New ‘Smurfs’ Film Falls Flat, Despite Rihanna’s Voice Work
Despite a star-studded voice cast including Rihanna, the latest installment in the Smurfs franchise struggles to deliver a compelling cinematic experience. The film, currently playing in Australia and set for release in the United Kingdom and the United States on July 18, is described as a “laborious slice of content” that fails to capitalize on its potential.
A Familiar Formula, Limited Success
The narrative centers around No Name Smurf, voiced by James Corden, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after realizing he possesses unique cosmic powers. This newfound ability becomes crucial when the evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel – voiced by JP Karliak – kidnap Papa Smurf (John Goodman) in a bid to steal a powerful magic book. The plot, while aiming for high stakes – the potential control of the universe – ultimately “plods along” for an hour and a half, according to one reviewer.
The script, penned by Pam Brady, known for her work on South Park and Team America: World Police, reportedly offers a stark contrast in quality. While the dialogue for the Smurfs themselves is “bland,” the scenes featuring the villains are “sharpened up with one or two properly funny lines.” This disparity highlights a potential missed opportunity to elevate the overall comedic impact of the film.
Concerns Over Storytelling for Young Audiences
A central critique revolves around the assumption that films targeted at young children do not require engaging storylines. The film does feature “almost-interesting surreal scenes” and “decent gags” involving Sound Effect Smurf, who communicates solely through sound effects. However, these elements are not enough to overcome the fundamental lack of narrative depth.
“There seems to be a worrying assumption here that a film aimed at very little kids doesn’t need to have a very interesting or engaging story,” a source noted. This raises questions about the creative direction and the standards being set for children’s entertainment.
Ultimately, the film reinforces a recurring sentiment: that the Smurfs, those iconic little Belgian creatures with blue skin and floppy hats, may be “kryptonite to comedy and entertainment.” The lack of a strong musical score further contributes to the film’s shortcomings, leaving audiences with a largely uninspired experience.
