User reviews

So the first Smurfs movie was better. But this one has more than it's fair share of moments too. Is it predictable? Yes! But does it have a coherent theme running through it concerning parent hood and moral message that might be a bit hammered into our heads? Yes, though it's still acceptable and doesn't overdo it.

The movie is aimed at kids and while Pixar has shown us you can do that without forgetting about the parents/adults, this doesn't mean every animated movie has to be like that. There can and should be movies like Smurfs too. The success was there, but the rating suggest that many people might have watched under duress or being forced to. It's unfortunate if you couldn't enjoy some nice little family entertainment. I'm a cynic too, but I could relax with this. It's really not that bad

Gargamel (Hank Azaria) is now a world famous magician. He has created two darker version of Smurfs called Naughties named Vexy and Hackus. Meanwhile Smurfette has doubts about her personality since she was originally created by Gargamel. Papa Smurf had changed her from a Naughtie to a Smurf with a secret spell. Gargamel needs that spell to create real Smurfs to harness the powerful Smurf essence. Gargamel sends Vexy to kidnap Smurfette. Papa Smurf and others return to the real world to rescue Smurfette with the help of Patrick (Neil Patrick Harris), Grace (Jayma Mays) and Victor (Brendan Gleeson).

It's marginally better than the first movie. I like that evil Gargamel is driving the story. Hank Azaria is a good Gargamel. I still wouldn't recommend this for anybody other than little kids. Also I'm not sure why Brendan Gleeson is in this. I would have thought they would add a broad comedian for comic relief instead and then they turn him into a duck. I still wish the Smurfs stay in the forest. They could make it a magical forest. The real world somehow diminishes them not just because of their size.

I'm really puzzled by these reviews. Firstly, we have people saying they hated the first film but this is even worse. Excuse me, but what kind of stupid do you have to be to watch a sequel to a film you hated? Then there's people who complain that the film is for children? But hey, what did you expect? Well, I expected the worst, I never liked the Smurfs and I'm old enough to remember that awful song from the 70s. I've seen the McDonalds toys and I was prepared to hate this. But every Sunday we take our children to see a movie for a pound and this is what was on. I've seen Despicable Me 2, Turbo, Monsters University, Cloudy with Meatballs 2 and the Rise of the Guardians over the last few weeks on the same terms. I enjoyed those in varying degrees, but I wanted to give this one a miss. But it's for the kids, not me, so I went along. And I guess what, I actually enjoyed it.

There's no point me regurgitating the plot, but highlights for me were Christina Ricci giving a bit of Wednesday to Vexy, the naughty sister Smurf, the one-dimensional pantomime baddie (he's behind you!) and the cat, which amused me if no-one else. The plot is not believable, according to some. Yeah, and you sat though Despicable Me 2 and Cloudy with Meatballs 2? The plot is consistent with the rules set for the movie, just go with it. And if your children like it, what's not to like for you?

The Smurfs 2 continues with the adventures of the adorable blue creatures called, Smurfs. When Smurfette(Katy Perry) assumes that the rest of the Smurfs have forgotten her birthday, she's very depressed & wanders off alone. She thinks that she's not a true blue Smurf as she was originally a Naughty created by the evil wizard, Gargamel(Hank Azaria). Meanwhile Gargamel hatches an evil plot to kidnap Smurfette & get her to tell the formula to turn two of his Naughties, Vexy(Christina Ricci) & Hackus(J.B Smoove) into real Smurfs. Vexy enters the portal to Smurf village, kidnaps Smurfette & takes her back to Earth. Now,it is up to Papa(Jonathan Winters), Grouchy(George Lopez), Clumsy(Anton Yelchin) & Vanity(John Oliver) to rescue Smurfette from Gargamel before he coerces her to give him the formula. The Smurfs seek the help of their friends, Patrick(Neil Patrick Harris) his wife, Grace(Jayma Mays) & Patrick's step-dad Victor(Brendan Gleeson).

The Smurfs 2 was lots of fun! I can't believe it has such a low rating on IMDb. It's not supposed to be the best film ever. It's just a cute movie about love, friendship, the importance of family & how they will always be by your side. Looking at the morals the film teaches you, it's a perfect weekend outing with your family & a perfect popcorn movie for everyone who wants to watch it alone. The fusion between live-action & animation is enchanting. The 3D is flawless. The entire movie is filled with eye popping 3D effects. The best scene in the film for me is when, Smurfette & the Naughties are flying around Paris. Mind blowing visual effects & animation. Hank Azaria is the standout performer as the bumbling wizard, Gargamel. Neil Patrick Harris is great as Patrick. Jayma Mays is impressive as Grace. Brendan Gleeson is hilarious as Victor. Katy Perry, Christina Ricci, Jonathan Winters, Anton Yelchin, George Lopez, John Oliver & J.B Smoove are perfect as Smurfette, Vexy, Papa, Clumsy, Grouchy, Vanity & Hackus respectively. The gags are a little childish but, it is a comedy for kids, not adults. All in all, The Smurfs 2 is loads of fun & is worth a watch.

