Smurfs Review: Chris Miller’s animated film on a Smurf’s identity crisis, finds itself unable to decide what it really wishes to be

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Plot

In the lively Smurfville, days are filled with dancing, singing, and festivities, overseen by Papa Smurf, played by John Goodman. Each Smurf possesses a distinct characteristic; Clumsy is clumsy, Brainy is smart, Grouchy is grumpy, and so forth. Yet, there’s one Smurf yet to find his calling, named No Name Smurf, portrayed by James Corden. However, during an unintended exploration, No Name stumbles upon mysterious powers, but this revelation inadvertently alerts the wicked sorcerer Razamel and his counterpart Gargamel.

As a lifestyle guru, I’d put it this way: A cunning group has snatched my dear friend Papa Smurf, aiming to get their hands on a potent magical book he’s safeguarding. Stepping up as the fearless leader, Smurfette (Rihanna) rallies No Name, Clumsy, Brainy, and other fellow Smurfs for a daring rescue mission.

Will the Smurfs save Papa Smurf? Has No Name discovered his true talents at last? Tune in to Smurfs to find out!

What Works for Smurfs

Smurfs manage to convey their messages succinctly, lasting only 90 minutes, making it ideal for modern viewers. The tempo remains lively, ensuring a constant stream of vibrant or amusing events on the screen. Certain instances stand out, such as No Name discovering magical abilities and Smurfette’s attempt to explain to him that he will eventually uncover his destiny.

The animation is full of life, with some particularly imaginative scenes, such as the one where No Name, Smurfette, and Razamel leap across dimensions, standing out. The final song in the movie features a mix of Hindi and English words, making for a pleasing listening experience.

What Doesn’t Work for Smurfs

Regrettably, it’s unclear who the Smurfs movie is intended for. Is it meant for young children who enjoy light-hearted humor, or mature viewers seeking a more complex narrative? The film appears to be grappling with its own identity, much like the enigmatic No Name Smurf, struggling between being a playful kids’ movie and an epic adventure. The storyline is disjointed, incorporating numerous ideas that fail to cohere effectively.

The story has some inconsistencies as well. For instance, it seems unrealistic that the magical book, which is critical, would accompany the Smurfs to the villain’s castle without any safeguards. The narrative hurries through crucial instances, omitting explanations that could provide clarity, particularly for younger viewers. These abrupt problems give the impression that the Smurfs movie is less enjoyable and more forgettable than it should be.

Watch the Smurfs Trailer

Voices in Smurfs

Rihanna’s performance as Smurfette sparkles, with her delightful and vivacious voice bringing life and zest to the character. James Corden’s portrayal of No Name is tender-hearted. John Goodman’s depiction of Papa Smurf exudes wisdom and warmth. The other voice actors in the movie deliver commendable performances as well. If the narrative had been more emotionally resonant, the exceptional voice acting would not have gone unnoticed.

Final Verdict of Smurfs

Smurfs is an assortment that offers a brief, vivid movie with some chuckles, but its muddled plot suggests the creators may not fully understand their intended audience. Despite excellent vocal performances and captivating visuals, the narrative falls short due to being only partially cooked.

For fans of Smurfs, this movie might be worth a watch, as there aren’t many other strong reasons to see it.

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2025-07-18 07:37