Smurfs

Read Time: 4 min

Release Date	18 July 2025 (India)
Director	Chris Miller
Distributed By	Paramount Pictures
Writers	Pam Brady, Peyo
Cast	Rihanna, James Corden, Nick Offerman, John Goodman, JP Karliak
Runtime	1h 32m
Age Rating	U (Universal)
Genre	Musical / Comedy / Animation
Budget	$85 million (estimated)

Review:

If you thought the Smurfs had sung their final tune, think again. Directed by Chris Miller and powered by a stellar voice cast, Smurfs (2025) swings open the portal to a fresh whimsical adventure — and this time, they’re not just saving their beloved Papa Smurf… they’re redefining what it means to be a hero. Deeply rooted in identity and friendship, this musical-comedy sparkles with bold animation, charming vocals, and a surprisingly timely message for audiences of all ages. It's more than just a makeover of Peyo's beloved blue beans — it's an evolution.

From its Broadway-style opener to a Tyla-pop dance number inside a Paris nightclub, Smurfs (2025) strikes a playful chord that blends nostalgia with modern flair. Music directors Rihanna and Henry Jackman create a soundscape that mirrors the movie's tone — fun, fast, but sometimes emotionally disjointed. While not all songs are chart-toppers, they do push narrative beats and offer enough earworms to charm young audiences.

We follow No Name (voiced by James Corden), a Smurf without a defining trait, facing a whimsical identity crisis. That’s until he stumbles upon magical powers and becomes the center of a villainous scheme led by the wicked wizard duo — Razamel and Gargamel (both delightfully twisted by JP Karliak). With Papa Smurf (John Goodman) kidnapped, the mission spills into the human world where allies like Ken (Nick Offerman) and the fierce Smurfette (Rihanna) join forces. The adventure is zany, full of colorful detours, cross-dimensional surprises, and heartfelt pep-talks about being more than your label.

Visually, the film shines. A clever blend of high-resolution CGI and throwback art styles pays tribute to the original Smurf comics without ever feeling outdated. Whether they’re navigating an 8-bit world or racing through a crayon-draw dimension, the Smurfs' world is poppin’ — literally and figuratively. Character designs are expressive and quirky, scene transitions are slick, and the climax (worry not, no spoilers) is a visual feast for kids and grown-ups alike.

Still, some moments feel rushed, and a deeper emotional punch is lost in the footrace to introduce new characters or flaunt jokes aimed more at Instagram than integrity. That said, it’s No Name's underdog story, and Smurfette’s growing role as a leader, that add genuine depth and storytelling strength where it counts.

Smurfs (2025) is a dazzlingly animated, feel-good journey that will tickle your funny bones while nudging your heart. It may not redefine the animated musical genre, but its themes of self-worth and teamwork are timeless — wrapped in glitter, giggles, and smurftastically sweet tunes. It’s a must-watch for families, fans of fantasy, and anyone who's ever felt like they couldn’t find their place — because, as this film gloriously proves, everyone’s got a little Smurf magic inside them.

No Name Smurf: "I may not have a name yet, but I’ve got something better — I’ve got purpose!"
Go ahead, sprinkle some blue on your heart. Watch Smurfs (2025)... it’s Smurf-tacular!