MOVIE REVIEW: Smurfs 2
Reader Nikki McDiarmid reviews new animated adventure comedy Smurfs 2 on behalf of Ster-Kinekor Northgate and the Randburg Sun.
GENRE: 3D computer-animated adventure comedy
RUNNING TIME: 104 minutes
VOICES OF: Katy Perry (The Smurfs); Christina Ricci (War Flowers); Hank Azaria (The Simpsons); George Lopez
DIRECTED BY: Raja Gosnell (Big Momma’s House)
RATING:
Currently screening at Ster-Kinekor Northgate.
PLOT: Smurfette (Katy Perry) is celebrating her birthday but is haunted by nightmares of her past as a “Frakensmurf”. As the Smurfs plan a surprise party, Smurfette feels rejected and questions her place in the Smurf family. Garganel (Hank Azaria), now a famous magician in Paris, is creating two more “Frakensmurfs” (Christina Ricci and J.B. Smoove) with the last of his magic. Garganel believes that if he kidnaps Smurfette, she may return to the dark side of the family, sharing the recipe for Smurf-essence. Meanwhile, Patrick (Neil Patrick Harris) and Grace (Jayma Mays) are celebrating their son’s birthday when Patrick’s step-father, Victor (Brendan Gleeson) arrives to disrupt the celebration. He is stopped in his tracks by the opening of the Smurf portal. Family ties come into question and good must overcome evil.
THE GOOD: Opening scenes encourage children to get reading again. The new additions to the Smurf family are hilarious, with “Clueless” Smurf a firm favourite. The soundtrack is far from what should emanate from Parisian windows, but is music that gets the audience bopping. Old fashioned morals are combined with real family values.
THE BAD: This is a busy story with three separate plotlines and loads of characters. Action, drama, comedy, intrigue, and suspense could prove too much for youngsters in one sitting. With 3D added, there is so much going on that it becomes exhausting.
VERDICT: Smurfs 2 goes all out and everything is on offer, from magical sparkles of fairy dust to fireworks, family dramas, cool music, and great hilarity. In a world of chaos, the innocent storytelling of wholesome values is welcome. Great family entertainment – this one is not to be missed.
SPECIAL THANKS TO STER-KINEKOR NORTHGATE WHO MADE THE REVIEW POSSIBLE.
