[yasr_overall_rating]
In this fully animated, all-new take on the Smurfs, a mysterious map sets Smurfette and her friends Brainy, Clumsy and Hefty on an exciting race through the Forbidden Forest leading to the discovery of the biggest secret in Smurf history.
“Smurfs: The Lost Village” is a great film for the kids that explores the age old question of belonging. However, it doesn’t do it in any new ways that matter.
The film has a simple plot, Smurfette and her band of helpers go in search of a lost village of smurfs after she feels that she has no place in her current home. Through a series of events, she finds her place and becomes the smurf she has always been meant to be.
I get it, it’s just a new face dealing with an old problem in order for a new generation to take up the task of trying to fix the problem but it feels like the audience it’s meant for, will have heard this message a thousand times before. Be yourself, don’t change, be kind to others, all of that jazz. Demi Lovato plays the main character, Smurfette, and while it’s a good move to get a positive, opinion leader to be the weight behind the character and the message, she doesn’t bring any of her pep to the film. Maybe she is held back by a sub-par script or a director who wouldn’t let her have any control over the character but I expected a little more coming from such an influential person such as she. The other characters seem to suffer from the same ordeal as Smurfette, they seem bland and just repeat the overall sentiment that is expressed at the beginning but through half-hearted actions.
If you think them finding the village is the turning point of the story, you’d be mistaken. When they finally do make it, the movie spends about five or so minutes showing cut scenes that don’t link to anything and then it’s over. A film that is meant for children can still have a good, strong plot and not lack in areas that would attract a larger audience. If you and your family are bored, go see this film. If not, go check out something else.
In theaters Friday, April 7th
