Smurfs

Story: When Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is kidnapped by evil wizards Gargamel and Razamel (JP Karliak), Smurfette (Rihanna) rallies her fellow Smurfs for a daring mission beyond their safe blue Smurf village. Their journey into the real world—and across dimensions—forces them to team up with eccentric new allies, uncover secrets of their origin, and save not just Papa Smurf but the entire Smurf universe.

Review: Smurfs (2025) is a bright, fully animated reboot that leans heavily on nostalgia while aiming to inject some modern energy. Director Chris Miller delivers a straightforward adventure featuring Rihanna’s Smurfette at the center and James Corden’s “No Name” Smurf providing light comic relief. While the film has its charming moments, it genuinely lacks the humour and laughs that could have made it more memorable. It follows a very tried-and-tested template without venturing into bold or adventurous storytelling territory.

The story picks up when Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is kidnapped by evil wizards Gargamel and Razamel (JP Karliak), prompting Smurfette (Rihanna) to rally the Smurfs on a mission beyond their village. The narrative stays safe and familiar but doesn’t deliver the high levels of thrill one might expect from an adventure film. Instead, it feels rather predictable and at times slow, despite an unusually short runtime that is actually a welcome change.

Musically, the film is a bit underwhelming. Despite having Rihanna lend her voice, the songs don’t quite stick in your memory. The soundtrack is restrained but not particularly memorable, with the notable exception of the Punjabi-infused remix of Higher Love featuring Cardi B and DJ Khaled, which adds a much-needed burst of energy and fun to the mix. However, overall the music doesn’t elevate the film in the way a musical fantasy should.

On the voice acting front, JP Karliak impresses with his dual role as the villains Gargamel and Razamel, bringing a bit of nuance to the characters. The cameos from Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer as Asmodius, an intergalactic dark wizard, and Jimmy Kimmel as Tardigrade, a lovelorn creature, add charm, though their appearances are brief and underutilized. Amy Sedaris (the talking magic book) and Sandra Oh (Moxie Smurf) also lend warmth to the ensemble cast. The new characters, such as the adorable yet fiery Snooterpoots who join the Smurfs on their quest, bring some fresh energy and help keep the story lively.

Visually, the film excels with top-notch animation. The vibrant Smurf Village and magical realms burst with color and detail, creating an immersive environment that younger viewers will enjoy.
Overall, Smurfs (2025) is a pleasant, feel-good family film that plays it safe. It delivers nostalgia with some modern touches but misses opportunities to be funnier, more thrilling, or more musically engaging. It’s a solid watch for families and fans, but those seeking innovation or sharper humour might find it a bit bland.