The Smurfs Movie Review: A Disjointed Cinematic Experience

The 2025 animated movie, 'Smurfs', unfortunately falls short of delivering a cohesive or engaging cinematic experience. This film appears to be a disorganized collection of tropes commonly found in animated children's movies, strung together without much thought to narrative flow. From an endless parade of character introductions, many of whom are barely distinguishable or relevant to the plot, to an assortment of musical sequences with surprisingly intense reggaeton beats, the film struggles to find its footing. The visual execution is equally perplexing, with abrupt shifts between fully animated scenes, live-action elements (including a random appearance of Paris), and even photorealistic CGI kangaroos, all without any logical explanation. Adding to the bizarre mix are fantastical elements like talking magic books that govern universal harmony, newly introduced creatures called Snooterpoots, and a notable moment where a Smurf’s expletive is comically censored, presumably for adult amusement.

Furthermore, the movie features an unexpected array of celebrity voice talents, including John Goodman, Kurt Russell, Sandra Oh, and even DJ Marshmello, whose presence adds to the film's bewildering nature. A central subplot involves Smurfette, voiced by Rihanna, guiding the character of No Name Smurf, voiced by James Corden, on a journey of self-discovery to become a hero. The film also touches upon Smurfette's origins, referencing existing Smurfs lore about her creation by evil wizards. Ultimately, this 'Smurfs' adaptation feels less like a narrative and more like a checklist of disparate elements. The animation style is often stiff and uninspired, contributing to a sense of visual inconsistency. The movie's relentless pacing prevents boredom, yet it never truly develops into a meaningful story, serving primarily as a commercial vehicle for the enduring 'Smurfs' brand rather than a genuine artistic endeavor.

The creation of a compelling 'Smurfs' film presents a unique challenge, given the original comic's rather simple premise and its subsequent global recognition through merchandising rather than deep narrative. While the Smurfs are universally identifiable, their inherent lack of a strong, overarching story makes them a difficult subject for a feature film. This adaptation’s failure to forge a meaningful connection with its audience, despite incorporating numerous elements to capture attention, highlights the difficulty in translating a beloved, yet narratively thin, concept into a engaging cinematic work. It reminds us that true creative works, even those for children, benefit from thoughtful storytelling and a clear vision, transforming simple characters into enduring figures of inspiration and joy.