'THE SMURFS 2': One and a Half Stars (Out of Five) Sequel to the 2011 hit kids' film based on the popular comic-book (which was later turned into a popular cartoon series in the 1980s) by Peyo (a Belgian comic-book artist) about little blue people that live in mushrooms. It once again stars Hank Azaria as the evil wizard Gargamel and Neil Patrick Harris as the Smurfs' human friend Patrick. It also features voices by Katy Perry, Jonathan Winters (who the film was dedicated to, due to his recent passing) and many others as Smurfs. The film was once again directed by Raja Gosnell and written by the same team of writers (with Karey Kirkpatrick joining the team). I'd say it's even worse than the first film in quality, especially since one of my favorite actresses (Sofia Vergara) didn't return this time around. This film revolves around Gargamel (Azaria) kidnapping Smurfette (voiced by Perry), the only female Smurf (which he created), and taking her back to Paris with him. He needs Papa Smurf's formula for creating Smurfs (which Smurfette knows) so he can extract the Smurf-essence from them (which gives him his magical powers). The film introduces two bad Smurf-like critters that Gargamel also created. They're called Naughties named Vexy (voiced by Christina Ricci) and Hackus (voice by J. B. Smoove). The film also gives us a lot of Smurfette's back story and introduces us to Patrick's stepfather Victor (Brendan Gleeson) as well. The first 'SMURFS' movie was bad and this one is even worse. The only thing I did like about the original movie was it co-starred Sofia Vergara (like I said) as a domineering antagonist (Patrick's boss). She was great and extremely sexy in it (like always) but the rest of the movie was a waste. Both films are pointless and about as dumbed down as kids' movies get. I did like the cartoon and comic books when I was a kid but I don't know if a quality live action film could really be developed from them. So I guess I can't complain too much. Still this movie, like the first, is a waste of time. Kids might like it though.

The Smurfs 2 Zero Stars I Remember a long time ago when I Saw the smurfs cartoon, it was funny, charming, amazingly and whimsical, it had tiny blue creatures who battle gargamel and much more, but sadly the smurfs movie was a disaster and it made a big amount of movie at the box office and this one could be even worse, this is one of the most pathetic sequels ever made and one of the worst movies of the year so far, what a joke. this takes place 2 years after the events of the first film when the smurfs time traveled to new york, when in the case smurfette gets kidnapped by the naughties (one of the them played by a truly wasted Christina ricci in a what is she doing in the film like this) and the smurfs go to Paris to save her from gargamel and the naughties, Neil Patrick Harris is wasted yet again as the person who is trying to help the smurfs along with his wife, gargmel played by an embarrassed Hank Azaria of the simpsons fame who is completely lost.

The CGI is impressive but so what?, the screenplay is simply a waste of absolute time, the story goes nowhere, the writing is pathetic and a editing is a complete disaster, sadly this is Jonathan winters last film and a pathetic one if that. this is a truly dreadful film that is even worse then the first, MUCH worse

Wait for avatar sequels in 2016 if that.

Having already seen Despicable me 2 And Monsters University, these summer hols, I took my two kids to see Smurfs 2. I have to say, despite any toffee nosed film critics who have panned this film, we thoroughly enjoyed it. It was equally good, if not better than the two previously mentioned films. The animation, especially the interaction between real life and CGI was impressive. It was funny, fast-moving, and at times emotional. Gargamel's performance was wonderful. Some of the visual effects, such as the "Roue de Paris" coming of it's axle and rolling through the streets of Paris were amazing. Ignore the film critics, go there with your kids, and try and watch it through the eyes of a child and enjoy. Great in 3D. We thought it was better than the previous Smurfs movie.

I'm not saying the first Smurfs movie was cinematic genius, but it was at least tolerable. Smurfs 2, for an adult, is agonizingly boring. My kids (ages 9 and 5) enjoyed it, so I guess it's okay for younger children. But honestly, I've seen many kids' movies in the past, and there's usually at least some element of humor in there that adults can appreciate and enjoy too.

