Latest news with #Smurfette
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: A bit of a blue mess
THE vibrant, pint-sized inhabitants of the forest are on the big screen once more with the fully animated new "Smurfs" movie, a 2025 reboot that seeks to rekindle the magic of Peyo's beloved creations. 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
Hype Malaysia
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Longines, Fenty Beauty, UNIQLO & More: New Fashion & Beauty Must-Haves To Keep You Snatched & Radiant!
New launches just dropped and they are worth the hype. From bold beauty collabs to cool fashion finds and skincare staples, these fresh picks deserve a spot in your routine. Let's dive into what's new and trending. Fenty Beauty Rihanna is officially taking us to Smurf Village with the launch of the limited-edition Smurf Crew Collection, created in celebration of her upcoming role as Smurfette. This playful collaboration between Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, and Fenty Hair delivers everything from shimmering lip glosses and velvety liquid lipsticks to a daisy-shaped shimmer puff and Smurfberry-scented body cream. With vibrant hues, collector-worthy packaging, and fun add-ons like mushroom hair clips and disco ball keychain, the collection captures the sweet and bold spirit of Smurfette while staying true to Fenty's feel-good beauty philosophy. The Smurf Crew Collection is now available for a limited time only at Sephora, featuring lip gloss, liquid lipstick, shimmer puff, body cream and more in fun Smurfette-inspired packaging. UNIQLO UNIQLO returns with its third Studio Ghibli UT collection, My Dear, bringing the charm of beloved animations to life through wearable art. Launching as part of a long-running collaboration that began in 2022, this latest drop features 14 unique designs inspired by iconic Ghibli films and illustrations by Thai artist Kanyada Phatan and Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki. Whether you are drawn to the quiet magic of My Neighbor Totoro or the mystery of Spirited Away, the collection captures Ghibli's emotional storytelling in styles you can wear all season long. The My Dear UT Collection is available now at all UNIQLO stores in Malaysia and online, with prices starting from RM39.90 for kids and RM59.90 to RM129.90 for men's T-shirts and sweatshirts. Supergoop! Supergoop! just dropped two new glow-boosting SPF essentials. The Glowscreen Drops Mineral SPF 40 is a lightweight tinted sunscreen that hydrates, brightens and gives skin a soft, natural glow with ingredients like blue pea flower and strawberry oil. It suits all skin types and comes in two shades. For on-the-go radiance, try the Glowscreen Sunlighter Stick SPF 45. This tinted stick adds a sun-kissed finish while moisturising the skin with hyaluronic and turmeric. It is perfect for quick touch-ups or SPF reapplication anytime. The Glowscreen Drops Mineral SPF 40 and Glowscreen Sunlighter Stick SPF 45 are now available in two shades each at Sephora for a limited time only. PUMA A$AP Rocky teams up with PUMA once again to deliver his most expansive collection yet, packed with streetwear attitude and motorsport flair. The lineup includes reimagined sneaker icons like the Mostro Gabbia and Inhale Reflective, alongside bold pieces like cropped baby tees, dark denim shorts, and a statement-making toolbox bag. Reflective detailing and playful graphics bring Rocky's creative vision to life, fusing speed, style, and personality in every item. The A$AP Rocky x PUMA collection is available now with prices ranging from RM249 to RM1,119 at PUMA stores, online and selected PUMA retailers. Paula's Choice If your skincare routine feels overwhelming, this cult favourite might just be the only step you need. The Paula's Choice 2 percent BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a gentle leave-on treatment that unclogs pores, smooths rough texture, and reveals your skin's natural glow. Unlike gritty scrubs or harsh tools, it uses salicylic acid to sweep away dead skin cells and reduce breakouts, all without causing redness or irritation. Whether you are new to skincare or looking to upgrade your glow game, this single product delivers visible results fast. Paula's Choice 2 percent BHA Liquid Exfoliant (118ml) is priced at RM189 and available now at Paula's Choice. Get 10 percent off sitewide and gifts with any purchase of the 2 percent BHA until 27th July 2025, while stocks last. Longines The Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925 is more than a timepiece. It is a celebration of 100 years of horological innovation and global connection. Inspired by the original 1925 dual time zone wristwatch, this anniversary edition features a 39 mm stainless steel case, a rotating bezel with a rose gold cap insert, and a sleek matt black dial with luminous rose-gold accents. Powered by the COCS-certified calibre L844.4, it offers precision, durability and the ability to track up to three time zones – perfect for the modern traveller who lives between cities and time zones. The Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925 is available now with a stainless steel bracelet or black NATO strap at Longines boutiques and authorised retailers worldwide.
