by admin | Aug 1, 2025 | Articles, Moviephone Articles
Black Panther in Marvel Animation’s ‘Eyes of Wakanda’, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel. © 2025 MARVEL. All Rights Reserved.
‘Eyes of Wakanda’ receives 7.5 out of 10 stars.
Arriving on Disney+ on August 1st, ‘Eyes of Wakanda’ represents both the latest animated offering from the sprawling Marvel Cinematic Universe and another spin-off from Ryan Coogler’s successful ‘Black Panther’ movies.
The series, directed and executive produced by close Coogler collaborator Todd Harris (‘Sinners’, features the voices of Cress Williams (‘Black Lightning’), Winnie Harlow (‘The Perfect Find’), Anika Noni Rose (‘The Princess and the Frog’), Steve Toussaint (‘House of the Dragon’) and more.
Related Article: ‘Ironheart’ TV review
Initial Thoughts
Memnon (Larry Herron) jumping to scale the walls of Troy in Marvel Animation’s ‘Eyes of Wakanda’, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel. © 2025 MARVEL. All Rights Reserved.
If ‘Ironheart’ was a decently entertaining spin-off featuring the character of Riri Williams, a comic character who got her MCU big screen introduction in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ but got lost in the shuffle of that busy sequel, ‘Eyes of Wakanda’ goes further and broader in a way only animation can achieve.
This series presents as an anthology show set across different time periods, but is ultimately linked by the presence of the Hatut Zaraze –– the “War Dog” operatives who undertake special covert missions outside of Wakanda’s borders (you might recall Lupita Nyong’o’s Nakia as one such agent in the original ‘Black Panther’.
The links go deeper than that, but we won’t spoil anything here.
Script and Direction
The Lion (Cress Williams) in Marvel Animation’s ‘Eyes of Wakanda’, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel.© 2025 MARVEL. All Rights Reserved.
Under the guidance of Harris (with Coogler on hand to offer input) and lead writer Geoffrey Thorne, the series is an entertaining, ambitious look at the War Dogs through different chunks of history, from ancient China to the battle of Troy.
While the stakes are high, the scripts are leavened with wit and lighter touches, and even offer an intriguing new avenue to one character whose legacy is not exactly beloved by Marvel fans. We won’t specify who exactly, but suffice to say they made their screen debut back in the Netflix days, and are presented in very different form here.
‘Eyes of Wakanda’s stories hang together well, and the battles features are exciting. The style of the show certainly fits with ‘Black Panther’s existing design framework and expands the look to include historical touches and inventive tech.
Cast and Performances
The Lion (Cress Williams) in Marvel Animation’s ‘Eyes of Wakanda’, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel.© 2025 MARVEL. All Rights Reserved.
Highlights from the voice cast including Winnie Harlow as Noni, a rebellious former Dora Milaje whose mission is effectively her job interview for the War Dogs, and Cress Williams, who plays a few characters, with the focus on The Lion, a former Wakandan warrior who has turned to the life of a pirate.
Elsewhere, there is good work from the likes of Steve Toussaint and Jona Xiao –– but again, we can’t talk about her character.
Final Thoughts
(L-R): Noni (Winnie Harlow) and The Lion (Cress Williams) in Marvel Animation’s ‘Eyes of Wakanda’, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel.© 2025 MARVEL. All Rights Reserved.
Though the major link between the stories aren’t immediately apparent, there is enough connective tissue and watchability within the separate episodes to make them all worth watching.
You don’t really have to have seen anything beyond ‘Black Panther’ to enjoy it, and it’s a healthy dose of diversity within the MCU.
“Every mission shapes a legacy.”
What’s the plot of ‘Eyes of Wakanda’?
Follow the adventures of brave Wakandan warriors throughout history in this globe-trotting adventure where they must carry out dangerous missions to retrieve Vibranium artifacts from the enemies of Wakanda.
They are the Hatut Zaraze and this is their story.
Who stars in ‘Eyes of Wakanda’?
