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The Age
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
Does the new Smurfs movie find its thing?
SMURFS ★½ Rated G, 92 minutes Hollywood is so lavishly stocked with guys named Chris, it can be hard to keep up. I had assumed, until I checked, that Smurfs was the work of Christopher Miller, the co-director of The Lego Movie, though it seemed oddly conventional coming from a filmmaker who used to be known as a hip innovator in the field of family entertainment. As it turns out, this reboot is by his fellow animator Chris Miller, who brought us Shrek the Third and Puss in Boots – although both do wacky fantasy lands, pop culture shoutouts and hero's journeys, so the difference is only a matter of degree. There's less risk of getting confused about the Smurfs, small blue creatures who live in a woodland village and possess one notable trait apiece, sometimes represented by a signature prop: Brainy Smurf, voiced by Xolo Mariduena, wears glasses, Vanity Smurf (Maya Erskine) carries a mirror, and so on. These markers aside, they all look identical, except for Papa Smurf (John Goodman), who has a beard and wears a red cap rather than a white one, and the blonde-haired Smurfette (Rihanna), by tradition the only female Smurf, sculpted out of clay by the evil wizard Gargamel (J.P. Karliak), who intended her as a femme fatale to lure the other Smurfs into captivity. This bizarre but long-standing origin story is more or less the only interesting thing about the Smurfs, and was central to Smurfs: The Lost Village, their last big-screen vehicle in 2017 (in that one Smurfette was voiced by Demi Lovato; before that she was Katy Perry). In this latest reboot we appear to have regressed: the focus is on the brand-new character of No-Name Smurf (James Corden) who hasn't found the 'thing' that would let him stand out from the crowd. Smurfette's 'thing,' essentially, is being a girl, which is a tricky matter and always has been, although in her current incarnation she's also meant to be tough and strong, meaning she's resolved her own identity issues and can spend her time reassuring the protagonist that being a total blank doesn't make him any less terrific.

Sydney Morning Herald
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Smurfs movie review: All-star cast and a few good jokes
SMURFS★½ Rated G, 92 minutes Hollywood is so lavishly stocked with guys named Chris, it can be hard to keep up. I had assumed, until I checked, that Smurfs was the work of Christopher Miller, the co-director of The Lego Movie , though it seemed oddly conventional coming from a filmmaker who used to be known as a hip innovator in the field of family entertainment. The Smurfs are back, including No Name (James Corden) and Smurfette (Rihanna). Credit: Paramount Animation As it turns out, this reboot is by his fellow animator Chris Miller, who brought us Shrek the Third and Puss in Boots – although both do wacky fantasy lands, pop culture shoutouts and hero's journeys, so the difference is only a matter of degree. There's less risk of getting confused about the Smurfs, small blue creatures who live in a woodland village and possess one notable trait apiece, sometimes represented by a signature prop: Brainy Smurf, voiced by Xolo Mariduena, wears glasses, Vanity Smurf (Maya Erskine) carries a mirror, and so on. These markers aside, they all look identical, except for Papa Smurf (John Goodman), who has a beard and wears a red cap rather than a white one, and the blonde-haired Smurfette (Rihanna), by tradition the only female Smurf, sculpted out of clay by the evil wizard Gargamel (J.P. Karliak), who intended her as a femme fatale to lure the other Smurfs into captivity. This bizarre but long-standing origin story is more or less the only interesting thing about the Smurfs, and was central to Smurfs: The Lost Village , their last big-screen vehicle in 2017 (in that one Smurfette was voiced by Demi Lovato; before that she was Katy Perry). In this latest reboot we appear to have regressed: the focus is on the brand-new character of No-Name Smurf (James Corden) who hasn't found the 'thing' that would let him stand out from the crowd. Smurfette's 'thing,' essentially, is being a girl, which is a tricky matter and always has been, although in her current incarnation she's also meant to be tough and strong, meaning she's resolved her own identity issues and can spend her time reassuring the protagonist that being a total blank doesn't make him any less terrific.

