Our favourite little blue creatures are back. Smurfs: The Lost Village is the third Smurf film released by Sony Pictures.
As all Smurf fans know, Smurfette has always been somewhat of a mystery to everyone. This time, the story focuses on her attempts to find her purpose in the world. During her quest, she encounters a creature in the Forbidden Forest who Smurfette believes to be similar to her. She sets off with her best friends Brainy, Clumsy, and Hefty to find out if there are other Smurfs beyond the forest. Unfortunately for them, the evil Gargamel, is hot on their heels.
This movie is a reboot with new cast members and not a third installment to the previous ones released.The new approach allowed the creators to go back to the original Smurf format which many have grown up with – while also introducing it to new audiences.
Smurfs: The Lost Village is purely a computer generated world filled with beautiful, vibrant backdrops, accompanied by exciting music all the way through. It’s clear the creators had young children in mind during the process as I can’t imagine them not finding this movie captivating.
This reboot is special because the writers address all the questions fans have had since the beginning. Such as: who is Smurfette? and why aren’t there any other female smurfs? It also sends wonderful messages of gender equality, unity, bravery and kindness.
However, Smurfs: The Lost Village assumes that all audience members are familiar with the original cartoon Smurfs. If the only exposure to the little blue ones are the 2011 and 2013 releases then some might end up strongly disliking this animation.
Mandy Patinkin lends his vocals to voice Papa Smurf this time around. He is joined by other talented individuals such as Julia Roberts, Michelle Rodriguez, Rainn Wilson who voices Gargamel, Joe Manganiello plays Hefty Smurf, and Smurfette gets Demi Lovato. There is also an unexpected cameo by Gordon Ramsay as Baker Smurf.
Smurfs: The Lost Village is an adorable, beautifully spirited, action packed animation suitable for all ages.
I rate it 6.5 out of 10.
Smurfs: The Lost Village is in cinemas this Thursday.
