By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
Much of the fun and charm in the new
"Smurfs" movie from director
Chris Miller (TV's "The Film Nasian Forgot") and screenwriter
Pam Brady ("The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants"), has been curiously swept away.
That is surprising, especially given the all-star voice cast led by music icon
Rihanna as Smurfette, whose presence--she also co-produced the film-- seemed to ensure a fresh, empowering spin on the beloved character.
At least there are a few bouncy tracks on the soundtrack, notably Rihanna's "Friend of Mine," Tyla's "Everything Goes with Blue" and Shenseea's "It's My Party." Although chances are they won't be stuck in your head after leaving the theater.
The story follows Smurfette and her fellow Smurfs as they embark on a high-stakes rescue mission to save Papa Smurf (voiced by John Goodman, TV's "The Righteous Gemstones") after he is kidnapped by the sinister sorcerers Gargamel and Razamel (both voiced by J.P. Karliak, TV's "Spidey And His Amazing Friends").
Along the way, the Smurfs receive unexpected help from a mysterious outsider and No Name Smurf (James Corden, TV's "Gavin & Stacey") embarks on a more introspective journey to discover his identity and place in the Smurf village.
On paper, it all sounds like a whimsical adventure, but the execution leaves much to be desired.
Despite a colorful, visually dazzling animation style, the film's pacing feels oddly rushed in some parts and sluggish in others.
The humor often misses the mark, leaning too heavily on tired pop culture references and loud gags instead of the clever, heartfelt moments that made past entries so endearing.
Rihanna's Smurfette brings some spark and warmth to the film, and Corden adds a few sincere touches as the existentially confused No Name Smurf, but even their charisma can't fully elevate the thin script.
One of the film's main issues is tonal inconsistency. It tries to balance slapstick silliness with moments of emotional depth, but never fully commits to either. The subplot involving No Name Smurf's identity crisis had the potential to offer a genuinely touching message about self-worth and belonging, but it's largely glossed over in favor of chaotic action sequences.
Meanwhile, the villains, though stylishly animated, come off as more annoying than menacing, diluting the tension and stakes.
There are fleeting moments of magic that are too few and far between. This Smurfs reboot feels more like a missed opportunity than a triumphant return.
Kids may enjoy the visual spectacle, but old school fans will likely leave feeling blue for all the wrong reasons.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the
Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station
KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Take a Peek At This Trailer For
"SMURFS"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
