Bright blue creatures, magical mishaps, and Parisian adventures – The Smurfs 2 takes the audience on another whimsical journey. Directed by Raja Gosnell, the sequel to The Smurfs (2011) brings back the beloved little blue characters along with their human allies. Starring Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Hank Azaria, and featuring the voices of Katy Perry, Christina Ricci, and Jonathan Winters, the film is set in both the Smurfs’ mystical world and the vibrant streets of Paris. It combines live-action and animation, maintaining its family-friendly fantasy-comedy genre.
The plot follows the evil wizard Gargamel, now a famous magician in Paris, who creates two mischievous Smurf-like creatures called the Naughties in an attempt to harness magical Smurf essence. When Smurfette is kidnapped by Gargamel to help complete his diabolical plan, the Smurfs must team up with their human friends to rescue her. With the action shifting to the City of Light, the Smurfs race against time to save Smurfette and foil Gargamel’s plot, all while Smurfette struggles with her own feelings of belonging and identity.
One aspect that stands out in The Smurfs 2 is the voice acting, particularly Katy Perry’s portrayal of Smurfette. Perry brings a warmth and depth to Smurfette’s character, especially as Smurfette grapples with her sense of family and her origins. Smurfette’s internal struggle is the emotional heart of the film, and Perry’s performance effectively conveys her vulnerability. Hank Azaria’s over-the-top performance as Gargamel continues to be a highlight, with his exaggerated gestures and comedic timing keeping the villain entertaining. The addition of Christina Ricci as Vexy, one of the Naughties, brings a feisty new dynamic to the voice cast, adding layers to the relationship between the Smurfs and their darker counterparts.
Visually, the film does an impressive job blending animation with live-action. The animation of the Smurfs and the Naughties is detailed and vibrant, making their characters feel alive and engaging. The setting of Paris adds a romantic and scenic backdrop to the film, with iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral playing important roles in the story. The cinematography captures the beauty of the city, mixing wide shots of Paris with close-up action sequences that keep the pace moving quickly. While the visuals are bright and colorful, the CGI at times feels overly polished, making the Smurfs look somewhat out of place in the real-world settings.
The musical score by Heitor Pereira and the inclusion of contemporary pop songs help set the film’s playful and energetic tone. The soundtrack is upbeat, matching the film’s fast-paced action and comedic moments. However, the music doesn’t delve deep enough into emotional themes, which could have enhanced some of the more heartfelt moments in the story, particularly around Smurfette’s character arc. The sound design, especially during Gargamel’s magical experiments and chases, adds a layer of excitement, complementing the chaotic nature of his character.
The film’s direction, once again by Raja Gosnell, balances the light-hearted humor with moments of introspection, particularly through Smurfette’s identity crisis. While the film remains mostly focused on slapstick humor and visual gags to entertain its younger audience, there is an attempt to explore deeper themes like family, belonging, and self-acceptance. The pacing is quick, and though it sometimes feels rushed, it keeps the film engaging for its target audience. The editing is smooth, especially in sequences where the Smurfs interact with their human friends, making the transition between animated characters and live-action scenes feel natural.
Costume design, particularly for Gargamel and the human characters, helps reinforce the fantasy elements of the film. Gargamel’s tattered robes and outlandish style continue to exaggerate his cartoonish villainy, while Patrick (played by Neil Patrick Harris) and Grace (Jayma Mays) remain grounded in more relatable, everyday outfits. The costumes of the Smurfs themselves are, of course, iconic, and the design of the Naughties brings an edgier, grittier look to their Smurf-like form, differentiating them from their blue counterparts.
Thematically, the film touches on ideas of identity and belonging, particularly through Smurfette’s struggle with her origins as a creation of Gargamel. Her fear of not truly being part of the Smurf family adds emotional weight to an otherwise straightforward rescue mission plot. Though the film doesn’t dive too deeply into these themes, it offers enough emotional resonance to connect with its younger audience, while providing some thoughtful moments for older viewers.
Overall, The Smurfs 2 is a fun, energetic sequel that builds on the charm of the original film. While the plot may not be groundbreaking and the humor is often aimed squarely at younger audiences, the film succeeds in creating an entertaining adventure that both children and families can enjoy. The strong voice performances, particularly from Perry and Azaria, elevate the film, while the vibrant visuals and lively setting of Paris add a fresh layer of excitement. For those looking for a light-hearted, visually appealing family movie, The Smurfs 2 is a solid choice, though it may not leave a lasting impression on older audiences looking for deeper storytelling.