- Winnie Harlow as Noni
- Cress Williams as The Lion
- Danai Gurira as Okoye
- Larry Herron as Memnon
Members of the Dora Milaje in Marvel Animation’s ‘Eyes of Wakanda’, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel. © 2025 MARVEL. All Rights Reserved.
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by admin | Jul 31, 2025 | Articles, Moviephone Articles
(L to R) Alison Brie and Dave Franco in ‘Together’. Photo: Neon.
‘Together’ receives 8.5 out of 10 stars.
Opening in theaters July 30 is ‘Together,’ written and directed by Michael Shanks and starring Dave Franco, Alison Brie, Damon Herriman, and Mia Morrissey.
Related Article: Alison Brie and Dave Franco Talk Director Michael Shanks’ ‘Together’
Initial Thoughts
(L to R) Alison Brie and Dave Franco in ‘Together’. Photo: Neon.
Real-life couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie star in ‘Together,’ the feature debut of writer-director Michael Shanks. A body horror thriller not too far removed from the early works of David Cronenberg – although the latter would take a more clinical approach – ‘Together’ touches on a number of ideas involving identity, relationships, and marriage, all filtered through a decidedly Lovecraftian supernatural premise.
And it all works quite well, thanks to Shanks’ smart script and confident direction, as well as the unbeatable chemistry that Brie and Franco have together. Their natural closeness with each other makes ‘Together’ poignant and believable even at its most grotesque moments – and there are quite a few of those.
Story and Direction
(L to R) Director Michael Shanks, Dave Franco and Alison Brie on the set of ‘Together’. Photo: Neon.
Millie (Alison Brie) accepts a teaching job in the country, meaning that she and longtime partner Tim (Dave Franco), an aspiring yet largely unsuccessful musician, must abandon their friends and city digs for a more bucolic lifestyle. Tim is reluctant to leave, which only adds to the strain on their already fraying and recently sexless relationship, and there are signs that both are not entirely committed to seeing this through together.
While hiking in the woods near their new home, the couple get lost in the rain and fall into a cave that contains the ruins of a chapel. After drinking water from a pool in the cave – and getting their legs stuck together by a strange substance – they return home only for Tim to find himself mysteriously and powerfully drawn to Millie physically. At one point, they have frantic, vigorous sex in a bathroom at her school, although the outcome is a lot more painful than expected.
It inevitably becomes clear that whatever the couple drank in that cave is causing them to physically merge with each other, a fate which might have befallen a couple that went missing there several weeks earlier. And despite their best – and most gruesome efforts – the two realize that there is almost nothing they can do to keep the process from happening.
(L to R) Dave Franco and Alison Brie in ‘Together’. Photo: Neon.
‘Together’ doesn’t hide its intent, and it’s the sheer horror of what’s occurring – leavened with a little black humor – that keeps the movie from being heavy-handed. But this is very much a film about what happens when one’s identity and life become so entwined with that of another person that it’s difficult to know where one ends and the other begins – in this case, literally. The way that co-dependent couples can burrow under each other’s skins or tear each other apart manifests in unsettlingly real terms.
For the most part, Shanks juggles it all exceptionally well, with the tone wavering only a bit in the third act as the prosthetics take over and a few broader laughs puncture the otherwise eerie atmosphere. The natural setting and ruined church all hint at forces beyond our understanding – as if love and identity themselves weren’t often difficult enough to comprehend.
Cast and Performances
(L to R) Dave Franco and Alison Brie in ‘Together’. Photo: Neon.
This is essentially a two-hander, and the leads leave it all out on the playing field. Even if you don’t know going in that Franco and Brie are married in real life, there’s a specific intimacy to their interactions that makes their distress – both before and after the cave – all the more acute.
Whatever real baggage they bring to the film is their business, but the characters feel genuine: Tim is unable to face getting older and leaving his adolescent rock star dreams behind, while Millie increasingly feels like she’s carrying the entire relationship om her shoulders and not being seen. The texture of their performances gives ‘Together’ that extra emotional oomph.
