The Smurfs Return in Their Greatest Adventure Yet!
When was the last time you made a trip back to Smurf Village? With a history that spans almost 70 years, there’s an era of Smurfs that pretty much everyone can identify with. For me, I grew up watching reruns of the animated series from the 80s, which my sisters watched religiously, along with fellow animated series, Adventures of the Gummi Bears and Care Bears. There’s something nostalgic and cozy about the Smurfs’ adventures as they face off against the evil wizard Gargamel; so much so that even my mother was excited when trailers for their latest film began to air.
It’s been just over a decade since the last theatrical outing from these hilarious blue creatures; however, it was well worth the wait. Written by Pam Brady (South Park, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants), Smurfs sees these beloved characters thrust into a multiverse of magic and mayhem. Director Chris Miller, who has a long history of working on animated projects such as Shrek 1-3 and Puss in Boots, brings the Smurfs out of the 50s and spins a new story for modern audiences. Blending musical with laughter and some fantasy elements, Smurfs has something for everyone in the family to appreciate!
[Warning: Spoilers from Paramount’s Smurfs are below!]
Out of Smurf village and into the multiverse in this Paramount production
There has been peace in Smurf Village for as long as the Smurfs can remember. Every day is exactly the same, although that doesn’t seem to be a problem for our protagonists. Everyone has a role to play in the village, an exceptional talent that gives each one of them their namesakes. That is…except for No Name Smurf (James Corden). Unlike the rest who reside in Smurf Village, No Name has yet to manifest any true skill that belongs just to him, although not for lack of trying.
It’s during one of his daily trials that No Name finally comes into his own, developing magic that was previously stated no Smurf has ever possessed before. However, with great power comes those who would do anything to possess it, such as the evil wizard…Razamel? Turns out, Gargamel (JP Karliak) has a sibling who is a bigger jerk than he is and is seeking a magical book that will help him throw the world into chaos.
With No Name and his new magic serving as a beacon, Razamel descends, with the help of his henchman Joel (Dan Levy), capturing Para Smurf (John Goodman). The rest of Smurf Village, led by No Name and Smurfette (Rihanna), decide to leave their home and rescue Papa Smurf; however, they will need some help. Traversing the multiverse, the Smurfs gather a group of allies, such as Ken (Nick Offerman) and Mama Poot (Natasha Lyonne). However, will this team be enough to save not only Papa Smurf, but the entire multiverse!?
Smurfs is a family fun film from start to finish
I should preface this by saying that Smurfs was never my favorite property; I was a Care Bear kid through and through. I never saw the previous theatrical films because they didn’t catch my attention at all. However, this most recent film caught me from the moment I saw the trailer months before. Was it perhaps because it’s a musical, and I’m undoubtedly a musical man? Perhaps, although there was something so wholesome and hilarious from what little we were shown in the promotional material.
Thankfully, that holds true in Smurfs, which is easily one of the best animated films of the year so far. The story feels refreshing and new for the franchise; however, it remains accessible enough to follow, allowing audiences of all ages to appreciate it. It features varying levels of humor, with some jokes aimed at parents who bring their children to see it, as well as plenty of jokes that younger audiences will be able to giggle along with.
It delivers a strong message about identity and remaining true to who we are, regardless of what others tell us who we’re supposed to be. Throughout the film, this message is conveyed in multiple ways by various characters, aiming to reach the diverse audience members present. Some tug at your heartstrings a bit more than others, but all remind audiences that being a good person is a superpower, one that we often tend to forget when the world begins to feel unbearably heavy.
Praise also has to go to the animation of Smurfs, which was exciting to watch and a marvel to witness. As the characters traverse the multiverse, their animation style adapts to match the world they inhabit. It’s less like Who Framed Roger Rabbit, where a specific animation style comes to the real world, and instead flows seamlessly into each reality. I found myself becoming unbelievably excited to discover what No Name and Smurfette would look like as they jumped into another universe, which only added to my enjoyment of the film.
This latest Smurfs film from Paramount is the perfect animated film for the summer
From those I’ve spoken to who have seen Smurfs, everyone is walking away feeling happy and lighter, which is the ultimate compliment that an animated film can receive. For just over 90 minutes, families can escape the summer heat and the weight of the world, but step into the wild and crazy antics of the Smurfs and their adventure to save the world from evil. I, as a 33-year-old man, enjoyed just as much as the children, as did my mother, who is in her 60s. Both of us laughed and cried, feeling the power of love and self-acceptance wash over us by the end of the film. I can’t promise that this film will be for everyone, but even if the message doesn’t resonate with you, there are plenty of other aspects of Smurfs to appreciate, and Paramount nailed it perfectly. Give me seven more, because I could watch these Smurfs all day.
Smurfs is currently in theaters, so get your tickets now! Have you seen this film yet? Let us know on social media @boxseatbabes!
Moana 2 Gets Lost At Sea, But Finds Its Way Home
