(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.
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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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