A Gnome Named Gnorm (1990) Poster

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3/10
Stan Winston was marvelous at Makeup SFX, however...
X-the-Unknown14 March 2013
This film is one of those that makes very clear an adage, which is pretty important in any line of work, and especially in film IMO -- "Know what you know, and know what you don't know." Stan Winston very clearly knew Makeup Special Effects, and he was a master in that field. He clearly did not know film directing ( nor shot coverage nor overseeing editing nor,... well, several other knowledge gaps in his tool chest pop out when one views this movie).

The puppetry and facial animatronics in this movie are very good, but it falls flat in almost every other department (although I think there MAY have been a decent script initially).

Hitchcock didn't sing in films, he knew better. The Coens don't act in films, they know better. Daniel Day-Lewis does not write screenplays, he brings the characters off of the page as a master actor. Stan Winston knew Makeup SFX at a master level, but did not know film directing.
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5/10
No it's gnot
jbassett-223 January 2000
Straight to the point, this movie is bad. I have trouble calling it even a B movie, and probably ranks at the C level. However, if you have an odd sense of humor, you will get a sick sense of satisfaction from this movie. I was grinning all the way through this movie, but a grimace was hiding just underneath. The funniest scene is when the gnome character insists that gnome is pronounced ga-nome. Still to this day, I find myself grinning whenever I think about the comment "no it's gnot", and say it whenever possible. My suggestion is to see this movie, but see it when you truly have nothing better to do, as it will rank somewhere between a complete waste of time, and the greatest experience ever (ok, not quite, but it was enjoyable). If you are expecting a serious film, look elsewhere, but for classic C film quality, look no further.
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3/10
The Vidiot Reviews...
capone66628 May 2011
A Gnome Named Gnorm

Gnomes are mischievous folks that enjoy making humans look stupid when they pronounce 'gnome' with a hard G.

Fortunately, the dwarfish imp in this comedy enunciates his name with a confident consonant sound.

Headed towards the surface in hopes of recharging the magical stones that belong to his subterranean race, a gnome named Gnorm (Mike Avery) is instead embroiled in a murder case involving a dead police officer.

When his partner is killed in the line of duty and the blame falls on him, Det. Gallagher (Anthony Michael Hall) must team up with the only witness to the incident, which happens to be a gnome named Gnorm.

With a laughable plot that falls betwixt fantasy and buddy-comedy, as well as a pitiable attempt at puppetry, A Gnome Named Gnorm is strictly lowbrow entertainment.

Besides, the police dogs would eat the gnome cop before he could even solve his first case. (Red Light)
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Gnothing Much to Write Gnome About
Tricia-156 July 1999
This movie did not really engage either my heart or my head. I would say that it is more appropriate for children, except some of the humour is a little too adult for a young audience. Nevertheless, a wonderful performance from Mark Harelik as the odious Kaminsky kept me watching to the end.
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5/10
A gnome named nome (Upworld)
soke197530 July 2019
Fun movie I watched when I was 9 and loved it. I watched it again recently and still made me laugh 24 years later
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6/10
Pretty Harmless B-Movie Fun & Fluff
ccthemovieman-127 September 2006
With a title like that, I expected a very dumb movie, but it wasn't bad.....actually decent. It's a harmless cop-fantasy film with police drama mixed in with some humor and special effects.

I found a lot more drama than humor, which surprised me, although there were a few funny lines by the "gnome," a special- effects creation of Stan Winston.

