Title: Smurfs
Director: Chris Miller (co-director Matt Landon)
Writer: Pam Brady
(Voice) Cast: Rihanna, James Corden, Nick Offerman, JP Karliak, Daniel Levy, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, Jimmy Kimmel, Octavia Spencer, Nick Kroll, Hannah Waddingham, Alex Winter, Maya Erskine, Kurt Russell, John Goodman
Music: Henry Jackman
Run Time: 92 minutes
Smurfs after—The Smurfs (2011), The Smurfs 2 (2013), The Smurfs: The Lost Village (2017) —is a brand-new animated movie that brings back the little blue characters we all love—but this time, with more music, magic, and adventure than ever before! In this exciting story, Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is kidnapped by two evil wizard brothers named Gargamel and Razamel (JP Karliak for both). They want to steal a magical book called ‘Jaunty’ (Amy Sedaris), which can talk, cast spells, and even give powers to other Smurfs. When the book accidentally gives powers to a confused little No Name Smurf (James Corden), the Smurf village is exposed, and danger follows.
Now it’s up to Smurfette (voiced by singer Rihanna), the brave and kind-hearted Smurf, to lead the rescue mission. Smurfette and her friends travel out of their safe Smurf Village and into the human world to save Papa Smurf. They visit amazing places—including the city of Paris—and meet lots of new characters like Papa Smurf’s silly human brother Ken (Nick Offerman) and his warrior brother Ron (Kurt Russell). Along the way, they learn that the Smurfs aren’t just cute and tiny—they are the “Guardians of Good,” with a big role to play in protecting the universe!
The animation is super colourful and cool—it looks a bit like ‘Spider-Verse’ and has a range of animation techniques including 2D, 3D, live-action, pixel, etc. styles blended together. Every scene pops-up with bright colours, silly action, and magical surprises.
The movie is also packed with songs that help tell the story. Rihanna sings a fun and heartfelt song called “Friend of Mine,” and there are other catchy tracks too, with music from stars like DJ Khaled and Cardi B. Rihanna wrote and recorded an original song for the soundtrack of the film, “Friend of Mine”. Additionally, a new song titled “Higher Love” by Desi Trill which includes contributions from Cardi B, DJ Khaled, Natania, and Subhi. Smurfs Movie Soundtrack (Music From & Inspired By) new songs also featured contributions from James Fauntleroy, Lous and the Yakuza, Tyla and Shenseea, among others.
Smurfs may feel a little confusing in places since the story tries to do too many things at the same time. Nonetheless the music, animation, and the messaging about teamwork, bravery, and believing in thyself is something to take back home. Characters like Smurfette and No Name Smurf go through big changes, learning who they really are and how important they are to the team, a theme important for kids of the AI era.
If you like magical adventures, singing, laughing, and watching the Smurfs do something totally new, ‘Smurfs’ might be your new favourite movie. It’s exciting, funny, a little bit wacky—and full of Smurf-tastic fun!
