Smurfs (2025) Movie: Rihanna’s Blue Adventure Misses the Mark

The beloved blue creatures return to the big screen in Smurfs (2025), directed by Chris Miller and featuring an all-star voice cast led by global superstar Rihanna as Smurfette. This animated adventure film, distributed by Paramount Pictures, brings together a remarkable cast including James Corden, Nick Offerman, John Goodman, Kurt Russell, Natasha Lyonne, and Jimmy Kimmel. The PG-rated family film runs for 92 minutes and was written by Pam Brady.

Released on July 18, 2025, this latest iteration of the Smurfs franchise attempts to revitalize the classic characters created by Belgian cartoonist Peyo for a new generation. The film combines traditional animation with modern storytelling techniques, positioning itself as both a nostalgic trip for longtime fans and an introduction for younger audiences. However, despite its star-studded cast and updated animation style, the movie struggles to capture the magic that made the original Smurfs so endearing.

Plot and Storyline

The story follows a familiar rescue mission format when Papa Smurf is mysteriously taken by evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel, prompting Smurfette to lead the Smurfs on a mission into the real world to save him. The plot reveals that Papa Smurf has been hiding a magical book, the only one of four that the Evil Wizards have not captured.

The narrative structure follows predictable beats that fans will recognize, but it lacks the innovative storytelling that could have elevated it beyond standard animated fare. The film introduces various Smurf characters including Clumsy, List Maker, Brainy, Worry, and Sound Effects, each with their distinct personalities.

While the central quest provides adequate motivation for the characters’ journey, the screenplay struggles to balance humor for children with entertainment value for adults. The plot’s execution feels rushed at times, with character development taking a backseat to action sequences.

Cast Performance

Rihanna’s performance as Smurfette serves as the film’s primary drawing card, and her vocal work brings a fresh energy to the character. The film prominently features Rihanna’s involvement, with her also serving as co-producer. Her musical background adds depth to the character’s emotional moments, though some critics have noted that her celebrity status overshadows the character development.

James Corden voices a character called No Name, bringing his characteristic humor to the role, while Nick Offerman lends his distinctive voice to Ken, one of Papa Smurf’s heroic brothers. Kurt Russell appears in flashbacks as the blonde-bearded Ron, another of Papa’s brothers.

John Goodman’s portrayal of Papa Smurf provides gravitas to the leadership role, though his screen time is limited due to the character’s kidnapping early in the film. The supporting cast, including Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, and Octavia Spencer, delivers solid performances that add personality to the Smurf village.

What I Liked

The film’s animation quality represents a significant improvement over previous Smurfs movies, with vibrant colors and detailed character designs that bring the magical world to life. I was impressed by the animation during action sequences, which created dynamic scenes that truly engage younger viewers.

The film delivers a valuable message about never confusing kindness with weakness, serving as a reminder of why the Smurfs are so enduringly beloved. This thematic element provides depth beyond the surface-level adventure, giving parents and children meaningful discussion points.

Rihanna’s musical contributions to the soundtrack add contemporary appeal, though they don’t always blend seamlessly with the film’s traditional fantasy elements. The voice acting from the cast generally maintains high standards, with each performer bringing distinct personality to their characters.

What Could Be Better

The film fails to define its audience, resulting in a disjointed experience that lacks humor for kids and doesn’t appeal to parents. This fundamental issue affects the movie’s overall coherence, as it struggles to balance sophisticated humor with child-friendly content.

I found the screenplay’s attempts at contemporary relevance often feel forced, detracting from the timeless appeal that made the original Smurfs successful. The pacing suffers from an overstuffed plot that tries to accomplish too much in its 92-minute runtime.

Character development gets sacrificed for action sequences, preventing audiences from forming deeper emotional connections with the protagonists. The film’s inability to find its target audience and its reliance on tired formulas prevent it from achieving its potential.

Critical Reception

IMDb users have rated the film 4.7 out of 10 based on 550 reviews. Metacritic assigned the film a score of 33 out of 100 based on 23 critics, indicating generally unfavorable reviews. These scores reflect the widespread disappointment among both critics and general audiences.

Bollywood Hungama gave the film a critics rating of 2.0/5, describing it as a poorly made animated film. Variety noted that while it may be the best of the Smurfs movies, it still puts the innocuous in innocence.

The Hollywood Reporter described it as a charmless reboot despite acknowledging the star power of its cast. Roger Ebert’s review highlighted positive aspects of the animation and messaging while noting areas where the film could have been stronger.

Direction and Technical Aspects

Chris Miller’s direction shows competence in handling the animated format, though it lacks the distinctive vision that could have set this Smurfs film apart from its predecessors. The film’s technical execution is solid, with smooth animation and clear visual storytelling, but it doesn’t push creative boundaries.

The sound design and musical score complement the action effectively, though some musical choices feel disconnected from the film’s fantasy setting. The editing maintains good pacing during action sequences but struggles with character development scenes.

Final Verdict

Smurfs (2025) represents a missed opportunity to revitalize a beloved franchise. While it features impressive animation, a talented voice cast, and positive messages about friendship and courage, the film’s inability to find its target audience prevents it from achieving its potential.

The movie will likely satisfy very young children with its colorful visuals and familiar characters, but it fails to create the multigenerational appeal that successful animated films achieve. The film’s technical merits and star power aren’t enough to overcome its fundamental storytelling weaknesses.

Despite moments of charm and visual splendor, the overall experience feels like a product designed by committee rather than a labor of love from creators passionate about the source material.

Rating: 2.5/5