That is not the case here. The plot feels very drawn out and contrived. The humor revolves largely on sight gags and jokes of the farting, implied nakedness, or "oh look, I'm falling and crashing into something" variety. While that was done to good effect in Shrek, it was embarrassingly bad here. They gave Azrael the cat a bigger role in this one, but it came across as irritating for the most part

All in all, an okay movie for younger kids, but adults, be prepared to be bored out of your mind by it!

After seeing the first one, the family was eager to see this one. We were not disappointed! The story of course takes a different turn then the first with the introduction of 2 new smurfs. The addition added an amazing flavor to the movie and tested Smurfette on a whole new level which made the kids eager to see what would happen! As for the wife and I, it was entertaining and fun. Plus the bonus of what the smurfs teach us, never give up on family and help those in need.

Bottomline, another entertaining surf movie that pushes family values and entertaining for kids and adults alike.

While I have seen a fair number of kids movies over my time (having three children), I, like one of the other reviewers, found the movie boring and did not enjoy. However, my 8 year old really enjoyed it and said we have to buy that movie. I had not seen the prequel to this movie, but it would probably not have improved my review. I did not think the actors were great. Having seen Brendan Gleeson in different roles, it was unusual to see him playing this character and he seemed way out of place. The movie had some touching scenes that step-parents and step children will appreciate. I thought some of the effects were over the top but I guess the movie is aimed mostly to entertain children.

This was a pretty good movie with emotional scenes and sweet, loving messages. It was refreshing to see that all the 'male' Smurfs loved Smurfette as a sister, instead of some trashy, lusty bullshit* usually seen in movies. The plot was interesting and original. It was interesting how three wrong Smurfs went with the old Smurf to find Smurfette, rather than the original three chosen. But there could have been more attention on the three Smurfs and how they contributed to the mission. More attention was on Smurfette and the two evil step-siblings. The show was funny, interesting, and calm. It wasn't too complicated and meant for relaxation.

*7/10*

Review: Not only was this movie silly and boring, it also put me off of the little blue people which I grew to love as a child. The director made this film just for kids in mind, without a thought about the adults that have to sit through it with there little ones. I should have known what to expect after seeing the first one, but I was hoping that there would have been something for us people without kids. The CGI was done well, but the storyline was terrible and extremely unrealistic. Maybe they shouldn't use real people next time and just keep it in Smurf la la land!

Round-Up: It was weird seeing Brendan Gleeson making a fool of himself throughout the movie, but I'm sure that it won't hurt his career. Neil Patrick Harris is acting the same as he did in the first one so there wasn't that much surprise with his contribution. The new Smurfs that are in this film weren't bad and Gargarmel is up to his usual tricks, trying to capture the Smurfs, but I ended up falling asleep after a while. It's not a bad movie to put on if you want to keep the kids quiet, and judging by the money that it made, I'm sure that your going to see a third one in this franchise, but I'm hoping that they will give it to a different director.

Budget: $105million (On What!) Worldwide Gross: $348million

I recommend this movie to kids who are into the Smurfs and silly comedies with mini Avatars. 2/10

It pains me greatly to tell my dear readers the following, but "The Smurfs 2" does not reach the cinematic heights reached by the first film in this storied franchise (and I'm quite certain the other attendees of the exclusive screening felt the same).

In this outing, critical darling Raja Gosnell has consciously moved away from the blend of South Korean revenge saga and Bollywood sentimentality, which so strongly epitomized "The Smurfs." Here we are presented with a deeply symbolic and nonlinear narrative with little regard for pacing (think European artistry). Thematically, this film is more akin to Terrence Malick's "Days of Heaven" than to Gosnell's own "Beverly Hills Chihuahua." To its detriment, of course.

Some of my disappointment is perhaps due to the surprise at the change of direction Gosnell has taken with our favorite little blue creatures. I feel critics will too easily dismiss the film as they were expecting something different, but unlike most film critics working today, I can put my expectations aside and judge the film objectively.

Fans of the first will be glad to hear that acting powerhouse Katy Perry makes a return to voice Smurfette. She is simply sensational and steals scene after scene. Neil Patrick Harris gives a rather subtle performance and it's perhaps a bit too quiet and nuanced. There are new additions to this all-star cast, including the wildly inconsistent and unstable Brendan Gleeson. On his day, Gleeson makes for a phenomenal extra, but he is given too big a role. His performance is entirely too physical and he simply does not possess the acting talent to carry scenes emotionally.

