“The Smurfs” was a surprise box office hit back in 2011. Just two short years later, the lovable little blue creatures are facing-off against the evil wizard Gargamel once again in “The Smurfs 2”, which is even Smurfier than the original.
Appropriately, Narrator Smurf begins the film, voicing-over a clever pop-up book sequence. He reminds the Smurfs (and the audience) that Smurfette (voiced by singer Katy Perry) was created by Gargamel and then later turned into a real Smurf by Papa Smurf’s magic potions.
It’s Smurfette’s birthday, and all the others are planning a surprise party. They want to keep it a secret, but she thinks everyone has completely forgotten about her special day. Meantime, Gargamel (once again the hilarious Hank Azaria) has now become a world-famous magician, currently performing in Paris, along with his cat Azrael. Gargamel has created two ‘Naughties’, who look like Smurfs, except that they’re gray instead of blue. Christina Ricci and J.B. Smoove voice the tiny troublemakers Vexy and Hackus. They help the evil wizard capture Smurfette so Gargamel can get the secret Smurf formula from her that will allow him to take over the world.
But Papa (the late Jonathan Winters), Grouchy (voiced by George Lopez), Clumsy (Anton Yelchin) and Vanity Smurf (“Daily Show” writer and guest host John Oliver) head to Paris to try to save Smurfette, who is Papa’s step-daughter. They’re assisted by old friends Patrick and Grace Winslow (Neil Patrick Harris and “Glee”‘s Jayma Mays), their young son Blue, and Patrick’s stepfather (Brendan Gleeson). He’s a nice guy, but Patrick has never liked him. The parallel stories of the two step-fathers trying to unite with their children is the emotional center of the film, and as director Raja Gosnell told me, “the reason to make the movie.”
As was the original, “The Smurfs 2” is quality family entertainment. It has a simple story, with a script that provides plenty of laughs for kids and adults, along with nice messages that parents will appreciate. And the look of the film is fantastic. The animators have perfected the art of blending the Smurf characters into the real world. I saw it in 3D – which was tremendous. This may be one of the few times all year that the extra $$ for 3D is worth it.
(An aside – I wish we got to spend more time with the Smurfs in their own world. “The Smurfs 3” is already in the works, with Gosnell set to return behind the camera. Hopefully the writers will go with a storyline that involves more adventures and hijinks in the Smurf Village instead of sending a handful of the gang off, once again, to a major city.)
No one could be a better Gargamel than Azaria. At times he appears to just be winging it, with crazy body movements and non-stop wisecracks. He delivers some of the best “adult” humor in the film, though the Smurfs have some great one-liners as well. Gleeson is a welcome addition to the series. He’s particularly effective in the dramatic scenes. The voice cast is bigger and better than ever. Other new Smurfs are voiced by Mario Lopez, Jimmy Kimmel, and even Shaq. And Winters’ love for the Papa Smurf character comes through in every word. The film is dedicated to him.
There is a lot of slapstick in “The Smurfs 2”, which the little ones will enjoy. But the secret to the success of the original and this sequel is that they work for all ages.
“The Smurfs 2” is rated PG for some mild action and rude humor. It’s appropriate for kids 7 and up. In a summer with an overwhelming number of movie options for families, this one is absolutely worth seeing.
On The Official LCJ Report Card, “The Smurfs 2” gets a B+. It’s true blue and one of the best family films of the year.