The Smurfs Return in a Freshly Animated 2025 Adventure
Released in July 2025, Smurfs marks the long-awaited reboot of Peyo’s beloved blue universe, this time under Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Movies. Directed by Chris Miller (Puss in Boots) and written by Pam Brady (Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken), this colorful reimagining stars Rihanna as Smurfette, James Corden as No Name Smurf, and John Goodman as Papa Smurf, alongside an ensemble including Nick Offerman, Natasha Lyonne, and JP Karliak.
This 2025 film combines musical spectacle with adventure, as the Smurfs embark on a globe-trotting quest to rescue Papa Smurf from the clutches of Gargamel’s brother, Razamel, and protect a set of enchanted books that can decide the fate of the universe. In this movie review, I’ll explore how Smurfs (2025) blends nostalgia, humor, and heart—while occasionally tripping over its own magic mushrooms.
Genre:Animation, Comedy, Family
A Return to the Blue – Familiar Yet Fresh
Watching Smurfs (2025) in the cinema felt like stepping into a kaleidoscope of color and sound. Within minutes, the familiar “La la la-la la la” tune gave way to a dazzling musical number—Smurfs dancing under disco lights to a pop remix by Tyla. It’s a confident, self-aware opening that sets the tone for the movie: cheerful, chaotic, and unashamedly blue.
This time, the story follows No Name Smurf, a new resident of Smurf Village struggling with an existential crisis—he doesn’t have a defining trait. In a world where every Smurf is known for something—Brainy, Hefty, Grouchy—he’s left wondering who he is. When a sentient magic book named Jaunty (voiced by Amy Sedaris) grants him powers, No Name accidentally draws the attention of Razamel, a villainous wizard with plans to wipe out all goodness in the universe.
The Smurfs’ ensuing quest takes them across dazzling locales—from their idyllic mushroom village to a neon-lit Paris club, through a wild Australian outback, and even a dimension inhabited by the fuzzy, eccentric Snooterpoots. The film’s premise is simple but constantly moving, a series of adventures linked by humor and friendship.
The Voice Cast – A Starry, Uneven Ensemble
The star-studded cast delivers both charm and inconsistency. Rihanna’s Smurfette radiates warmth and wit, and her smooth vocals elevate the film’s few musical moments—especially the empowering ballad “Always on the Outside.” She’s easily the heart of the story, giving emotional resonance to the theme of belonging.
James Corden, as No Name, leans into his signature self-deprecating humor, though his performance sometimes veers into overexertion. The character’s identity crisis—while meaningful on paper—loses focus amid the movie’s constant world-hopping. John Goodman lends gravitas as the wise and weary Papa Smurf, while Nick Offerman and Kurt Russell (as Ken and Ron, Papa’s long-lost brothers) bring a surprising amount of heart and humor to the extended Smurf family.
The villains steal many of the best moments. JP Karliak voices both Gargamel and his brother Razamel, infusing them with campy flair that perfectly balances menace and absurdity. Natasha Lyonne, as Mama Poot of the Snooterpoots, is a chaotic delight, her gravelly voice cutting through the candy-colored mayhem.
Still, some performances feel more like celebrity cameos than characters. The line between voice acting and star power blurs, and at times the dialogue feels improvised rather than shaped for animation pacing.
Animation and Visual Style – The Smurfs Go Multiversal
If there’s one aspect where Smurfs (2025) truly shines, it’s in its animation. The film gleefully experiments with different styles: traditional 3D animation blends with Claymation, pixelated 8-bit sequences, and crayon-like sketches that look lifted from a child’s notebook. This visual playfulness keeps the movie engaging, even when the narrative begins to wobble.
The Paris disco sequence, where the Smurfs dance under a mirrored ceiling as light beams refract off their tiny bodies, is one of the film’s most stunning scenes. The Australian outback offers an explosion of warm tones and comedic encounters with kangaroos, while the Snooterpoot dimension introduces plush textures that make you want to reach out and touch the screen.
Director Chris Miller knows how to orchestrate movement; scenes flow rhythmically, often in sync with Henry Jackman’s bouncy score. The combination of playful lighting, saturated colors, and layered textures makes Smurfs one of the most visually dynamic family films of 2025.
A Smurfed-Up Story – Heartfelt but Overstuffed
The movie’s greatest strength—its ambition—is also its biggest weakness. Smurfs (2025) tries to be a musical, a fantasy adventure, a self-discovery story, and a superhero origin all at once. The result is entertaining, yes, but also dizzying.
The emotional thread—No Name’s search for purpose and Smurfette’s reaffirmation of identity—is touching when the movie slows down long enough to let it breathe. Their friendship carries a gentle lesson about self-worth and empathy that lands beautifully for younger audiences. Yet, the script rarely lingers on these moments before leaping into the next portal or dimension.
Like The Lego Movie or even Trolls, the film uses self-referential humor and pop culture gags, but without the sharpness or cohesion of those titles. Jokes about Zoom meetings and podcasts, for instance, feel more like marketing nods than organic humor.
Music and Tone – Rihanna’s Rhythms in a Smurf World
Marketed as a musical, Smurfs (2025) doesn’t quite commit to the label. There are a handful of catchy tunes—Rihanna’s vocals soar in both the pop anthem “Everything Goes With Blue” and the introspective “Outside In”—but the songs are too few and scattered to form a consistent musical arc.
Still, the sound design deserves praise. Every splash, sparkle, and “Smurf!” lands with joyful precision. The blend of EDM-inspired rhythms and orchestral fantasy cues adds an infectious energy, even when the pacing falters.
Henry Jackman’s score complements the film’s emotional beats, though one wishes the movie leaned further into the full musical potential of its star performer.
Themes of Identity and Belonging – Smurf Wisdom for All Ages
Beneath the sugar coating of slapstick and spectacle lies a gentle message about identity and belonging. No Name’s journey mirrors Smurfette’s long-standing struggle with being “different,” tying into a universal idea: you don’t need to fit a mold to matter.
There’s something endearing about how Smurfs (2025) embraces imperfection. It reminds children—and nostalgic adults alike—that purpose isn’t assigned; it’s discovered. The Smurfs’ unwavering optimism, despite cosmic stakes, carries genuine charm.
It’s here that the film finds emotional clarity, however fleeting. When Smurfette tells No Name that “kindness isn’t weakness,” it feels sincere, a small but meaningful moment of connection that transcends the film’s chaos.
The Verdict – A Bright, Bumpy Adventure That Smurfs Its Way Into the Heart
Smurfs (2025) may not reinvent the franchise, but it injects it with enough color, energy, and heart to keep it alive for a new generation. As a 2025 movie, it stands as a lively, if imperfect, entry into family-friendly animation—a reminder that even the smallest heroes can make a big impact.
Sitting in the cinema surrounded by children laughing and gasping, I couldn’t help but smile. The film’s energy is infectious, even if the storytelling occasionally loses its footing. It’s a film built for togetherness: a family outing that blends nostalgia for adults and wonder for kids.
For longtime fans, Smurfs (2025) captures the essence of what made Peyo’s world so enduring. For newcomers, it’s a bright, fast-paced introduction to a universe where teamwork and kindness always win.
It might be overstuffed and occasionally scatterbrained, but the Smurfs’ message endures: no matter how small you are, your story still matters.
Final Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)