Smurfs (2025) Review Roundup: Critics Weigh In on Rihanna’s Animated Reboot
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This Smurfs (2025) Review Roundup reveals a polarized response to the latest animated reboot of the beloved blue creatures, hitting theaters on July 18, 2025.
Directed by Chris Miller and featuring a star-studded cast led by Rihanna as Smurfette, this musical fantasy comedy aims to refresh the franchise with vibrant animation and a modern twist.
Early reviews highlight stunning visuals and catchy tunes but criticize a convoluted plot and lack of emotional depth.
Below, we dive into the critical reception, key highlights, and what audiences can expect from this nostalgic yet divisive return to Smurf Village.
What Are Critics Saying About the Smurfs (2025) Reboot?
Early reviews for Smurfs (2025) paint a mixed picture, with a low 20% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 49 critics’ reviews, indicating a challenging reception.
Critics praise the film’s colorful animation and bold visual style, often noting its blend of CGI with Peyo’s comic-inspired designs.
However, many find the story chaotic, overly ambitious, and lacking the heart of earlier iterations.
The Smurfs (2025) Review Roundup shows a film struggling to balance its musical aspirations, star power, and narrative coherence.
The plot follows Smurfette (Rihanna) leading a rescue mission into the human world to save Papa Smurf (John Goodman) from evil wizards Gargamel and Razamel (both voiced by JP Karliak).
New characters like Ken (Nick Offerman) and Snooterpoots add fresh dynamics but often overshadow iconic Smurfs, frustrating purists. Rihanna’s performance and original songs receive mixed praise, with some calling them catchy but others finding them disconnected from the story.
Why Is the Animation a Highlight?
The animation stands out as a consistent positive in reviews. Critics commend director Chris Miller’s team for blending 3D CGI with rotoscope techniques, giving characters a cartoonish warmth reminiscent of Peyo’s comics.
A standout sequence in a Paris dance club showcases vibrant colors and dynamic visuals, while multiverse-hopping scenes featuring Claymation, anime, and ’80s video game styles add creative flair.
Despite these strengths, some note jarring shifts between animated and live-action backdrops, which can feel inconsistent.
For families, the visuals are a draw, with one critic noting, “The animation is never dull to look at, and the use of color is spunky without being flat”. However, the polished designs don’t fully compensate for storytelling flaws, leaving some audiences wanting more substance.
How Does the Voice Cast Perform?
The all-star cast, including Rihanna, John Goodman, Nick Offerman, Natasha Lyonne, and Kurt Russell, garners mixed reactions. Rihanna’s Smurfette is a focal point, with her vocal performance described as “pleasantly surprising” by some, though her modern tone clashes with the timeless Smurf aesthetic for others.
JP Karliak’s dual role as Gargamel and Razamel earns praise for its enthusiasm, while James Corden’s No Name Smurf is criticized for lacking distinction.
Critics note that recognizable voices like Lyonne’s Mama Poot and Offerman’s Ken can be distracting, pulling focus from the Smurf world.
The inclusion of Marshmello as a turtle character puzzles reviewers, with one calling it “entirely mystifying”. Overall, the cast delivers serviceable performances but struggles to elevate a script that feels “homogenized”.
Is the Story Worth the Adventure?
The narrative, centered on No Name Smurf’s quest for identity and Smurfette’s leadership, aims for heartfelt themes but often falls flat.
Reviewers describe the plot as “convoluted” and “overstuffed,” with too many characters and settings diluting the emotional core.
The introduction of new lore, like the Smurfs as “guardianeers of good” and magical books akin to Infinity Stones, feels ambitious but confusing for younger audiences.
Some appreciate the themes of self-worth and unity, particularly in the touching conclusion, but others argue the film sacrifices heart for frenetic pacing and slapstick.
One critic laments, “For a film that hinges on identity, Smurfs suffers from an identity crisis”, unsure if it’s a musical, fantasy epic, or comedy.
How Does the Music Stack Up?
