Smurfs Movie Review: Visually Vibrant, But Story Suffers From an Identity Crisis

Rating: 2.5/5

Director: Chris Miller

Voices: Rihanna, James Corden, John Goodman

Writer: Pam Brady

Smurfs, directed by Chris Miller and currently showing in theatres, has a star-studded voice cast and stunning animation, but it suffers from a confusing plot. Like the protagonist at its core, the movie never quite decides what kind of film it wants to be, even while it plays with themes of identity and purpose through its principal character.

Plot: A Nameless and Directionless Smurf

With the exception of No Name Smurf (voiced by James Corden), who is still figuring out who he is, every Smurf in the perpetually joyful Smurf Village has a role. When No Name discovers magical abilities, accidentally alerting the evil wizard Razamel and his brother Gargamel, who plan to steal a potent magical book protected by Papa Smurf (voiced by John Goodman), life takes a wild turn.

Smurfette (voiced by Rihanna) leads a rescue squad that includes Brainy, Clumsy, and No Name in an attempt to save Papa Smurf from the villains after he is abducted. In the process, No Name has to face his fears and find out what makes him who he is.

What Works: A vivacious tempo and brilliant animation

With only ninety minutes, Smurfs moves quickly, making it perfect for its younger demographic. Highlight scenes include a chase that jumps across dimensions and an emotional discussion between No Name and Smurfette that gives some heart to the mayhem. The visuals are vibrant and vibrant.

The animation quality is excellent, and scenes like the last musical performance, which combines lyrics in Hindi and English, offer a unique touch that is both novel and inclusive of all cultures.

What Doesn't Work: Weak Plot and Confused Tone

Notwithstanding its advantages, Smurfs struggles with narrative. The movie struggles to determine if it is an epic adventure or a silly children's comedy. The main character's identity struggle is negatively reflected in this tonal ambiguity. The story lacks coherence and instead feels disjointed, with hurried scenes and underdeveloped concepts.

The plot is further dragged down by logical holes. In a perilous quest, why is a vital magical book left exposed? What causes some character arcs to end in the middle? Both adults and children are left scratching their heads by these mistakes.

Voice Acting: A Capable Ensemble Let Down by the Screenplay

The film features a stellar cast of voices:

• Rihanna makes Smurfette more likeable and charming.
• As No Name, James Corden gives a moving performance.
• John Goodman gives Papa Smurf authority and compassion.

Regretfully, these outstanding performances fall short of making up for the film's narrative flaws. A better storyline would have allowed this vocal talent to make Smurfs much more memorable.

In conclusion, a lost opportunity

Though visually appealing, Smurfs lacks a clear plot. The absence of a defined direction makes it feel more like a lost chance than a fantastical journey, despite its charming and humorous moments. Like its main character, the story's promise is wasted in its own identity struggle.

Do you want to watch it?

You might want to watch it if you're a huge Smurfs fan or if you're just searching for a quick animated kid's entertainment. It's easy to avoid this one otherwise.