Tom's Guide
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
When is 'Smurfs' streaming? Here's our best guess
The '80s are back (remember "Trolls"?) and that means the Smurfs are back, too. This new take on the classic blue crew comes from Paramount and Nickelodeon Movies, with Rihanna voicing Smurfette in a version that's way more modern than the last time you probably saw the classic toon. It just released in theaters, so if you're wanting to hear new Rihanna music or dance along in the aisles while the Smurfs turn every potential adjective into "Smurf" or "Smurfing" or some variant, you'll have to leave your home. Because as far as watching from home goes, there's no official streaming release date yet. That said, we can make a solid guess. If you'd rather skip the theater, you likely won't have to wait much longer. Here's what we know about its home release schedule so far. Looking to get your Smurf on? Right now, the only way to do so is by heading to the local cineplex. "Smurfs" is playing exclusively in theaters following its release on July 18. There's no confirmed digital or streaming release date yet, but based on typical patterns for Paramount films, we can make an educated guess about when the movie will be available to watch at home. Paramount generally follows a 45-day theatrical window before making its movies available to purchase or rent on digital platforms like Amazon's Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. That puts "Smurfs" on track for a digital release sometime in late August 2025, possibly around Aug. 26. After that, it's likely to begin streaming on Paramount Plus around mid-September. This two-month post-theatrical timeline mirrors what we've seen with other recent Paramount movies like "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem." Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. We'll update this page if there are any changes or official confirmations, as there have yet to be any from Paramount itself just yet. "Smurfs" reimagines the classic cartoon and this time centers on Smurfette (Rihanna), who begins to question who she is in a world where every other Smurf seems to have a clear role: Baker Smurf bakes, Brainy Smurf thinks, but what exactly does she do? That leads Smurfette to set off on a journey of self-discovery that takes her beyond the village she calls home. Along the way, she teams up with some familiar faces as well as some new allies to stop a dark and mysterious threat (spooky!) and uncover long-buried secrets about the Smurfs' origins. Oh, and let's not forget: It's a musical. So if you didn't like that about the "Trolls" revival, it might not be the nostalgic return that you're looking for, but you might want to stick around anyway, because, well, Rih.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Seeing the ‘Smurfs' movie with my daughter took me right back to Saturday morning cartoons
The new film brought back childhood memories for the adults. Hello, Yahoo readers. I'm Suzy Byrne, and I've been covering entertainment in this space for over a decade. I'll be the first to tell you I'm no hardcore cinema buff. Since I had a child, though, I've made it a point to see as many kid-friendly movies as possible. Maybe it's because I'm a big kid ✔ and love a cheerful ending ✔. But also, as a busy working parent, is there greater joy than getting two hours to turn off your phone and put up your feet while your child is fully entertained?! So that's what this is — one entertainment reporter + her 10-year-old child + friends seeing family-friendly fare, indulging in film-themed treats and replying all to you about the experience. Welcome to Kids' Movie Club. Now playing: Sometimes my kid picks the movie we sit down to watch, like Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires and A Minecraft Movie. Other times, it's my inner child calling the shots — the one who grew up religiously watching The Smurfs during Saturday morning cartoons back in the day. I may groan about the sequels and remakes now playing these days, but there's a certain comfort in familiarity. The two moms I went to the theater with also felt that nostalgic pull. As I reclined my seat and dropped my hand into the greasy popcorn bowl (hey, didn't I say no butter?), I'm taken right into that world — in this case, the one where little blue creatures, three apples high, live in a colorful, hidden mushroom village and dodge villains in patched robes with feisty cats. Yes, this mostly animated, part-live-action flick is one as much for the grown-ups as the kids. Case in point: Rihanna voices Smurfette and debuts new music. That flew right over the heads of the 6-year-olds in the theater, but the adults and the Rih Navy? Very aware. There are also bleeped bad words and Smurfette