Samuel LovePerhaps one of the most unfairly derided films of 2025, Smurfs is a perfectly serviceable and even entertaining family film that was battered by critics on release earlier this year.
In our review, we concluded:
Smurfs is far from perfect – it’s unlikely to be the best family film of the summer, and probably isn’t even the best Smurfs film full-stop. But it is a fun, colourful romp that celebrates the characters and entertains its target audience, while introducing a new generation to Peyo’s world and characters. Enough of the jokes land, and the visuals are gorgeous. It’s hard to defend a film from prowling hateful critics when your only argument is that, “well, it’s actually fine”, as Smurfs is totally unremarkable for the most part. But it is also entirely undeserving of the vitriolic outpouring of cynical battering it has received from critics who should frankly know better. This is a warm-hearted film for younger viewers that inspires kindness and being yourself, packed with fun and adventure. As family summer flicks go, you can do a lot worse than Smurfs. It’s exactly what anybody with a brain would expect it to be, and not the Citizen Smurf that some critics were seemingly hoping for.
The film is now available on DVD and Blu-ray from Paramount.
Synopsis
When Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is mysteriously taken by evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel, Smurfette (Rihanna) leads the Smurfs on a mission into the real world to save him. With the help of new friends, the Smurfs must discover what defines their destiny to save the universe. SMURFS features an all-star voice cast including Rihanna, James Corden, Nick Offerman, JP Karliak, Daniel Levy, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, Octavia Spencer, Nick Kroll, Hannah Waddingham, Alex Winter, Maya Erskine, Billie Lourd, Xolo Maridueña, Marshmello, with Kurt Russell and John Goodman.
Special Features
- Blue In The Booth: Voicing The Smurfs
- There’s A Smurf Like Me: Blue, Old, And New
- A World They’ve Never Seen: Animating Smurfs
- Composing The Blue
- In The Club With DJ Snake
- “Higher Love” by DESI TRILL featuring DJ Khaled, Cardi B, Natania and Subhi (Music Video)
- “Friend of Mine” by Rihanna (Music Video)
SMURFS is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from Paramount
