THE SMURFS
A Review
By Marisa
Starring: Hank Azaria, Neil Patrick Harris
Directed by: Raja Gosnell
MPAA Rating: PG
Reviewed by Marisa Ings
Hidden deep within an enchanted forest is a small village with houses made of mushroom and little blue men (and one woman) living together in peace. The magical blue creatures are called The Smurfs and they have lived in their town for hundreds of years. But, in one instance that all changes when an evil wizard named Gargamel discovers the village and goes on a rampage destroying their happy homes with the dastardly intent to capture all smurfs for their magical essence. The little blue beings frantically try to escape Gargamel’s wrath when six of them are sucked into a vortex that plunges them in the middle of New York City. In the Big Apple, the estranged Smurfs cross paths with Patrick Winslow VP of Marketing of Anjelou cosmetics, turning his life upside down and painting the town blue while doing it. Missing their home and friends, the Smurfs are determined to find a way back to the enchanted forest.
Honestly, I was a bit excited when I discovered that a movie based on one of my favorite cartoons was coming to the big screen and I would be able to see it! The little blue people often entertained me on Saturday mornings as I sat, eyes glued to the TV while eating a bowl of cereal. Parents and children alike will enjoy this film as I observed during the screening I attended. There was much laughter in the theatre and the kids really enjoyed the pummeling of the foolish antagonist that is Gargamel.
Hank Azaria does a fantastic job portraying the sometimes-gullible Gargamel and all his wackiness. Besides the CGI smurfs, Gargamel is the best entertainment in the film. While Neil Patrick Harris does a fine job playing Patrick Winslow, Jayma Mays as Grace Winslow just does not flow well. Luckily, most children don’t see a movie for it’s acting anyway instead they are excited about the laughs and the outrageous scenes.
Similar to the movies Enchanted and Alvin and the Chipmunks, I would suggest that if your film tastes are too sophisticated to enjoy a simple child-targeted movie you will not enjoy this film. However, if you are still a hipster, in tune with your inner child, you may enjoy the slapstick comedy and cute CGI The Smurfs.
Final Grade: C+
Great, now I have the song stuck in my head again “La la la-la la la, Sing a happy songâ€â€¦enjoy everyone!