talking about what happens to 'handsy' men. There are jokes about forgetting to unmute on work video calls and, for '80s kids, a cover of '80s goddess Belinda Carlisle's hit 'Heaven Is a Place on Earth.' In the PG flick, clocking in at 1 hour, 29 minutes and featuring a star-studded voice cast, the kids enjoyed the free-flowing humor throughout. Though, for the other original watchers, not from Jokey Smurf, who's apparently been retired from the crew. A character giving everyone exploding boxes lands different in 2025. There's also an uplifting message about finding your purpose, as No Name (voiced by James Corden) tries to discover what he's good at — just like Brainy, Hefty and the rest of the largely blue man crew. The plot 🎬 The story jumps, skips and detours into chaos, but here's the general idea: No Name gets magical abilities from a talking book named Jaunty (Amy Sedaris). He shows them to Papa (John Goodman) — I've found my thing! — and in doing so alerts Gargamel's even more sinister brother Razamel (both wizards voiced by JP Karliak) as to the location of the Smurfs' village. Papa Smurf gets Smurfnapped, prompting Smurfette and No Name to go on a Smurfs world tour — to France, Germany and Australia — to try and get him back. Along the way, they meet a dizzying number of new characters — Papa's brother Ken (Nick Offerman), friend Ron (Kurt Russell), the furry but fierce Snooterpoots, the Alliance of Evil Wizards and the International Neighborhood Watch Smurfs — who require an org chart to keep straight. Our viewing party 🍿 Three moms, three 10-year-old girls and my husband, who slept through a good portion of the film but somehow remembered every plot point better than the rest of us. The theater was out of blue slushies, but we survived — like true '80s latchkey kids who got themselves up, fixed their own breakfast (Smurf Berry Crunch, anyone?) and made it to school on their own. It was a cozy scene: My daughter had won Smurf plushies for the other kids in a claw machine while on vacation, so they all had those friends. (More stuffies! 🙄) One girl even brought her blanket from home. Parts that had the kids talking 👧🏻👧🏻👧🏻 Smurfette didn't have that much to do beyond being supportive, but the kids were still stans. They enjoyed learning her backstory about Gargamel making her from clay to sow discord among the Smurfs. She later had a mic-drop moment with the villains, saying just because she was created by someone bad doesn't mean she has to be: 'Who I am is up to me.' Other Smurfette highlights included when she momentarily had an orange beard, stress ate all the fries and told the baddies that they needed therapy and a hug. Sound Effects Smurf (Spencer X) got laughs — especially now that the kids are of the age where they know most curse words — beeping out words like: 'I don't know what the [bleep] I was thinking' and 'Kick [bleep] Smurf.' Razamel's eventual takedown had them howling: He was sent airborne, and his clothes flew off. Other hits: Azrael (Rachel Butera) being turned into a gryphon to help Gargamel escape the castle and the dance numbers. I mean, when isn't a dance party to Rihanna a good idea? 'Please Don't Stop the Music' — ever. Parts that had the adults talking 👩🏻👩🏻👩🏻🙎🏻♂️ The sequence with Smurfette and No Name moved through different animation styles, including Claymation and an old-school video game. It was an animator's flex. Natasha Lyonne as Mama Poot. My friend knew it was the actress from the first syllable she uttered with that distinctive voice. A portal plot point. Again. It seems like nearly every kid-friendly summer movie have one. Whether or not Gargamel was always a brother. Apparently, Razamel is new. So are the four books, including Jaunty, which maintain balance in the universe. And was there always a Smurf language, where 'smurf' was substituted for random nouns, verbs and adjectives? Yup. The moral messaging may have been laid on thick— 'There's more magic in you than you think' and 'Kindness always wins' — but I'll take the positivity. We also swapped Smurf merch memories: Who had the firefighter figurine that had a real pump? Who owned The Smurfette book? And we talked about who dared to try Smurf Berry Crunch, which we agreed was probably 70% sugar and 30% blue dye. (No wonder it had a short run.) Appropriateness 🚽 It was fine for our crew of kids, but there was some violence (villains, kidnappings, fights), a lot of name-calling (stupid, imbecile, etc.) and toilet talk ('I smurfed my pants), and the aforementioned censored curse words. Also: unnecessary cat hate. Razamel wasn't a fan of his brother's feline. Honestly, justice for Azrael. Stay for the credits? 🎞️ Yes — there's a mid-credits scene with Gargamel and his assistant Joel (Dan Levy) hinting at 'unfinished business' with the Smurfs. Trailers 🎥 They got the kids laughing before the movie even started and the sugar kicked in. The biggest hit was The Cat in the Hat (out Feb. 27), starring Bill Hader. There's a popcorn explosion, pepper spray retribution and a 'toot fart.' My crew loves a fart joke, so I might as well preorder those tickets now. Solve the daily Crossword
