Movie review: The Smurfs
Superhero and dinosaur movies are getting exciting new versions, so of course, the Smurfs couldn’t be left behind!
In The Smurfs, director Chris Miller — the same genius behind Puss in Boots and Shrek movies, brings the blue crew back to the big screen with loads of fun, magic, and surprises.
Famous pop star Rihanna, who produced the movie, also voices Smurfette, the only girl Smurf. She’s brave, kind and always ready to help. In the Smurfs’ world, every Smurf is known for a special gift or trait.
Brainy is super bright, Hefty is super strong, Vanity loves mirrors and Clumsy... well, he’s a little clumsy but always lovable. But this time, we meet a brand-new character — a Smurf with no name! And yes, that’s his name: No Name. He doesn’t know what makes him special… yet!
The story isn’t the same old one where Gargamel tries to catch the Smurfs. Instead, his tech-savvy brother Razamel (voiced by JP Karliak) shows up, opens magic portals and kidnaps Papa Smurf (voiced by John Goodman)! It’s up to Smurfette and No Name to save the day.
Here’s where it gets even cooler: the Smurfs’ cartoon world collides with the real world! That means animated Smurfs explore actual places and meet real people.
This live-animation twist makes it feel like they’ve jumped off the screen and into our world — kids will love seeing the Smurfs running through real cities and talking to humans!
The movie is packed with famous voices. Alongside Rihanna, Goodman and Karliak, there’s James Corden as funny No Name, Sandra Oh, Nick Offerman, Natasha Lyonne, Amy Sedaris and even Jimmy Kimmel as a time-travelling tardigrade! And best of all, Kurt Russell gives a powerful performance as Ron, Papa Smurf’s brave and thoughtful brother. There is also the history involved with Smurfs.
The music, led by Rihanna, includes happy, catchy songs like Friend of Mine. It’s fun, cheerful and full of energy. Besides the fun, there are essential messages too: believe in yourself, be a good friend and don’t give up — even if you feel like you don’t belong. The Smurfs teaches kids that everyone has something special inside them.
Created in 1958 by Belgian artist Peyo, the Smurfs have been loved for generations. This new movie brings them back in a bright, modern way — perfect for today’s kids and families! Smurfs is full of laughs, heart and magic.
Published in Dawn, Young World, August 9th, 2025