As a musical, Smurfs features original songs by Rihanna and a score by Henry Jackman, but the soundtrack divides critics. Some enjoy the “pleasant mix of established hits and new Rihanna songs,” noting they keep families dancing.
Others find the songs “tacked-on” and “emotionally disconnected,” with modern references like Zoom and podcasts feeling out of place in the Smurf universe.
The use of remixed pop tracks, like “It’s Raining Smurfs,” adds fun but lacks lasting impact.
What Are the Biggest Criticisms?
The Smurfs (2025) Review Roundup highlights several recurring critiques:
Overloaded Plot: Too many characters, settings, and subplots make the story feel chaotic and hard to follow.
Lack of Heart: The film struggles to deliver genuine emotional depth, with rushed pacing undermining character development.
Corporate Feel: Critics sense “IP Rights pressures” driving the reboot, prioritizing branding over storytelling.
Sidelined Icons: Classic Smurfs like Brainy and Hefty are underused, overshadowed by new characters like Snooterpoots.
Tonal Confusion: The mix of modern humor, multiverse antics, and nostalgic elements feels disjointed.
On X, fans echo these sentiments, with some calling the film “tiresomely unexceptional” and others disappointed by the recycled “Smurfs in the real world” plot. However, younger audiences seem more forgiving, with one parent noting their 6-year-old “loved it”.
Does It Appeal to Kids or Adults?
The film targets young viewers, with its PG rating for action, mild language, and rude humor. Critics agree it’s likely to entertain kids under 10 with its fast pace, colorful visuals, and silly gags like “Sound Effects Smurf” bleeping out swear words.
However, adults may find it “tedious” or “charmless,” missing the wit of Shrek or Trolls. The Smurfs (2025) Review Roundup suggests it’s a passable diversion(“amiable diversion for kids”) for families but lacks the crossover appeal of other animated hits.
Smurfs (2025) Review Data Table
Source | Rating/Score | Key Praise | Key Criticism | Reviewer Quote |
Rotten Tomatoes | 20% (49 reviews) | Vibrant animation, Rihanna’s performance | Convoluted plot, lacks heart | “Antic and zany without being particularly fun” |
IMDb | 4.7/10 | Faithful character designs, animation quality | Mediocre story, bland music | “A beautiful but mediocre film” |
MovieWeb | Positive | Visually daring, creative lore | Overly detailed plot, too many characters | “A groovy musical reboot that’s far more creative than expected” |
Polygon | Negative | Starry cast, fast pace | Lazy tropes, lacks meaning | “A lazy assortment of kids’ movie tropes” |
ScreenRant | Mixed | Strong themes, good animation | Lacks heart, forgettable songs | “Something is missing that a fun adventure can’t make up for” |
Deadline | Mixed | Nostalgic appeal, vibrant visuals | Homogenized story, lacks charm | “A homogenized story that questions the Smurfs’ relevance” |
Variety | Mixed | Pop musical style, animation variety | Innocuous, limited by Smurf formula | “Puts the innocuous in innocence” |
TheMovieBlog | Negative | Polished animation, Karliak’s performance | Tonal confusion, no emotional core | “Suffers from an identity crisis” |
SuperHeroHype | Negative | Star-studded cast | Tedious, corporate-driven | “Kryptonite to comedy and entertainment” |
LaughingPlace | Negative | Rihanna’s performance, comic-style visuals | Half-baked plot, off-tone | “A complete miss in story and humor” |
Will Smurfs (2025) Revive the Franchise?
The Smurfs (2025) Review Roundup suggests a reboot with flashes of potential but significant hurdles.
Its vibrant animation and star power offer moments of fun, particularly for young viewers, but the cluttered story and lack of emotional resonance hinder its impact.
Some Closing Thoughts:
With a projected opening weekend of $10-12 million, it faces stiff competition from blockbusters like Jurassic World Rebirth.
While kids may enjoy the adventure, adults and longtime fans may feel this iteration doesn’t capture the Smurfs’ timeless charm.
For those eager to see if Smurfs delivers, it’s in theaters now. Share your thoughts below or join the conversation on X to see if this reboot smurfs its way into your heart!
