#SHOWBIZ: A bit of a blue mess
But after years of mixed cinematic outings, does this latest foray capture the whimsical charm that has captivated generations, or is it another attempt to capitalise on a classic franchise?
Directed by Chris Miller and boasting a voice cast like Rihanna as a feisty Smurfette and James Corden as the rather aptly named No Name Smurf, this iteration doesn't lack star power.
The animation itself is a visual treat – bright, colourful, and a delightful departure from the somewhat jarring live-action/CGI hybrids of yesteryear.
On the large cinema screen, the Smurf Village and their perilous journeys are rendered with appealing detail, which might just be enough to enchant young viewers.
So is the new "Smurfs" movie something that fans and families should check out?
While some audience members might be more forgiving, finding some entertainment in its simple shenanigans, other critical viewers might find the storyline a bit of a blue mess.
The narrative centres on No Name Smurf's quest for identity, intertwined with a mission to rescue Papa Smurf from the clutches of the mischievous Gargamel and his equally malevolent brother, Razamel.
The plot attempts to introduce new lore and even dabbles in the multiverse concept, but it often feels convoluted and lacking in wit or substance.
The theme of self-discovery, while admirable, gets lost amid the quest.
The pacing, too, is a mixed bag depending on your patience .
While some might argue that it maintains a brisk enough clip to hold a child's attention, others might lament periods of tedium, particularly between the more animated sequences and the film's musical numbers.
While Rihanna's Smurfette does lend her vocal talents, the songs don't always integrate into the adventure.
As for the action scenes, they are present, certainly, but few are memorable.
The film relies more on general adventurous antics than set pieces.
And while the voice cast is A-list, their performances can be described as serviceable rather than standout.
When measured against its predecessors, this 2025 "Smurfs" fares surprisingly well compared with previous cinematic outings.
It's not that this new movie is brilliant. Rather, its perceived quality is boosted by the subpar production and storylines of prior Smurfs films.
And for those who grew up with the classic cartoon series, this latest offering might feel off-key.
It struggles to recapture the simple charm, the gentle humour and the enduring heart of the original tales.
The new elements and the pursuit of a grander adventure can dilute the essence that made the "Smurfs" so endearing in the first place.
For families with very young children seeking vibrant visuals and a straightforward, if somewhat uninspired, adventure, "Smurfs" (2025) might provide an hour and a half of distraction.
But for anyone hoping for an engaging, laugh-out-loud, or nostalgically resonant cinematic experience, it might be best to just revisit the animated series instead.
This Smurfy adventure, while visually appealing, often feels like a missed opportunity to bring the little blue creatures back to their glorious roots.
SMURFS
Directed by Chris Miller
Featuring the voice talents of Rihanna, Amy Sedaris, James Corden, Kurt Russell, John Goodman
Duration: 92 mins
Classification: P12
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