Final Thoughts
(L to R) Alison Brie and Dave Franco in ‘Together’. Photo: Neon.
‘Together’ works as both a relationship drama and a crowd-pleasing horror rave-up; there are scenes in the film that should get a packed house gasping and hollering. But there’s a lot going on under the surface as well, and the movie merges – so to speak — its themes and its visceral effects together almost seamlessly before concluding on a perfectly ambiguous note.
“Join us.”
Showtimes & Tickets
With a move to the countryside already testing the limits of a couple’s relationship, a supernatural encounter begins an extreme transformation of their love, their… Read the Plot
What is the plot of ‘Together’?
Years into their relationship, Tim and Millie (Dave Franco and Alison Brie) find themselves at a crossroads as they move to the country, abandoning all that is familiar in their lives except each other. With tensions already flaring, a nightmarish encounter with a mysterious, unnatural force threatens to corrupt their lives, their love, and their flesh.
Who is in the cast of ‘Together’?
(L to R) Alison Brie and Dave Franco in ‘Together’. Photo: Neon.
List of Movies featuring Alison Brie and Dave Franco:
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by admin | Jul 30, 2025 | Articles, Moviephone Articles
(L to R) Tiana Okoye as Dollface, Anthony Mackie as John Doe in ‘Twisted Metal’ Season 2. Photo: Pief Weyman/PEACOCK.
‘Twisted Metal’ Season 2 receives 7.5 out of 10 stars.
Arriving on Peacock on July 31st with the first three episodes (and new episodes landing every Thursday through August 28th), ‘Twisted Metal’s second season drives in with the same level of chaotic brio as with the first.
Starring Anthony Mackie (‘Captain America: Brave New World’), the cast also includes Stephanie Beatriz (‘Encanto’), Anthony Carrigan (‘Barry’), Saylor Bell Curda (‘Walker’) and Tiana Okoye (‘The Valet’).
Related Article: Who Will Be on Sam Wilson’s Avengers Team in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’?
Initial Thoughts
(L to R) Mike Mitchell as Stu, Joe Seanoa as Sweet Tooth in ‘Twisted Metal’ Season 2. Photo: Pief Weyman/PEACOCK.
First launched in 2023, ‘Twisted Metal’ is a wild, wacky, violent and creative adaptation of the PlayStation vehicular combat game franchise.
Can Season 2, which returns stars Anthony Mackie and Stephanie Beatriz, alongside hulking killer clown character Sweet Tooth and a host of new characters keep up the momentum?
Script and Direction
Richard De Klerk as Mr. Grimm in ‘Twisted Metal’ Season 2. Photo: Pief Weyman/PEACOCK.
Overseen by showrunner Michael Jonathan Smith, the second season of ‘Twisted Metal’ smartly doubles down on the crazed style and tone that made the first work.
This is never going to be Shakespeare, but the writing team deftly juggles over-the-top violence and a few more emotional twists. The introduction of a new group of racers in a tournament storyline is also handled well.
Plus, if you were hoping that the directorial side of things was still as visually inventive and entertaining: good news!
Cast and Performances
(L tor R) Richard De Klerk as Mr. Grimm, Saylor Bell Curda as Mayhem, Andre De Kim as Chuckie Floop, Tiana Okoye as Dollface, Stephanie Beatriz as Quiet, Johnno Wilson as Dave, Anthony Mackie as John Doe, Mike Mitchell as Stu, Tyler Johnston as Deacon, Patty Guggenheim as Raven, Joe Seanoa as Sweet Tooth in ‘Twisted Metal’ Season 2. Photo: Pief Weyman/PEACOCK.
Mackie and Beatriz continue to make a complementary, their banter and relationship issues relatable in a world gone mad.
And yes, while Sweet Tooth is still a largely one-note character, that note is an amusing one.
Of the new recruits, Saylor Bell Curda makes the most impact as Mayhem, a young woman who crashes into our heroes’ lives and serves to bring some extra tension.
