Carl Roberts 
The lovable blue creatures return in the new animation/live-action hybrid version of Smurfs. But is it a winning return for the franchise?
Smurfs is a reboot of the popular characters. The movie is a hybrid of animation with a mixture of live-action locations. Based on the characters created by Peyo, this new version of the franchise is directed by Chris Miller and written by Pam Brady. Featuring the voice talents of Rihanna (who also produces the film). James Corden, Nick Offerman, and JP Karliak (in a dual role). Daniel Levy, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh. Jimmy Kimmel, Octavia Spencer, Nick Kroll, Hannah Waddingham. Alex Winter, Maya Erskine, Kurt Russell, and John Goodman, the film hits screens this weekend. But can the film bring the characters back in an enjoyable way? Or is the film as flat as a squashed Smurf-filled mushroom home?
PREMISE
When Papa Smurf is mysteriously taken by evil wizards Gargamel and his brother Razamel, Smurfette 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.
THOUGHTS
I’m saddened to report that the film is a total mess. Despite some amusing moments during the running time, it is far from memorable. The film feels almost like an extended Rihanna music video throughout. Gone is the charm and fun that the franchise and characters possess. Instead, we get an updated, modern take that is barren, soulless and completely clueless. The argument could be made that the film and characters have moved on with the times. But the franchise didn’t need to. Throw in the fact that Gargamel, always the bumbling villain to the Smurfs, is portrayed here as a sad anti-villain for the most part, and the crux of the franchise has been removed.
THE PLOT
The plot (what little there is) concerns a missing magical book, Jaunty (Amy Sedaris), that has been hidden in the Smurfs’ village. The evil brother of Gargamel, Razamel (both voiced by JP Karliak), is hunting the book to reunite it with three others held by Asmodius (Octavia Spencer), Chernobog (Nick Kroll) and Jezebeth (Hannah Waddingham), three evil intergalactic wizards and return to their side as equals. Meanwhile, No-Name Smurf (James Cordon) is seeking his own identity within the village. After Jaunty gives him the power of magic, No-Name opens a portal that Razamel detects, leading him to the village and abducting Papa Smurf (John Goodman).
It is up to Smurfette (Rihanna), No-Name and a bunch of others, including Turtle (Marshmello), to enter our world in the search for Papa and to rescue him. Landing in Paris, the group are discovered by Moxie Smurf (Sandra Oh) and led to Ken (Nick Offerman), Papa’s brother. He joins them in their quest to rescue Papa, defeat Razamel, and save everyone from evil. Considering the Smurfs have to go to Ken’s lair via a club which happens to be playing Rihanna’s hit song ‘Please Don’t Stop The Music’, tells you everything you need to know about who is really in charge of the film. Both on screen and behind the scenes of the production.
THE VOCAL CAST
While the vocal cast delivers strong performances, giving their all to their respective characters, the film is, in reality, only bothered about Smurfette and No-Name. The pair are front and centre throughout, with everyone else only getting a brief look in when they’re lucky. The two songs in the film are performed by Rihanna and James Corden, indicating that the film isn’t geared towards anyone except the pairing. This is a travesty with a voice cast containing so many big names. Kurt Russell as Ron, Ken and Papa’s brother is barely used, seen or heard for almost all of the film. Why cast the legendary actor in the movie if you’re not going to use his voice or give his character anything to do?
DIRECTION AND WRITING
The direction from Chris Miller is, as always, brilliantly realised. Miller, no stranger to animated movie directing, once again proves he is adept at handling the task with ease. The problem, apart from the overriding domination of Rihanna, comes in the script from Pam Brady. Peyo would be turning in his grave if he knew what had been done to his beloved characters here. Updating the characters and the franchise for the modern age is one thing. Ripping the life, heart and soul out of it, making it PC is another. Instead of writing an enjoyable, heartfelt piece of entertainment for the whole family, we get a diluted, eye-rolling piece of disposable entertainment. One that we won’t fondly remember any time soon.
VERDICT
This isn’t so much a Smurfs movie. This is a massage to Rihanna’s ego. Not only does she lead the cast as Smurfette and produce the film, but she also contributes most to the soundtrack of the film. While the animation style is inspired by Peyo’s drawings of the characters, to the film’s credit, the music hinders it. Throw in the fact that almost all of the characters, besides Smurfette and No-Name, are relegated to the background for most of the film, and you quickly get bored with the film. There is almost no joy to be had here—just the stroking of two egos out of control.
The film tries hard to out-troll the Trolls franchise. But in doing so, it forgets the cardinal rule: give the audience some fun and enjoyment along the way. While the younger children will inevitably lap it up in their droves, the adults face the daunting task of sitting there for ninety minutes and enduring the film. By the time the end credits roll, parents will be heading for the exits as fast as they can to leave the film behind. An empty, heartless, uninspiring, hollow shell of a movie. Without a doubt, it will leave you feeling blue.
Smurfs will be in cinemas from July 18th.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
I thought the movie was great and funny and amazing and the characters and the other things where great too the hole movie set was great I enjoyed it I hope they make other movie too