Despite a film filled with angry characters - cops and crooks - the language was pretty tame and the film moves well and zips by since it's only 84 minutes. Yes, the story is ludicrous and some of the dialog is B-movie, but it was pretty enjoyable.
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8/10
The gnome is good.
freightshaker29113 July 2003
I found the movie....fun. If you're all you watch are 'chick flicks' or "Titanic" type movies, then this is gnot a movie for you. However, if you have an off-beat sense of humor (or any sense of humor), I think you'll agree that this is a good show. "Ice Age" and "Little Nikky" fans - - this movie is for you. That's the kinda group of people "Gnorm" will appeal to, yeah that's the ticket. Take mind that this information is coming from a guy that prefers the original "Planet of the Apes" movies to the Tim Burton version (which was very good also). I also shed a tear in Star Trek X - Nemesis when Data sacrificed himself (NOT!).
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6/10
Gno way is this a masterpiece, but I kinda liked it
inkblot1123 March 2015
Casey (Anthony Michael Hall) is an up and coming police detective. But, he's very green. Nevertheless, his boss, Stan (Jerry Orbach) respects his intelligence, as does his partner, Samantha (Claudia Christian). Then, too, there may be an undeclared "something" brewing between Casey and Sam. Yet, on a stakeout at a nearby park, Casey bumbles the job and lets the perp get away. Or, so he believes, until he meets up with a witness to the event. But, what a pair of eyes, for they belong to a GNOME from the underworld, a gnome named Gnorm. Naturally, Casey has a difficult time adapting to a new "pal" who prefers the wrapper over the sandwich! Still, Casey knows he needs Gnorm's help to catch the wrongdoer and Gnormie needs Casey to help him find something hidden to bring back to his below-the-ground habitat. In fact, Gnorm is in Casey's world because his whole venture's goal is to please a lady-gnome from home. It gets tricky, for the perp wants to eliminate them both. Will this new dynamic duo succeed? Gno doubt! This pleasant little movie is gno masterpiece but is still quite entertaining. Hall, Christian, and Orbach do nice work while the little gnome is an odd creature who grows on the audience. The special effects aren't dazzling, nor is the costuming, script, direction or photography. Even so, the overall final product will be a nice little diversion for most viewers.
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10/10
One of the BEST movies I have EVER seen!
macleod7931 March 2005
I give this movie infinite thumbs up. A Gnome Named Gnorm will capture your heart with and awesome story line. Gnorm does his best to foil the bad guys plot to get away with murder. He doesn't know what to think of this new world he has stumbled upon, but he has an eye on the one human friend and protector, Samantha. This is the best movie for children and as well as family. There isn't anything that I don't like about this movie. I would recommend it to everyone! It reminds me of Leprechaun only without the profanity. It is a fun and interesting way to see a fictitious creature in a world new to his own race. It shows a relationship between two races and real life that anyone can relate too.
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8/10
It's a classic.
undkeineeier24 July 2023
When I was younger I watched over and over. I'm in my late 30s and still absolutely love watching this movie. It has a great cast and Gnorm is an unforgettable character. I've been quoting the movie for years. Unfortunately, I'm one of very few who remember this goofy movie. It has all the classic 80s/early 90s police movie tropes, along side the standard humor and action. Gnorm's character design seems to be ahead of it's time in my opinion. His style holds up to movies today. I personally still love the live action puppeteering over CGI l. So, I might be a albeit bias when it comes to the character. I highly recommend giving it a go.
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10/10
Excellent movie!!!
sano_suke319 January 2004
A Gnome Named Gnorm is an excellent movie, with great direction, screenplay, and voice acting. The plot captures the viewer's interest from beginning to end. It is a fun adventure for the whole family. Satisfaction guaranteed! Three thumbs up!!
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9/10
Amazing film that thankfully is still alive for people like me to watch.
christenburroughs13 January 2019
I grew up with strange and unusual films like this as a child and for what it's worth it's still one of my top 3 movies. Im 33yrs old and I still talk about this film to others. Amazing work of every end of the spectrum. We need less CgI and more puppeteers again. I'm willing to work for this happening is someone else is. Just look me up. My name is Christen Burroughs from Roanoke VA.
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10/10
Pooka
jessicaferrill22 May 2019
I absolutely love this movie. I watched it when I was 4 years old when it came out. Funny and I wished they made a part 2. My kids now think its hilarious.
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