Anthony Carrigan, meanwhile, is fun as loopy guru Calypso, who throws the tournament on the promise of granting the winner’s big wish.
Neve Campbell’s Raven has been written out (budget cuts, which also explains a move from New Orleans to Canada), but the introduction of a whole group of Ravens, led by Patty Guggenheim (who stole scenes as Madisynn in ‘She Hulk: Attorney at Law’) works superbly to replace her.
Final Thoughts
Stephanie Beatriz as Quiet in ‘Twisted Metal’ Season 2. Photo: Pief Weyman/PEACOCK.
The second lap for ‘Twisted Metal’ is just as much fun as the first, and fans can be reassured that the flare for destruction tempered by humanity is just as present here.
In a world where video game adaptations are on an upswing, this deserves to score more attention, even if it’ll never reach the depths of, say, ‘The Last of Us’ (not that it aims to).
“The tournament is here. Game on.”
What’s the plot of ‘Twisted Metal’ Season 2?
Following the revelations in the season one finale, John (Anthony Mackie) and Quiet (Stephanie Beatriz) find themselves entering the deadly Twisted Metal tournament, a sinister demolition derby hosted by a mysterious man known as Calypso (Anthony Carrigan).
As they try to survive an onslaught of dangerous new foes and familiar faces alike, including the murderous clown Sweet Tooth, things get complicated for John when he reunites with his long-lost sister, the vigilante Dollface (Tiana Okoye).
Who stars in ‘Twisted Metal’ Season 2?
- Anthony Mackie as John Doe
- Stephanie Beatriz as Quiet
- Joe Seanoa as Sweet Tooth
- Will Arnett as Sweet Tooth (voice)
- Anthony Carrigan as Calypso
- Tiana Okoye as Dollface
- Saylor Bell Curda as Mayhem
Anthony Carrigan as Calypso in ‘Twisted Metal’ Season 2. Photo: Pief Weyman/PEACOCK.
Video Game Adaptations Similar to ‘Twisted Metal’:
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by admin | Jul 29, 2025 | Articles, Moviephone Articles
Hege and Odin in FOLKTALES, a Magnolia Pictures release.
Photo credit: Lars Erlend Tubaas Øymo. Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.
‘Folktales’ receives 7 out of 10 stars.
Opening in theaters in New York on July 25th before releasing in Los Angeles and additional cities on August 1st, Rachel Grady and Heidi Ewing’s ‘Folktales’ offers a fascinating, emotional look at a very untraditional –– yet historic high school in Norway.
With life lessons including survival in arctic conditions and the care and training of sled dogs, it’s a different education, but clearly a valuable one.
Related Article: ‘Folktales’ Exclusive Clip
Initial Thoughts
Romain and Mjød in FOLKTALES, a Magnolia Pictures release. Photo credit: Tori Edvin Eliassen. Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.
Documentaries focused on the teen experience often fall into the category of stresses, strains and bad behavior, with some redemption to be found.
And while tempers can run high here, ‘Folktales’ instead chooses to focus on the educational, spiritual and moral advantages of the Pasvik Folk High School in Norway, where youngsters are given training in survival, teamwork and self-esteem.
Script and Direction
Heidi Ewing, co-director of FOLKTALES, a Magnolia Pictures release. Photo credit: Mei Tao. Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.
Directors Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady have previously been behind the likes of ‘Jesus Camp’, ‘Endangered’ and ‘The Boys of Baraka’ and they certainly bring all their experience to bear here.
While ‘Folktales’ sometimes feels like it will slip from dreamlike into out-and-out sleepy, the gentle tone and unhurried narrative wins you over.
Cast and Performances
Bjørn Tore and Tigergutt in FOLKTALES, a Magnolia Pictures release. Photo credit: Tori Edvin Eliassen. Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.
The various teenagers that the directors choose to focus on are well selected; the likes of young Hege, dealing with grief and body issues, figures out her destiny among the sled dogs who form a crucible part of the syllabus.
