Latest news with #PapaSmurf
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
For smallest Smurfs
PARAMOUNT'S Smurfs is an animated musical that wears its intentions loud, proud and incredibly blue. Rebooted for a new generation, this splashy feature film does not shy away from its target audience, children who still think the word 'fart' is the peak of comedy and who do not question how a mushroom village has a working intergalactic portal. Directed by Chris Miller (Puss in Boots), with a screenplay by South Park alum Pam Brady, the movie reintroduces Peyo's iconic blue characters in a story that is bright, basic and built with the youngest audience in mind. It is an unmissable treat for kids and a lukewarm offering for the parents and adults who accompany them, many of whom may find themselves absorbing the entire 100 minutes with a mildly amused, blank stare. Rihanna smurfs it up Front and centre in the cast is Rihanna as Smurfette, the film's heart and hero, who not only brings vocal charm but also contributes original songs. The pop star's performance is solid, but it is Nick Offerman as Ken (Papa Smurf's long-lost brother) who delivers one of the more enjoyable voice turns. Offerman's signature gruff warmth and deadpan delivery bring a much-needed sense of comedic grounding to the otherwise bouncy world of giggles and glitter. John Goodman lends his always-reliable voice to Papa Smurf, while JP Karliak doubles up impressively as two villainous wizards. Supporting roles from James Corden, Sandra Oh, Daniel Levy, Amy Sedaris and Octavia Spencer pad out a cast list so stacked, it could practically rival an animated version of the Oscars red carpet. Yet despite the megawatt names, most characters are more memorable for their quirk-based design than any real arc or emotional resonance. Predictable journey, few blue detours From a narrative standpoint, Smurfs sticks very much to the safe, well-travelled road of animated adventure. Something goes wrong in the Smurf Village, prompting a journey into the human world, where wacky characters are met, lessons are learned and songs are sung. It is a straightforward A-to-B-to-C kind of structure, competent, yes, but never reaching for anything bolder. While the script tries to elevate its simple premise with themes of identity, destiny and friendship, the execution remains surface-level, offering just enough engagement for kids without ever challenging them (or their guardians) with anything too complex or emotional. There is a lot of noise, a lot of sparkle and not much depth, which, depending on one's age, could be either a plus or a minus. Colourful, sonic buffet Being a musical, the film naturally leans into rhythm and rhyme and the soundtrack, led by Rihanna's contributions, is catchy in a bubblegum-pop kind of way. There is no Let It Go-style breakout here, but the songs do their job: short, snappy and singable by recess. Visually, Smurfs looks great. The animation by Cinesite is crisp, fluid and filled with colour-saturated landscapes that shift from fantasy forests to stylised real-world cityscapes. Children will be dazzled by the nonstop motion and expressive character designs, while adults may find themselves admiring the technical polish even as their brains quietly check out during the third dance number. Comic relief that mostly lands with kids The humour is broad, sometimes absurd and clearly engineered to generate giggles from the under-15 crowd. Expect slapstick, funny faces and the occasional fart joke. For the adults, there are a few winks and nods scattered throughout, but nothing particularly sharp or subversive. Some of the comedic heavy lifting falls to Natasha Lyonne's Mama Poot and Amy Sedaris' talking book character, both of whom inject a bit of oddball flair into the mix. Even so, the film plays things safe. There is no wild tonal experimentation or fourth-wall breaking here, just cheerful antics and predictable payoffs. Adults may find themselves chuckling occasionally, but mostly they will be watching with a passive smile (or, more honestly, a straight face). Movie that knows its audience Smurfs is a textbook example of a family movie that leans hard into the 'kids' part of 'kids and family.' For younger viewers, it is a dream: nonstop action, silly characters and colourful settings that leap off the screen. For adults, it is a pleasant-enough experience with moments of charm but little staying power. Is it groundbreaking? Not at all. Is it enjoyable for kids? Absolutely. Is it tolerable for the adults in tow? Thankfully, yes, especially when Offerman is on screen. In the end, it is a movie that feels like a glitter bomb of Saturday morning cartoons and pop-star power. Watch it with kids and they will likely be bouncing in their seats. Watch it alone as an adult and... well, just do not. DIRECTOR: Chris Miller CAST: Rihanna, James Corden, Nick Offerman, JP Karliak, Natasha Lyonne, John Goodman E-VALUE: 5/10 PLOT: 5/10 ACTING: 5/10
South China Morning Post
a day ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Write a funny caption for this child in a crowd of blue creatures
Have you met the Smurfs? These small, blue humanlike creatures are the main characters in a Belgian comic of the same name. This month, you can meet them in cinemas in Smurfs, an animated and live-action musical film reboot. The all-star cast is led by pop singer Rihanna and sees the Smurfs heading into the real world to save the beloved Papa Smurf. Staff writer Send us a funny caption by emailing us at editorial@ or filling out this form . The deadline is at 12pm on July 30. We'll publish the best ones next week. Last week's top caption Two people wearing hotdog hats line up to watch Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York City. via AFP Hayley Sum, St Paul's Convent School: Looks like some people forgot their plates!
