'THE SMURFS 2': One and a Half Stars (Out of Five)
Sequel to the 2011 hit kids' film based on the popular comic-book
(which was later turned into a popular cartoon series in the 1980s) by
Peyo (a Belgian comic-book artist) about little blue people that live
in mushrooms. It once again stars Hank Azaria as the evil wizard
Gargamel and Neil Patrick Harris as the Smurfs' human friend Patrick.
It also features voices by Katy Perry, Jonathan Winters (who the film
was dedicated to, due to his recent passing) and many others as Smurfs.
The film was once again directed by Raja Gosnell and written by the
same team of writers (with Karey Kirkpatrick joining the team). I'd say
it's even worse than the first film in quality, especially since one of
my favorite actresses (Sofia Vergara) didn't return this time around.
This film revolves around Gargamel (Azaria) kidnapping Smurfette
(voiced by Perry), the only female Smurf (which he created), and taking
her back to Paris with him. He needs Papa Smurf's formula for creating
Smurfs (which Smurfette knows) so he can extract the Smurf-essence from
them (which gives him his magical powers). The film introduces two bad
Smurf-like critters that Gargamel also created. They're called
Naughties named Vexy (voiced by Christina Ricci) and Hackus (voice by
J. B. Smoove). The film also gives us a lot of Smurfette's back story
and introduces us to Patrick's stepfather Victor (Brendan Gleeson) as
well.
The first 'SMURFS' movie was bad and this one is even worse. The only
thing I did like about the original movie was it co-starred Sofia
Vergara (like I said) as a domineering antagonist (Patrick's boss). She
was great and extremely sexy in it (like always) but the rest of the
movie was a waste. Both films are pointless and about as dumbed down as
kids' movies get. I did like the cartoon and comic books when I was a
kid but I don't know if a quality live action film could really be
developed from them. So I guess I can't complain too much. Still this
movie, like the first, is a waste of time. Kids might like it though.