Romain, meanwhile, discovers the confidence he needs after previously quitting the course because of the pressures of the wilderness and his own emotional issues.
If there’s one issue to be raised it’s that trying to blend the story of the teens with that of the dogs sometimes sees competition rise –– you occasionally find yourself wishing the filmmakers would cut back to the animals rather than the whiny kids.
And we’d have to offer a trigger warning because the film doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of dealing with working animals.
Final Thoughts
A scene from FOLKTALES, a Magnolia Pictures release. Photo credit: Tori Edvin Eliassen. Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.
‘Folktales’ is a confident, uplifting and interesting look into a world many people outside Norway may never have heard about. For that reason, it’s more than worth tracking down –– even if you have to take a sled to your nearest theater.
Showtimes & Tickets
On the precipice of adulthood, teenagers converge at a traditional folk high school in Arctic Norway. Dropped at the edge of the world, they must rely on only themselves,… Read the Plot
What’s the story of ‘Folktales’?
On the precipice of adulthood, teenagers converge at a traditional folk high school in Arctic Norway. Dropped at the edge of the world, they must rely on only themselves, one another, and a loyal pack of sled dogs as they all grow in unexpected directions.
Theatrical one-sheet for FOLKTALES, a Magnolia Pictures release. Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.
Other Movies featuring dogs:
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by admin | Jul 27, 2025 | Articles, Moviephone Articles
Tom Sturridge as Dream in episode 210 of ‘The Sandman’. Photo: Ed Miller/Netflix © 2025.
‘The Sandman’ Season 2 Volume 2 receives 6.5 out of 10 stars.
Released on Netflix on July 24th, ‘The Sandman’s second season –– and the show itself –– wraps up with five final episodes (plus a stand-alone, adapting ‘Death: The High Cost of Living, which premieres on July 31st) focused on the moody, doomy character of Dream (Tom Sturridge, ‘On the Road’) as here he reckons with the fallout from his actions in the first part of the season.
Overseen by showrunner and executive producer Allan Heinberg (‘Wonder Woman’) the cast for the new season also includes Kirby (‘The Good Place’), Mason Alexander Park (‘National Anthem’), Esmé Creed-Miles (‘Hanna’), Adrian Lester (‘Mary Queen of Scots’) and Stephen Fry (‘Gosford Park’).
Related Article: ‘The Sandman’ Season 2: More Narrative Drive from the Lord of Dreams
Initial Thoughts
Mark Hamill as Merv Pumpkinhead in episode 210 of ‘The Sandman’. Photo: Netflix © 2025.
And so we reach the end (for now, it remains valuable IP) of the road for the TV incarnation of ‘The Sandman’. With the second volume of the second season now on our screens, it’s time to find out if the series sticks the landing.
Script and Direction
Esme Creed-Miles as Delirium in episode 210 of ‘The Sandman’. Photo: Ed Miller/Netflix © 2025.
Perhaps the biggest issue with the new run of episodes (something that could be levelled at the show as a whole) is one of pacing. There are endless (no pun intended) scenes of characters having weighty, doom-landed conversations in different fantastical locales.
There are certainly big, dramatic moments that occur in this second part of the season, but we can’t reveal what they are (if you’ve read the source material, you’ll know), but the build up to it and the fallout are less dramatically satisfying as they might be.
The series continues to look impressive, with some beautifully realized settings –– and director Jamie Childs has a real eye for an well-crafted shot.
Cast and Performances
(L to R) Jack Gleeson as Puck, Freddie Fox as Loki in episode 208 of ‘The Sandman’. Photo: Ed Miller/Netflix © 2025.
Tom Sturridge once more anchors the show as the stoic Dream, and he manages to make the character watchable and compelling.
There is memorable work from the rest of the Endless family, and the Fates (played by Nina Wadia, Souad Faress and Dinita Gohil) make for entertaining adversaries as they seek to see Dream answer for killing his own son.
