The Smurfs have left the comfort of their mushroom homes and the small screen and have ventured, once again, into theaters. These lovable blue creatures, recognizable across generations since 2011’s The Smurfs, are back to entertain children and their nostalgic parents alike.
When Smurfette, the beloved female Smurf within Smurf Village, is kidnapped by the evil wizard Gargamel (Hank Azaria), four Smurfs leave their safe and joyous village for the real world in hopes of rescuing her. Once reunited with their human friends Patrick (Neal Patrick Harris) and Grace (Jayma Mays), they fight Gargamel’s newest creations, called Naughties, and try and convince Smurfette that she belongs back with her blue friends in Smurf Village.
As someone well outside the target audience for this film, it’s hard to review such a movie without seeming overly critical; but the movie lacks emotional depth, humor beyond slapstick jokes and gags, and the charm of the original 1980’s TV show. Jake Kitchener, who is not a part of the intended age group either, said, “I didn’t enjoy the movie, but the younger kids in the audience definitely did.” Parents, you may want to skip this movie for one you might enjoy alongside your kids in fact, the classic Saturday morning cartoon still plays on Boomerang, and may be more worthy of you and your kids’ time.
Starring: Hank Azaria, Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays
Running time: 105 minutes
Rated PG for some rude humor and action
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