SMURFS (2025)

Genre: CG Animation
Director: Chris Miller
Cast: Rihanna, James Corden, Nick Offerman, JP Karliak, Daniel Levy, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, Octavia Spencer, Nick Kroll, Hannah Waddingham, Alex Winter, Maya Erskine, Billie Lourd, Xolo Maridueña, Kurt Russell, John Goodman
Runtime: 1 hr 32 mins
Rating: PG
Released By: UIP
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 17 July 2025

Synopsis: When Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is mysteriously taken by evil wizards, Razamel and Gargamel, Smurfette (Rihanna) leads the Smurfs on a mission into the real world to save him. With the help of new friends, the Smurfs must discover what defines their destiny to save the universe.

Movie Review:

For those still keeping track, the Smurfs last appeared on the big screen in 2017. Smurfs: The Lost Village - a reboot of the two earlier live-action animated movies (which featured rather questionable character designs, in this writer’s opinion) - was a modest box office success, earning $197.2 million worldwide on a $60 million budget. Notably, it marked Sony Pictures' attempt to reboot the franchise and introduce female Smurfs to the cinematic universe. Trippy, right?

Just as it seemed the little blue crew was poised for more screen time, the rights shifted hands — this time to Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies. But how can these tiny blue fellows stay relevant to today’s audiences — especially kids? After all, the comic book series by Belgian artist Peyo first debuted in 1958, and what worked more than half a century ago doesn’t necessarily connect with modern viewers.

Let’s be honest - the story isn’t the main draw of this movie. When Papa Smurf is captured by a pair of evil wizards, it falls to Smurfette and her team to mount a rescue mission in the real world. Among them is an insecure Smurf known only as “No Name” — and yes, it’s not hard to guess where that subplot is headed.

In a move that surprises no one, this latest iteration of The Smurfs is being marketed as a musical comedy - and why not? Pop music continues to be a powerful way to connect with today’s younger audiences, offering instant familiarity and emotional resonance.

To make the film even more appealing, one of the best-selling musicians of all time is front and centre. Put your hands together for Rihanna, whose name is prominently featured in the movie’s marketing efforts. Not only does the Barbadian superstar voice Smurfette, she also serves as a producer on the film. Given her massive cultural influence - from chart-topping hits to fashion world domination - this is undoubtedly a savvy move to draw audiences back to the big screen.

Rihanna’s fans will be delighted to know she wrote and recorded an original song for the movie - it’s catchy earworm. Still, we couldn’t help but wish she had given us her take on the iconic “La la la la la la” Smurf tune.

At the helm is director Chris Miller, a former DreamWorks Animation veteran best known for Shrek the Third (2007) and Puss in Boots (2011). The animation is deeply inspired by Peyo's original comics, with particularly enjoyable sequences featuring the Smurfs dancing to cheerful music. While we were hoping for a bit more adult-oriented humor, it’s clear the filmmakers had younger audiences in mind. The edgiest it gets is a censored beep over “a**.”

There are a handful of chuckle-worthy moments, mostly leaning into kid-friendly gags - like a joke where “under where” is hilariously misinterpreted as “underwear,” which is sure to get giggles from the little ones. One of the more consistently funny bits comes from a Smurf who communicates entirely through sound effects — a quirky touch that actually works.

The voice cast is undeniably star-studded. James Corden lends both his voice and singing chops to the role of No Name, while John Goodman brings warmth and gravitas as Papa Smurf. They’re joined by an impressive lineup that includes Nick Offerman, Kurt Russell, Daniel Levy, Octavia Spencer, and Hannah Waddingham, among others. It’s a treat for adults to recognise the familiar voices, while younger audiences will enjoy 92 minutes of colourful, lighthearted fun.

Movie Rating:

(The latest Smurfs movie offers lighthearted fun for the kids, with Rihanna adding spunk as Smurfette — though her take on the iconic “La la la” tune is sorely missed)

Review by John Li