Final Thoughts
(L to R) Souad Faress as Crone, Nina Wadia as The Mother, Razane Jammal as Lyta Hall, Dinita Gohil as The Maiden in episode 211 of ‘The Sandman’. Photo: Netflix © 2025.
While it is frustrating for the ‘Sandman’ adaptation to end with many stories left to consider –– the creative team’s claim that this was always the planned end point doesn’t totally fly, feeling more like PR spin following the fallout of creator Neil Gaiman’s misconduct and abuse allegations –– at least we got as much as we did.
Premium streaming TV was certainly a better choice of landing spot for this sprawling, complex tale than trying to squeeze chunks of it into a movie. And there remains much to recommended this show, however limited.
What’s the plot of ‘The Sandman’ Season 2 Volume 2?
After a fateful reunion with his family, Dream of the Endless (Tom Sturridge) must face one impossible decision after another as he attempts to save himself, his kingdom, and the waking world from the epic fallout of his past misdeeds.
To make amends, Dream must confront longtime friends and foes, gods, monsters, and mortals. But the path to forgiveness is full of unexpected twists and turns, and true absolution may cost Dream everything.
Who stars in ‘The Sandman’ Season 2 Volume 2?
- Tom Sturridge as Morpheus, the Lord of Dreams
- Kirby as Death
- Adrian Lester as Destiny
- Esmé Creed-Miles as Delirium
- Barry Sloane as The Prodigal
- Mason Alexander Park as Desire
- Ruairi O’Connor as Orpheus
- Freddie Fox as Loki
- Ann Skelly as Nuala
- Jack Gleeson as Puck
- Stephen Fry as Gilbert
Stephen Fry as Gilbert in episode 209 of ‘The Sandman’. Photo: Ed Miller/Netflix © 2025.
Movies and TV Shows Based on Vertigo Comics:
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by admin | Jul 16, 2025 | Articles, Moviephone Articles
(L to R) Hefty Smurf (Alex Winter), Vanity Smurf (Maya Erskine), Worry Smurf (Billie Lourd, Ken (Nick Offerman), Smurfette (Rihanna), No Name (James Corden), and Brainy Smurf (Xolo Mariduena) in ‘Smurfs’ from Paramount Animation. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
‘Smurfs’ receives a 4 out of 10 stars.
Coming exclusively to theaters on July 18th, it should come as no surprise to anyone that ‘Smurfs’ is geared towards a much younger audience.
Directed by Chris Miller, and featuring the voices of many talented actors including Rihanna (Smurfette), James Corden (No Name), Nick Offerman (Ken), and John Goodman (Papa Smurf), ‘Smurfs’ is designed to capture the hearts of its target audience, which is young children.
Related Article: ‘Mission Impossible’ and ‘The Running Man’ Lead the Paramount Presentation
Initial Thoughts
(L to R) No Name (James Corden) and Smurfette (Rihanna) in ‘Smurfs’ from Paramount Animation. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
‘Smurfs’ was made to introduce a whole new generation to to the lovable blue creatures that sometimes go up against evil wizards. On paper this concept might sound silly, but many of us grew up with our own version of the Smurfs, and it is nice that the younger generation has theirs now, as well.
Director Chris Miller knows his way around an animated feature, having worked on many including ‘Puss in Boots’ and ‘Shrek the Third’, so expectations were high going into this one.
Script and Direction
Director Chris Miller on the set of ‘Smurfs’ from Paramount Animation. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
One thing that every parent knows is that little kids do not have a long attention span. Because of that, animated features need to be able to keep their attention with bright colors, humor geared towards them, and action sequences. There needs to be something going on at all times or they will start to lose interest.
Something that ‘Smurfs’ does is keep moving, that is for sure, but because of this, it loses a lot of the explanation and exposition that is needed to properly tell the story. For those that do not know (or remember) the lore of Smurfs, some key plot points will not hit as hard – or even make sense.
