Shadows on the Wall

Smurfs

dir Chris Miller
scr Pam Brady
prd Jay Brown, Robyn Rihanna Fenty, Tyran Smith
voices Rihanna, James Corden, John Goodman, Nick Offerman, JP Karliak, Daniel Levy, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne, Kurt Russell, Sandra Oh, Octavia Spencer, Nick Kroll, Hannah Waddingham, Jimmy Kimmel
release US/UK 18.Jul.25
25/US Paramount 1h32

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Inventive animation and grown-up references will make sure that adults aren't too bored by this chaotic musical comedy romp. Although the relentlessly silly plot leaves it feeling somewhat pointless, especially as everything is smurfed together with meaningful messages about finding yourself and working as a team. So while the adventure elements are a mess, and the songs feel oddly distracting, there are several moments that get us laughing.

In Smurf Village, No Name (Corden) struggles with his lack of purpose, because everyone else has a clear role. But he springs to action when Papa Smurf (Goodman) is kidnapped by evil wizard Razamel (Karliak), brother of their nemesis Gargamel (also Karliak). Alongside Smurfette (Rihanna), No Name leads the rescue mission, first locating Papa's brother Ken (Offerman) in Paris, then to the Outback, where they meet furball Mama Poot (Lyonne). Finally, in a Munich castle they confront Razamel, who is seeking a secret book (Sedaris) that will allow him to rid the universe of everything good.

Darting around the world requires the generation of portals, which makes absolutely no sense. But at least this brings some smurfy fun to the imagery, sending our heroes into dimensions where they become hilariously rendered in claymation, anime and more. Random movie references range from Casablanca to Mad Max. And real-world locations are photo-real, which adds further textures and sight-gags to the often dazzling animation. Light is used in particularly strong ways to skilfully bring out layers of the superbly cartoonish design work.

Voices are lively and generally recognisable, which is fine for Rihanna but rather annoying with Corden, who gives No Name his usual haplessly gung-ho persona. Goodman and Offerman have some smurftastic fun with their sibling connections, as does Russell as swashbuckling third brother Ron. The character animation is vivid enough to make some of the side roles memorable, including Razamel's beleaguered assistant Joel (Levy).

Throughout the film, the story stops for musical moments that include a couple of big power ballads, some manic group numbers and a lively disco sequence. These add even more colour to the already smurfily bright-hued imagery while punching a veritable mash-up of themes from every children's movie ever made. But then, even adults need to be reminded to conquer the voice inside that makes you think you're not enough. Or to not let anyone say you're not anyone. Or that sometimes it takes time to find your thing.

themes, violence 13.Jul.25

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