Film Review – Smurfs (2025)

The Smurfs have been around for nearly 70 years, explored through most forms of media, including a highly successful cartoon series in the 1980s and various cinematic efforts, the last released in 2017. It’s been very strange to watch Paramount Pictures figure out how to sell a new Smurfs movie to today’s kids, electing to put 100% of their marketing might behind the casting of pop singer Rhianna as the voice of Smurfette, plastering her name everywhere they possibly can. Apparently The Smurfs and their extended hold on pop culture isn’t enough to excite potential viewers anymore. However, after seeing “Smurfs,” perhaps the studio is fully aware of what they’re doing, pushing to deflect attention from the film itself, which is missing a tremendous amount of charm and enjoyable comedy. Director Chris Miller (“Shrek the Third,” “Puss in Boots”) chases other animated offerings with the endeavor, limiting the natural appeal of the source material to create a wearisome picture that’s a blend of “Trolls” and “Inside Out.” Read the rest at Blu-ray.com