical, but I have no idea why this was a musical. It should not have been a musical. Some of the songs drag on to the point that I wasn’t even comprehending the lyrics. The pop music just does not fit this narrative. I think others will agree, it takes the viewer out of the story and setting. 

 

The run time is unnecessarily long, clocking in at a full 2 hours. I’m not sure who this film was made for or who its desired audience is? I highly doubt true fans of Shakespeare will seek this out, nor fans of musicals, and if they do they will be disappointed.