Smurfs (2025) Movie Review – Rihanna Leads a Smurfy New Musical Adventure

The beloved blue characters are back in Smurfs (2025)—a musical fantasy adventure filled with magic, wild visuals, and a star-studded cast. With Rihanna voicing Smurfette and original songs driving the plot, this reboot blends comedy, heart, and high-energy action into a family-friendly ride.
Smurfs (2025): A Fresh Spin on a Classic Franchise
Smurfs (2025) marks a full reboot of the classic blue crew, following The Smurfs (2011), The Smurfs 2 (2013), and The Smurfs: The Lost Village (2017). Directed by Chris Miller and Matt Landon, and written by Pam Brady, this new animated film doesn’t just revisit Smurf Village—it pushes the franchise into musical, magical, and surprisingly emotional new territory.
The Plot: Papa Smurf’s Kidnapping and a Magical Book
The film kicks off with Papa Smurf (voiced by John Goodman) being kidnapped by the evil wizard brothers Gargamel and Razamel (both voiced by JP Karliak). Their goal? To steal a magical, talking spellbook named Jaunty (Amy Sedaris), which has the power to grant Smurfs incredible abilities.
When the book mistakenly powers up a nameless, awkward Smurf (James Corden), chaos erupts—and the Smurf Village is exposed to outside threats. Now it’s up to Smurfette (Rihanna) to rally the Smurfs for a daring rescue mission into the real world.
The Real World Beckons – Paris, Family, and New Friends
Leaving their forest home behind, the Smurfs head to Paris, where they encounter Papa Smurf’s human brothers: the goofy Ken (Nick Offerman) and the warrior-like Ron (Kurt Russell). These human characters add comic relief and high-energy action to the film’s middle stretch.
Throughout their journey, the Smurfs learn they’re not just tiny forest dwellers—they’re “Guardians of Good,” with a purpose bigger than they ever imagined.
Vibrant Animation and a Star-Powered Soundtrack
Visually, Smurfs is stunning. The animation style draws inspiration from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, combining 2D, 3D, live-action, and pixel art into a dynamic visual collage. Every frame is full of movement, color, and Smurf-sized surprises.
The film is also packed with music. Rihanna’s original song “Friend of Mine” adds an emotional core to Smurfette’s journey. The soundtrack also features big-name artists like Cardi B, DJ Khaled, Tyla, James Fauntleroy, and Shenseea, giving Smurfs a modern musical edge.
A Bit Overstuffed, But Full of Heart
While the film’s ambition is admirable, it sometimes tries to do too much at once—balancing magic, music, comedy, and character arcs. Still, its heart is in the right place. Themes of self-discovery, bravery, and teamwork shine through, especially for young viewers navigating their own journeys.
Characters like Smurfette and the clumsy No Name Smurf grow meaningfully, making this more than just a cute cartoon. It’s a story about finding your identity and stepping up when it matters most.
Final Verdict: A Joyful Reboot for a New Generation
Smurfs (2025) brings back everything fans loved about the franchise—silly humor, fun adventures, and lovable characters—while adding bold animation and a strong musical backbone. Rihanna’s performance, colorful visuals, and a message of courage and unity make it worth the watch.
It’s not perfect, but it’s packed with enough magic, music, and Smurf spirit to entertain families and fans alike.
Movie Info: Smurfs (2025) Movie
- Title: Smurfs
- Directors: Chris Miller, Matt Landon
- Writer: Pam Brady
- Run Time: 92 minutes
- Genre: Animation, Fantasy, Musical
- U.S. Release Date: 2025
- Where to Watch: In theaters