Rihanna and James Corden Slay in Smurfs Movie

Once upon a time, a longtime ago, in the land of Kings Island, ya’ gurl sang and danced in a show called ‘The Smurfs Are Here’ a the height of Smurfmania in the 90’s.  My fondest memory was when someone who shall remain nameless 🙂 went down fce first as Smurfette pleading for help to get up as the head was way to heavy to lift on her own.  It was pure comedy and mortified the kids, but I digress.

Directed by Chris Miller for Paramount, Smurfs are back in 2025! This time, when evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel (both voiced by the gifted JP Karliak) take Papa Smurf (John Goodman) the Smurfs embark on a mission to the real world to save him. With help from some new friends, they must discover what defines their destiny to save the universe.

With a massive nod moving into the 21st century, complete with dancing numbers and a score led by the Grammy winning Rihanna, this film struggles a bit until the meat of the film begins where No Name (James Corden) discovers his purpose, therefore serving as the inspiration for his name and the journey to save Papa Smurf gets underway.  Most of the musical numbers (which are super cute) feel like vehicles for Rihanna and Corden and are mostly forgettable

Screenwriter Pam Brady was clever and quick with colloquialisms for some naughty words and substituting theme with the word ‘smurf’ which I loved and laughed out loud each and every time it occurred.  The blue elves disco scene took me all the out and seemed a little crazy, but I was there for all of it! Hitting her second film as a voice actor, Rihanna knocks it out of the park.  Her cool, relaxed, subtle vibe works well for Smurfette, especially when other characters are spinning out around her.

Although, there are a few speed bumps along the way, what I loved most is the messages of being better together than divided and pinpointing what makes make you unique and special.  On a final note, I have always been one to tap into my inner child.  It is a quality I take pride in and is genetically handed down from parents.  Having said that, I really wish more of my peers and constituents would look at Smurfs with a child’s heart.  It really does make a difference.

Smurfs is fun and I dug it…hopefully you will drown out the negative noise and find a way to like it too with the whole family.