Director: Raja Gosnell.
Cast: Hank Azaria, Neil Patrick Harris, Katy Perry, Jayma Mays.
Running Time: 104 minutes.
Synopsis: Gargamel (Hank Azaria) is running out of smurf essence which has enabled him to become a famous magician in Paris. He tries to capture THE SMURFS by creating Naughties to enter the portal to Smurf Town and kidnap Smurfette (Katy Perry). THE SMURFS travel to Paris to try to rescue Smurfette from the evil Gargamel.
THE SMURFS films have ended up rather different from the legendary cartoons they are based on, with their endearing language, blue tone and questionable arrangement with the only female, Smurfette. There is no attempt whatsoever to make this entertaining for both adults and children, so let’s not be too harsh on the 3D sequel to THE SMURFS. It is questionable as to why it got a sequel at all, considering it was a snoozefest which didn’t require a followup, but the sequel benefits greatly from the disappointment of the first film, and, with expectations low, the sequel does not grate on the ears or upset your childhood too much.
The visuals and magical colours of the movie are mesmerising enough to keep the kiddies entertained and the plot is not so complex as to require too many, “but why?” and, “who’s that?” questions during the film. THE SMURFS has always been about simplicity, and that’s why the word “Smurf” is used to explain and describe pretty much everything. This simplicity is continued in SMURFS 2 as the evil creatures created by Gargamel to seduce Smurfette are appropriately called ‘The Naughties’ – nothing teaches children about good and bad as much as blue innocent creatures fighting the evil and dark-haired Naughties!
Hank Azaria is the definition of over the top as he plays the unlucky but stubborn Gargamel, on the hunt for some smurf essence to keep his career going. Likewise, Neil Patrick Harris is a comforting attribute to the film as he is almost as charming and endearing as the lovely Smurfs themselves. It is worth mentioning how THE SMURFS have always been able to keep up with the modern times and continue to do so in the sequel. What can be more contemporary than blasting pop songs, Katy Perry playing Smurfette and the movie score being autotuned by Britney Spears?
There is no denying that THE SMURFS 2 is purely a children’s movie and will be entertaining for a younger crowd. Enjoy the 104 minutes while they giggle at stumbling wizards, contemporary phrases being smurfed up and adequate property destruction in France.
THE SMURFS 2 is released in UK cinemas today.
bfg666
Jul 31, 2013 at 11:35 pm
Talking about contemporary, it is quite symptomatic of these politically correct times that they have replaced the original black-skinned evil smurfs from the comics with these bleached ersatzes.