TimesLIVE
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Superman battles hi-tech mogul while the Smurfs fight to save Papa from evil clutches
Spotlight is our bite-sized entertainment snapshot featuring new releases in South Africa, exclusive film trailers and more. New episodes come out every Thursday on Sunday Times Lifestyle, Sowetan Entertainment and YouTube, plus you can follow Spotlight on Facebook. Spotlight's episode this week takes in how South Africa's cinemas are getting Smurfed up and DC Comics is launching a brand new reboot of Superman and his Kryptonian heritage. Cinemas around the globe are transforming to blue this week with the adorable little humanoid Smurfs embarking on a mission in the real world to save Papa Smurf and the world from evil wizards that abducted him. From Chris Miller (Shrek the Third, Madagascar) and Matt Landon, this fun animation film stars voice cast John Goodman, Xolo Maridueña, Rihanna and Marshmello. Now on at cinemas and D-BOX. Clark Kent is back with a new reboot of Superman at cinemas, IMAX, 3D and 4DX. With his trademark vulnerability and superpowers, he sets off on an action-fuelled battle against tech billionaire Lex Luthor's quest to bring down the Man of Steel for good. From James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy, The Suicide Squad), starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult. The fifth instalment of Suzanne Collins' best-selling Hunger Games series, Sunrise on the Reaping, film adaptation has been set in motion, promising to hit cinema screens late in 2026. Cast announcements include Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy and Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee. Try out the Sketch Monster Maker app for the cinema release of Sketch, inviting you to draw a picture of your own monster and seeing it come to life. Download from your app store and look out for the film at cinemas from August 8. The Disney Dreamers Academy features young Capetonian Azile, who learnt to sail at the academy guided by mentor Lindani. See her prepare to race around South Africa's famous Robben Island as part of a series of shorts called People and Places, now streaming on Disney+. Competition and giveaways Answer a question to win a Smurfs merchandise hamper. For full competition details and the questions, go to the Spotlight SA Facebook page and DM your answers and contact details by July 16. Terms and conditions apply. Winners will be drawn randomly and notified by SMS after the competition has closed. Entrants' personal details will not be retained for marketing purposes. Winners have to provide proof of age (ID/driving licence) and cover their own travel and accommodation expenses. By entering, participants agree to have their names published on TimesLIVE, SowetanLIVE and Spotlight SA on Facebook. Employees of Ar ena Holdings and their family members are not eligible to enter.
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First Post
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
Brussels goes blue as Rihanna leads the global premiere of The Smurfs - releasing in India on July 18, 2025
The film marks a vibrant return for the Smurfs, blending live-action and animation in a heartwarming, hilarious story led by global superstar Rihanna read more Brussels, the birthplace of the Smurfs, transformed into a Smurf wonderland for the world premiere of The Smurfs Movie, which hits theatres in India on July 18, 2025. The film marks a vibrant return for the Smurfs, blending live-action and animation in a heartwarming, hilarious story led by global superstar Rihanna, who not only voices Smurfette but also served as producer and contributed to the film's soundtrack. 'It's hilarious! It's fun. The whole movie has a great sense of humor. It's very nostalgic for people who grew up on the Smurfs,' said Rihanna at the premiere. 'Smurfs was such a huge part of my childhood and to know that my kids are going to have that moment too… that's exciting," said Rihanna at the premiere. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In this bold new take, Smurfette sets out on a daring mission to rescue Papa Smurf, who disappears under mysterious circumstances. Joined by a new team of Smurfs, she uncovers long-lost secrets of their magical world while facing a powerful villain with dark intentions. Directed by Chris Miller (Shrek the Third, The Lego Movie), the film features a stellar voice cast including James Corden, Dan Levy, Amy Sedaris, and Nick Offerman. Paramount Pictures India releases The Smurfs in India on July 18.


West Australian
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
WIN a Family Pass to see the SMURFS movie in cinemas this school holidays.
SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE West Rewards is giving you the chance to experience the magic of the all-new Smurfs movie on the big screen — the perfect outing for kids and grown-ups alike! From the creators of Shrek the Third and Puss in Boots comes this colourful animated musical, with Rihanna voicing Smurfette in a bold new journey. When Papa Smurf is kidnapped by the evil Gargamel and his sister Razamel, the Smurfs must leave their mushroom village and venture into the real world to bring him home. Packed with heart, humour and original songs by Rihanna, and featuring a stellar voice cast including John Goodman, Sandra Oh, Nick Offerman and James Corden, this feel-good film promises fun for the whole family. In Cinemas this school holidays, you can catch the trailer here. For your chance to win, enter your details below. Entries close on Sunday 28 June at 11:59 pm. All entrants may only enter once. All entrants found to have entered more than once per entry form will have their subsequent entries disqualified. T&Cs apply.