Smurfs (2025) Movie ft. James, Rihanna, and Nick
The beloved blue creatures return to the big screen in 2025 with a fresh animated reboot that attempts to modernize the classic Peyo creation for contemporary audiences. Directed by Chris Miller, known for his work on Shrek Forever After and Puss in Boots, this latest Smurfs adventure features an impressive voice cast led by global superstar Rihanna as Smurfette and British comedian James Corden in a supporting role.
Released on July 18, 2025, by Paramount Pictures, this computer-animated adventure comedy marks a significant departure from the previous live-action/CGI hybrid films of 2011 and 2013. With an estimated budget of $80 million, the film represents Paramount’s attempt to revitalize the Smurfs franchise for both nostalgic adults and new young audiences.
Plot and Storyline
The story centers around a rescue mission when Papa Smurf mysteriously disappears, kidnapped by the villainous wizards Razamel and Gargamel. Smurfette steps into a leadership role, guiding her fellow Smurfs on an adventure that takes them into the real world. The plot attempts to blend traditional Smurfs charm with contemporary storytelling elements, including multiverse concepts.
However, the execution struggles to balance these modern elements with the innocent simplicity that made the original characters beloved. The story feels somewhat disjointed, trying to appeal to multiple demographics without fully satisfying any particular audience segment.
Cast Performance and Voice Acting
Rihanna’s performance as Smurfette brings fresh energy to the character, though critics note her vocal work doesn’t particularly elevate the material. Her natural charisma translates reasonably well to animation, and she successfully avoids overshadowing the cast with her star power.
James Corden provides reliable comedic support, utilizing his natural timing to bring humor to his character. John Goodman brings gravitas and warmth to Papa Smurf, his distinctive voice providing the fatherly authority the character requires.
The supporting cast, including Nick Offerman, Natasha Lyonne, and Sandra Oh, each contribute unique vocal personalities. Though some voices blend together in crowded scenes, the overall voice work meets professional standards.
Animation and Visual Effects
The animation quality represents a significant upgrade from previous Smurfs films. The detailed character designs honor Peyo’s original artwork while incorporating modern 3D animation techniques. The color palette remains vibrant and true to the source material.
The visual effects team has created impressive multiverse sequences that showcase technical skill. However, some critics argue these elaborate set pieces feel disconnected from the simple charm of the Smurfs universe.
Musical Elements
The film incorporates musical numbers that take advantage of Rihanna’s vocal abilities, though the songs don’t achieve memorable status. The soundtrack blends contemporary pop with traditional orchestral scoring. The musical sequences serve the narrative adequately without becoming standout moments audiences will remember.
Direction and What I Think
Chris Miller’s direction shows familiarity with animated family entertainment, though the film struggles with tonal consistency. I found the movie attempts to balance innocent Smurfs humor with contemporary references, resulting in a viewing experience that doesn’t fully commit to either approach.
The pacing feels rushed in several sequences, particularly during the multiverse segments. I noticed character development suffers as the film prioritizes action and visual effects over the gentle character interactions that made the original Smurfs appealing.
What I appreciated was the film’s attempt to stay true to Peyo’s vision while updating for modern audiences. However, I felt the execution missed the mark in creating that perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation.
Critical Reception
The film has received predominantly negative reviews from critics. As of this writing, Smurfs has a 25% rating based on 32 critic reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. Metacritic assigned the film a score of 32 out of 100, based on 25 critics, indicating generally unfavorable reviews.
Though it may be the best of the Smurfs movies, it still puts the innocuous in innocence, according to Variety’s review. Critics have described the film as failing to define its target audience, resulting in a disjointed experience.
Despite critical reception, some user reviews have been more forgiving. This 2025 adaptation stays true to the original work of Peyo and delivers an honest family entertainment, noted one IMDb reviewer.
What Works and What Doesn’t
What Works:
- Upgraded animation quality that honors the source material
- Professional voice cast performances
- Stays true to Peyo’s original vision
- Safe family entertainment
What Could Be Better:
- Tonal consistency throughout the film
- Better integration of modern elements with classic charm
- More memorable musical sequences
- Stronger character development over visual spectacle
Final Thoughts
Smurfs (2025) represents a well-intentioned but ultimately mixed attempt to modernize a beloved property. While the animation quality and voice cast show professional competence, the film lacks the heart that made the original Smurfs special.
I believe families seeking safe entertainment will find adequate content, but the film fails to create lasting memories. It’s a decent watch for young children, but don’t expect it to capture the magic that made you fall in love with these blue characters originally.
Rating: 2.5/5