Irish Examiner
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
First look: Smurfs Village opens at popular family attraction in Wicklow
Smurf lovers are invited to enjoy a Smurf-tastic day out in Ireland at a new attraction. The Smurfs Village opened to visitors over the weekend in Co Wicklow, located at Beyond the Trees Avondale. Organisers say 'blue magic' is used to shrink guests to Smurf size before they cross rickety bridges and pledge their own acts of kindness via the magical wishing tree. From planting sunflowers and learning about bees to crafting custom Smurf hats and discovering their official Smurf names, organisers say families will be immersed in a joyful, eco-friendly adventure. The first visitors to the new attraction at the weekend wrapped up their day with laughter, games, and a dazzling Smurf show, complete with a photo moment alongside their favourite Smurf characters. The Smurfs Village is now open and welcoming families, birthday groups, school tours and more, with activities designed for children aged 3–12. Tickets are from €19.99, with a family pass for five people priced from €99 and there is parking for up to 1,000 cars. It is a fully accessible venue, but the event itself is not buggy-friendly. All events are held indoors, so they are not weather-dependent. There is a café/restaurant on-site but visitors are also welcome to pack a picnic. See In pictures: Families visiting Smurfs Village Jack Byrne dancing with Smurfette and Papa Smurf. Mollie Dunne, Marion Corr, Caroline Bond and Olivia Corr at The Smurfs Village The McConville family at The Smurfs Village The Thompson family with Papa Smurf and Smurfette. Ali and Jordi Butterworth with Madison Kelly-Byrne. Ali Butterworth with Smurfette. Graham and Georgia Carroll with Ger Walsh. Sean Keenan and Peter Windsor with a Smurf. Sadie and Sarah Morrissey. Jacob Robinson and Ger Walsh.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The character meet-and-greets at Bluewater this summer from Bluey to Peppa Pig
Bluey, Paddington, and Papa Smurf are among the characters delighting children at Bluewater this summer. The Kent shopping centre is hosting a series of free meet-and-greet events every Thursday from July 24 to August 28, featuring popular children's characters and designed to keep families entertained throughout the school holidays. Each day includes five sessions, one of which is adapted for children with special educational needs. James Waugh, centre director at Bluewater, said: "We know families in and around Kent are looking for fun events to keep the little ones entertained through the summer holidays, so we're pleased to offer a free, all-weather option here at Bluewater. "We're looking forward to seeing lots of smiling faces at the centre this summer." The full line-up begins with Papa Smurf and Clumsy Smurf on July 24, followed by Peppa Pig, Mummy Pig, and baby pig Evie on July 31. Bluey and Bingo appear on August 7, with Gabby's Dollhouse on August 14, Hey Duggee on August 21, and Paddington rounding off the summer on August 28. Read more All 24 songs Oasis will sing at London's Wembley Stadium - Full tour setlist All the family shows and activities this summer at Orchard Theatre Dartford Beckenham choir releases 'powerful' cover of chart-topping song Tickets are free but must be booked in advance. Visitors can register for Bluewater's PLUS+ scheme to receive ticket information and booking links. In addition to the character events, families can enjoy Hangloose Adventure, Dinotropolis, the Bluewater Nature Trail, and the Showcase Cinema de Lux. The centre also offers a wide range of family-friendly dining options, including Wagamama, Pho, and Wingstop.
The Hindu
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Smurfs' movie review: Rihanna leads a gentle giggle through action and song
A reviewer's work day is sometimes like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates — you never know what you are going to get. Going into the Smurf movie with zero expectations turned out to be a fun experience. The screaming and laughing children in the audience might have contributed to all-round glee. Smurfs (English) Director: Chris Miller Voice cast: Rihanna, James Corden, Nick Offerman, JP Karliak, Daniel Levy, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, Jimmy Kimmel, Octavia Spencer Run time: 92 minutes Storyline: When Papa Smurf is kidnapped by evil wizards, Smurfette and gang swing to the rescue. Based on Belgian artist Peyo's comic books, Smurfs kicks off with a sweet SpongeBob SquarePants short, 'Order up', where SpongeBob rings the order bell at a diner so often as to drive Squidward round the bend. Then we are in the Smurf village where all the Smurfs are happy in their identities from Hefty (Alex Winter) and Vanity (Maya Erskine) to Brainy (Xolo Maridueña) and Clumsy (Hugo Miller). Only No Name (James Corden) has not found his 'thing' and so does not have a name. It does not matter how much Smurfette (Rihanna), the only female Smurf, and Papa Smurf (John Goodman), the village leader, try to reassure him that his time will come, No Name is sad to be the only Smurf in the village without a thing or a name. In another dimension, wicked intergalactic wizards, Asmodius (Octavia Spencer), Chernobog (Nick Kroll) and Jezebeth (Hannah Waddingham) are planning to leach all the goodness from the world and fill it with darkness. They have captured the three magic books and if they get the fourth, Jaunty (Amy Sedaris), then their evil plans will be complete. Wizard brothers, Gargamel and Razamel (JP Karliak) hope to get a seat at the high table by capturing Jaunty. They kidnap Papa Smurf to find out where the book is. As Papa is being teleported, he tells Smurfette and the others to find his brother Ken (Nick Offerman). Smurfette and gang land in Paris and head to the Australian outback to find and free Papa. All comes right in the end in psychedelic colours and bright bursts of song, including Punjabi music in 'Higher Love' by Desi Trill featuring DJ Khaled, Subhi, Cardi B, and Natania, and 'Balle Balouza' by Natania, Subhi & The Indian Connect. Smurfs has a psychedelic vibe, especially in the nine dimensions, giving a very multiverse feeling and that Parisian club the Smurfs go to is zingy fun. There are gentle laughs to be had with Razamel's video call with the other wizards, when he does not realise he is on mute and his long suffering 'hench-minion' Joel (Dan Levy) asking for a good review on LinkedIn as this is his first job. ALSO READ:The Smurfs - No fun at all Gargamel's cat, Azrael's expressions are a hoot. Poker Face's Natasha Lyonne has fun as the leader of the cake-mad strange beings called Snooterpoots while Sandra Oh is all dangerous posh as Moxie, the leader of the French underground. At 92 minutes, Smurfs whizzes by on a sea of dazzling colours, action and little jokes—enough to keep its very young target audience giggling and the accompanying grown-ups passively entertained. Smurfs is currently running in theatres
