REVIEW: Is the New Smurfs Movie Worth Watching? Here’s What We Think
July 25, 2025
Papa Smurf
Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5)
If you were born in the 1980s or earlier, chances are you grew up with these lovable blue creatures. Created in 1958 by Belgian comic book artist Peyo, the Smurfs have charmed generations with their quirky personalities—each named after a defining trait or role, like Lazy Smurf, Grouchy Smurf, Chef Smurf, or Vanity Smurf. Papa Smurf is wise leader of the village, while Smurfette was the first female Smurf introduced into the series. Together, they often find themselves dodging the schemes of the infamous villain, the wizard Gargamel.
In this latest animated installment, we’re introduced to a new character: No Name Smurf (voiced by James Corden), who is struggling to find his purpose. Things take a turn when Papa Smurf (voiced by John Goodman) is kidnapped by Gargamel’s brother, Razamel (both voiced by John Paul Karliak). Smurfette (voiced by Rihanna) takes charge, leading a mission to rescue Papa Smurf and, along the way, discovering more about herself and their world.
Backed by a powerhouse cast including Sandra Oh, Dan Levy, Natasha Lyonne, and Octavia Spencer, the film breathes new life—or should we say, a fresh coat of blue paint—into this timeless franchise.
I brought my five-year-old twins to an advance screening and they had no clue who or what the Smurfs were—but within minutes, they were completely enchanted.
The movie is a visual feast—bursting with color, charm, and energy from start to finish. The animation is crisp and lively, making the Smurf village feel like a storybook come to life. It's undeniably a treat for young viewers, who will be drawn in by the vibrant visuals and whimsical setting.
Did it bring a wave of nostalgia for longtime fans? In small ways, yes. Seeing Gargamel and his mischievous cat Azrael onscreen again definitely stirred up fond memories. And glimpses of the Smurf village—of which I actually own a model—added a touch of sentimentality. Still, the movie is clearly made with children in mind, and they’re the ones who will get the most joy out of it.
No Name Smurf and Smurfette
The humor is light, goofy, and kid-friendly, with a few clever lines that older viewers will quietly appreciate—though not all of them hit the mark. It’s the kind of layered comedy that works on multiple levels without being too complicated for younger minds.
Songs are scattered throughout the film, adding rhythm and a sense of joy to the story. While they may not be the most memorable tunes, they’re beautifully executed and help carry the emotion and energy of the scenes.
At its heart, this Smurfs movie is a warm, feel-good way to introduce a beloved classic to a whole new generation. Even if kids today didn’t grow up with the original cartoon, this version makes the Smurfs feel relevant, relatable, and full of life.
The story celebrates teamwork, friendship, and believing in yourself: important lessons delivered in a way that’s easy for children to grasp. It’s the perfect pick for a cozy family movie night, a weekend treat, or just about any time your little ones need a magical escape.
In short: it’s colorful, funny, musical, and designed for kids to fall in love with. And yes, it is worth the watch with your children!
Catch Smurfs at Ayala Malls Cinemas!
Ayala Malls Cinemas continues to look for ways to give fun and memorable experiences for their movie-loving patrons. As part of Trinoma’s mall-wide reinvention, the cinemas have recently undergone renovations and now feature improved screens and laser projection for sharper images, better lighting, even better sound, and refurbished paint for a more pleasant ambiance. Kids and kids-at-heart will surely enjoy their favorite Smurfs’ latest adventure on the big screen.
Besides the newly reimagined cinemas in Trinoma, movie watchers can also also enjoy watching their most highly anticipated films in Ayala Malls’ other Specialty Cinemas, which include ATMOS and A-Luxe Cinemas. With premium features, such as plush seating and generous legroom, cutting-edge laser projections for sharper images, and top-notch Dolby Sound and Dolby Atmos technologies to enhance audio depth, Ayala Malls Cinemas is the choice destination for movie lovers. And, of course, to complete the movie-watching experience, patrons can take their delicious picks from The Movie Snackbar, which is loaded with movie-watching snack staples, such as popcorn, sandwiches and ice-cold beverages.
Help the Smurfs find Papa Smurf! Don’t miss “Smurfs,” now showing in cinemas. Book your tickets now by visiting www.sureseats.com or any of the participating cinemas. Visit the Ayala Malls Cinemas FB and IG pages for updates!