Common Sense Media Review
By Betsy Bozdech
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Positive messages, peril, salty language in Smurf-venture.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Smurfs
What's the Story?
SMURFS sets up its story quickly, establishing that the Smurfs in Smurf Village are keeping the universe safe by protecting the Jaunty Grimoire, one of four magic books sought by a group of evil wizards who want to use them for (of course) very nefarious purposes. The tricky part is that none of the happy-go-lucky Smurfs know that, except for leader Papa Smurf (voiced by John Goodman). So when he gets kidnapped by one of the wizards, Lord Razamel (JP Karliak), the rest of the little blue gnomes don't quite know what to do. It's up to Smurfette (Rihanna), her friend No Name Smurf (James Corden), and a few others to figure out a rescue mission—one that finds them crossing paths with characters both familiar and new.
Is It Any Good?
It's colorful and fairly fast-paced, with a strong voice cast and positive messages for kids, but director Chris Miller's take on the little blue gnomes falls short of true magic. Smurfs is far from the first movie based on Belgian cartoonist Peyo's world-famous characters, and it's definitely not the worst, but somehow no one has quite been able to give Papa and Co. the joyful spark of a franchise like Trolls or Despicable Me. The script is a bit too reliant on jokes that revolve around the word "Smurf" as a stand-in for more eyebrow-raising options, the songs aren't especially memorable (even Rihanna's "Friend of Mine"), and the combination of animated characters who look like they're from the 1980s show with scenes set in the real human world can be jarring.
All of that said, Smurfs also has clear themes about believing in yourself, standing up for others, and being stronger together that are worthwhile for kids. The plot keeps things moving at a pretty brisk pace (except for the song breaks), and there are enough laughs and clever moments to keep viewers—especially younger ones—engaged. (A sequence in which characters move through different dimensions while battling, including claymation, a side-scrolling 8-bit game, anime, and more, is fun.) Is it Smurftastic? No. But it's Smurfy enough to get by.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the messages in Smurfs. What is the movie saying about what makes each Smurf special? What does No Name learn about himself?
How do the characters demonstrate teamwork and perseverance? Why are those important character strengths?
If you've seen other Smurfs movies and shows, how does this one compare? Which do you prefer: all animation, or a mix of animation and live action? Why?
What's the appeal of remaking old cartoons like The Smurfs into movies? Do you think the goal is to share the cartoons with a new generation, or to appeal to grown-ups who remember the cartoons from their own youth?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 18, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : August 12, 2025
- Cast : Rihanna , James Corden , John Goodman , JP Karliak
- Director : Chris Miller
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , Fantasy ( Magic )
- Character Strengths : Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : action, language and some rude humor
- Last updated : February 9, 2026
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