Review - The Smurfs 2

Smurf Happens


The Smurfs 2 is the sequel to 2011's over $500 million worldwide box office winner, The Smurfs.

We get Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays and Hank Azaria back in their live action roles along with the new addition of Brendan Gleeson as Harris' father. But even though these actors are all amazingly talented, this is all about the little blue guys. And we've got new, "non-Blue" Smurfs...that Gargamel (Azaria) wants to make blue. All of this leads to more singing, more tapping, more fun.

Smurfette (voiced by Katy Perry) is feeling blue. (wait, I didn't intend for that pun, but oh well...what's done is done). It's her birthday, and it seems all of smurf village has forgotten. She's always felt like she doesn't belong, but Papa Smurf (Jonathan Winters) can usually bring her back. But while she is off contemplating the situation, Gargamel has sent his new non-blue smurf Vexy (Christina Ricci) to bring Smurfette home and take her essence.

When Vexy succeeds, the Smurfs set off to Paris and enlist the help of their old friends Patrick (Neil Patrick Harris) and Grace (Jayma Mays) to find Gargamel and bring back Smurfette. But will they be able to save all of Smurf Village?

It's hard, real hard to criticize the Smurf. I mean they are the SMURFS! They are the happiest group that exists, right?

Unfortunately, the magic of The Smurfs was missing. Sure there was some fun here. Some of the gags are cute and made me laugh both in the beginning and end of this one. BUT, and there was bound to be a but, I found the film to be slow and dull in the meaty mid-section.

I think there are parts of this film that will remain memorable for viewers after the film concludes, but the number of those moments are very low. Instead it just slugs along through some extremely slow and uninteresting moments to a mildly interesting climax.

If I had to say anything about The Smurfs 2 it would be that this will find a better home on DVD than paying 12 bucks to see it in theaters. Because I just cant criticize a Smurf...I mean come on, they are some of the happiest folks around. But as it says with their website address. smurfhappens.com - Smurf DOES happen...but didn't, or did...depending on your definition of "smurf".

C

The Smurfs 2

Director: Raja Gosnell
Cast: Neil Patrick Harris, Hank Azaria, Jayma Mays, Brendan Gleeson, (voices of Katy Perry, Christina Ricci, JB Smoove, Jonathan Winters and so many more)

Rated: PG  for some rude humor and action.
Runtime: 1 hour 45 minutes