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘They all looked the same, they all dressed the same': the betrayal of the Smurfs' communist roots
Smurfs, a new Paramount Pictures CGI-spectacle directed by Chris Miller, has received an all-round critical panning and faltered at the box office. But it does a serviceable job reminding viewers of the utter strangeness of the three-apples-tall characters originally conceived of by Belgian comic artist Pierre 'Peyo' Culliford in 1958. In the film, James Corden voices No Name Smurf, who experiences existential angst because unlike the other inhabitants of Smurf Village – Brainy, Grouchy, Hefty etc – he does not 'have his own thing', a skill or character trait that makes him stand out. This special trait is eventually identified as 'magic' and No Name is pressed – by a serenading Rihanna-voiced Smurfette – to realise his inner USP and 'don't let anyone ever say you are not anyone' and accept that 'you were born great'. An identity crisis might be a relatively novel experience for the motormouthed British actor, but it is certainly a first in the 67-year history of Peyo's blue cosmos. In fact, it may be a contradiction in terms: to be a good Smurf, in the proto-communist vision of the original comics, was to never elevate your own personality above the collective. Of Smurf Village's original 100 inhabitants, says French sociologist and Smurfologist Antoine Buéno, 'About 90% were totally indistinguishable. They all looked the same, they were all dressed the same.' While some Smurfs were identified by name, he says, this was usually through a skill that is related to how he (all of the original Smurfs were male) is useful to the community. 'The Smurfian society is an archetypal corporatist society, meaning that each Smurf that is identified represents a social function.' In Miller's latest reboot of the franchise, unleashing your true inner self is presented as the key to overcoming a problem – in Peyo's original book, it is the root of all evil. 'In the comics, each time a Smurf tries to be an individual, it creates a catastrophe,' Buéno says. For instance, in the second book of the original series, 1965's Le Schtroumpfissime (King Smurf), the inhabitants of the village hold a vote for an interim leader in the absence of Papa Smurf, but democracy does not become them. One nameless Smurf realises he can play the system by making promises he can't keep to each of his potential voters, and wins. But once elected, he rules as an autocrat, installing an oppressive regime marshalled by Hefty Smurf and forcing the other Smurfs to build him a palace. The book was translated into Dutch as De Smurführer. 'All bad comes from individuality, which is also linked with private property', says Buéno. 'Each time private property is claimed in the village, it ruins the whole balance of the society.' The 2011 book in which Buéno explored the hidden ideological underpinnings of Peyo's fictional world, Le Petit Livre Bleu: Analyse Critique et Politique de la Société des Schtroumpfs, triggered a bitter backlash from true blue fans, and is wilfully polemical in the way it spells out political allusions that the comics never make explicit. The revolutionary connotations of the Phrygian caps (red for Papa, white for all the rest) are plausible, the identification of bearded Papa Smurf as Marx and bespectacled Brainy as Trotsky perhaps less so. The search for messages hidden in the books may even have distracted from how genuinely original an exercise in storytelling the Smurfs were on the surface: a series of tales with 100 protagonists, of whom most look exactly the same, in which heroism lies in collective action. Speaking more than a decade after the publication of his Little Blue Book, Buéno sounds more balanced in his assessment. 'My theory was always that Peyo was not into politics at all', he says. 'But his genius was in creating a utopia that drew from our joint political history and coming up with images that spoke to everyone.' Using Smurf Village as an example of working socialism did not just die with the new reboot, it was washed out of the Smurfverse after Peyo sold the rights to his creation in the 1970s. 'For me, what we witnessed in the Smurfs is a perfect demonstration of Guy Debord's analysis of capitalism', says Buéno. 'Capitalism's strength lies in never frontally destroying its enemies, but taking them in and digesting them.'