Papa Smurf (John Goodman) in ‘Smurfs’ from Paramount Animation. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
The main message of the movie is taking the time to find your thing, and what you bring to the table. Smurfs have names based on their personality traits. For example, Brainy Smurf, Hefty Smurf, and Grouchy Smurf. No Name has tried thousands of things, but has not yet discovered what he is good at, which is why he is nameless at the start of the film.
The confusion comes with other Smurfs having names like Ron and Ken, so why doesn’t No Name at least have a regular name until he finds his thing? This is never explained and while kids probably will not pick up on it, parents are sure to be perplexed.
Director Chris Miller on the set of ‘Smurfs’ from Paramount Animation. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
The animation itself is simple enough, but looks great on the big screen. ‘Smurfs’ is bright, colorful, and vibrant. Even when scenes take place in the evil Gargamel and Razamel’s lairs, it never gets too dark or scary. Later in the film, the plot points find a way to let the animators explore a few different styles. This is the best scene in the movie. It’s equal parts fun and creative.
While adults are sure to be rolling their eyes at many of the corny dad jokes being told, kids will be cracking up. This movie leans into the type of humor that it knows its audience wants, for better or worse.
Cast and Performances
Ken (Nick Offerman) in ‘Smurfs’ from Paramount Animation. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
‘Smurfs’ has a star-studded cast that includes many of the greatest actors working today. With so many Smurfs in the village, some of them only have a line or two to deliver, but they all still bring their A-game.
John Goodman voices the beloved Papa Smurf. This character is very well known, which you would think would add some pressure to the role, but he voices him perfectly. John Goodman’s voice is soothing and very fatherly that it instantly works.
James Corden does a great job as No Name, who is struggling throughout most of the movie. He brings a timidness to him that is needed to believe his journey. One of the most memorable characters is Mama Poot, voiced by the always hilarious Natasha Lyonne. She knows how to deliver a punchline, even if the line written is silly.
Rihanna in “Friend Of Mine” music video from ‘Smurfs’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
The trailers teased that this movie was going to be a musical, going so far as to cast the incredibly talented Rihanna in the lead as Smurfette. From the start, it was clear that music was going to be the main focus, and while there are some songs kids will be singing on repeat, none of them standout as the hits of the summer.
Rihanna does a decent job as Smurfette, making her a likable enough character who encourages No Name throughout the film. That said, the script she is given does the character no favors, causing her backstory to feel rushed and come out of nowhere. Still, Rihanna does what she can with what she is given.
Final Thoughts
(L to R) Papa Smurf (John Goodman), No Name (James Corden), Smurfette (Rihanna) and Brainy Smurf (Xolo Mariduena) in ‘Smurfs’ from Paramount Animation. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
‘Smurfs’ is a good introduction to these characters for a new generation, but it is also lacking so much of what older generations love about them. The story is rushed and lacks a lot of explanation that is needed in order for it to make sense. It isn’t all bad though as the animation is pretty, Rihanna can sing (we all know that), and the messages of never giving up on yourself are important.
Despite a script filled with dad jokes that will land with the kids and leave adults rolling their eyes, it has its moments. If there were to be more movies in the franchise, kids will surely gobble them right up.
Say what you will, ‘Smurfs’ certainly knows what its target audience wants, and delivers on it.
“Adventure comes out of the blue.”
Showtimes & Tickets
When Papa Smurf is mysteriously taken by evil wizards, Razamel and Gargamel, Smurfette leads the Smurfs on a mission into the real world to save him. With the help… Read the Plot
What’s the story of ‘Smurfs’?
When Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is mysteriously taken by evil wizards, Razamel and Gargamel, Smurfette (Rihanna) leads the Smurfs on a mission into the real world to save him. With the help of new friends, the Smurfs must discover what defines their destiny to save the universe.
Who is the cast of ‘Smurfs’?
(L to R) Papa Smurf (John Goodman) and No Name (James Corden) in ‘Smurfs’ from Paramount Animation. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
List of Movies featuring the Smurfs:
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