Smurfs is my first movie at a drive-in theater. (The Goochland Drive-In is in one of the few drive-ins left in the country. If you have one near, it’s a good time. You should go.)
When we start Smurfs, we get a story about four sacred books and evil wizards wanting to use these books to take all the good out of the world. But, three strong Smurfs came to save the day. We learn about who these Smurfs are later on in the movie.
Then, we skip to, of course, a dance number. I’ve noticed the dance numbers are more ethnic in nature. More body roles, more hip-hop infused music, and No Name with still….No Name. I also noticed that we got a few new Smurfs. There’s a Sound Effect Smurf, a Vanity Smurf, Worry Smurf (They might not be new, but I’m going to add them to the list anyway), Way Over There Smurf, and a few others I spotted.
I’m going to say something unpopular. I couldn’t get used to Rihanna as he voice of Smurfette. I, for the life of me, cannot tell you why it didn’t work for me, but she just sounded so different from all the other voice actors. It didn’t mesh for me. It wasn’t a deal breaker for me, but most times when she spoke, it was odd for me.
Skipping to the end for a minute. The theme of the movie, through the lens of No Name, is knowing who you are and standing in that. Beautiful message, right? Exactly what kids need to hear in a time and space such as now. Here’s what we didn’t need–Smurfette’s expanded backstory. An argument can be made that her standing in who she is now as a member of Smurf Village helped No Name finally find exactly who he was and his role in that same village, but it didn’t feel that way. Felt like we took a slight left to make that storyline work. Get rid of it!
Let’s talk about these four books. They never explain what each book does. What do each of these books possess individually that makes them so powerful together? Also, we added the threat of these books together, and three of them had been with the evil counsel for years. What have they been doing with those three for all this time? And another thing! Please tell us how magical books, who seem to have a conscious of their own, can’t fight off magical wizards? Or anyone for that matter?
I’m stealing this thought (partially) from my best friend, but all they had to do was sing, and together, they had powers? If that was the case, they could have sang while they were in the glass case and broke it to escape? Why didn’t they do that?!
I want to veer off her to speak to animators in general. We understand that yall are artistic and technical geniuses. We don’t always need a montage of all the ways you can animate and environment. It works here, but don’t do it again. We get it! We don’t need 12 scenes of animation just so you can show off. I promise Pixar or Marvel execs will see the movie and read the credits.
Here’s what I loved. Gargamel and his little brother, Razamel. Honestly, Razamel and his henchman, Joel, stole the movie for me. Joel telling the Smurfs that this is his first job out of college and he needed good reviews on his LinkedIn, followed by Papa Smurf telling he wouldn’t give him one made me cackled. Razamel having a Zoom call with the counsel was great. I just enjoyed him as a villain.
Mama Poot was a hoot. I did enjoy the journey we took with Smurfette and No Name. Their friendship is something kids should really study and apply to their own lives. She was determined to stand by her man, who was not her man. But kids should want a Smurfette in their lives. This is a great example for kids of a woman and a man or a Smurfette and a Smurf being friends and not having to have a romance.
For all you hardcore Rihanna fans, enjoy all this music on the soundtrack. Mama is not giving y’all that album. Take what you can. The music is great!
Is this a solid film for the kiddos? I watched it with three children and two adults and we enjoyed it. It was also cute to see it at the drive-in. Take the kids, sing the songs, and remember to be who you want to be.