The plot is marginally improved over the first, as the kidnapping of Smurfette adds a dash of pathos that was sorely lacking in the first tale. The stakes are higher than ever and despite some blunders and missteps along the way, "The Smurfs 2" ultimately delivers. While many critics will undoubtedly be off-put by the abstract and heavily metaphorical direction the sequel has taken, it is clear that Gosnell has coherent and meaningful creative goals here that he successfully meets.

Additionally, the film is meticulously shot by Phil Meheux and gorgeously scored by Heitor Pereira — your eyes and ears are guaranteed to get off sexually. I sure did, and the family next to me certainly seemed to enjoy themselves as well.

I liked the movie but I don't know if I liked how they just added those 2 other "smurfs".

I really enjoyed the original, so when I went to the sequel I had high expectations but I didn't give me what I expected, it just gave me a movie that is just as good.

These "The Smurfs" movies seem to be nothing more than one of those childish animated, live-action hybrid adaptations of classic cartoons/comics that are obviously made for cash-in and distraction for little(r) audiences, but this sequel kind of hooked me. There is something behind the story that might help this being a little more than another juvenile family fare. We're not expecting it to become deeper or darker, but the film would've think that kids need to earn better lessons or genuine heart in their entertainment other than just feeding them with endless slapstick comedy and pop culture references. The Smurfs 2 had some good potential, but the rest stays mediocre.

The existence of the film itself was never promising, it still centers in the real world even though there are better things to explore in their magical world. But there is a sense at the first act that may have an actual story to tell. The plot mostly concerns about Smurfette's true identity, if she really belongs to the Smurfs or go back to her origin as a Naughty. It's not really meant to be complex, but there would've been at least something that could fill the audience's heart. The best parts are when they are talking about its heartfelt themes, and that is a mild benefit for this film. However, the storyline is still kind of the same by throwing away plenty of childish gags. Aside of its family subtext, some subplots give each of the characters their own random situations. I presume they're meant for laughs, but they didn't go anywhere in the end. It's still a mediocre storytelling which outweighs the bigger picture.

Despite of its superficiality, the filmmaking is as energetic as it has always been. The director once again brings the film's cartoonish quirks, and the actors are having fun with their roles which also brings it to life. You can see that in Hank Azaria who seems really enjoying playing the evil wizard, Gargamel. The special effects are as good as it gets. I guess there isn't much else to talk about the technicalities.

There are things in The Smurfs 2 that could have worked, but the filmmakers stick to their usual way of entertaining kids. It's nothing new, but this sequel has a better message compared to the first movie, though how the film delivers it didn't actually help making the whole experience any satisfying or worth telling. In the end, I think children will mostly focus the cute stuff and the characters' random antics than the thematic stuff about family, because at all, those are what this movie is more interested in. Again, The Smurfs 2 doesn't look like it's destined to be a great film, but diminishing the premise that was set up in beginning can be a disappointment.

I'm not a kid. I'm not a Smurfs fan. And there are a few kids' films I like and many I don't. But, I really enjoyed "Smurfs 2." The film quickly won me over despite what I thought were weak trailers and lame source material. For me, it was light fun and very appropriate for children.

Hank Azaria is the highlight as the evil Gargamel with great delivery of funny lines. He's ably assisted in providing comedy by Brendan Gleeson and, to a lesser extent, by Neil Patrick Harris. Not that Harris isn't funny, but his role as the step-son to Gleeson's sometimes, seeming irresponsible step-father requires less comedy.

Jonathan Winters is, surprisingly, unfunny. But, that's okay. He is Papa Smurf, the straight-man in Smurf village. It's just too bad what may be his last film doesn't give us one more chance to experience his wit. The message is about family and fatherhood. And both Papa Smurf and Harris' Patrick Winslow learn lessons about recognizing and being a good dad. But, mostly it's about fun.

The story moves quickly and doesn't waste a lot of time on dopey scenes or unneeded exposition. There are plenty of fun action sequences and Azaria's antics as the evil and unintentionally-for-himself funny Gargamel.

The film looks very good. The land of the Smurfs is beautiful and the scenes in Paris are lovely. It's a kids film, but it's also, literally, a pretty picture.

Most of the best lines come out of Azaria's mouth. Maybe he came up with some of them. He definitely is a talented performer. But, there are writers, so I'll credit them.

It's often said that a lot of writers on a script is a bad sign. And "Smurfs 2" has five credited. But, it's funny. "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" also had five writers, so I'm not sure so many writers are a bad thing.

The movie is a solid kid's film for without the intrusion of overly adult themes, yet amusing enough that adults won't be bored. It's cliché for me to write this, but it is fun for the whole family.

If you do go, there is a little tag at the very end after all the credits have rolled, so if you liked the movie, stick around through all the credits for it.