The 2025 Smurfs film was heavily marketed around one headline: Rihanna as Smurfette. That’s not due to a lack of interest on my part, but rather an indication of how narrowly the film positioned itself. Directed by Chris Miller and written by Pam Brady, this animated/live-action hybrid attempts to reboot the beloved franchise but ultimately delivers an unfocused and underwhelming experience.
The plot centers on the kidnapping of Papa Smurf (voiced by John Goodman) by villainous brothers Razamel and Gargamel (both voiced by JP Karliak). Smurfette (Rihanna) leads a rescue mission into the real world, while back in the village, a Smurf named “No Name” (voiced by James Corden) struggles with his identity and purpose.
Despite a strong ensemble voice cast—Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, Octavia Spencer, Jimmy Kimmel, and more the characters feel one-note, with little emotional depth or development. Rihanna’s performance brings some charm, and her original track “Friend of Mine” adds a brief spark. A well-placed needle drop of her 2007 hit “Please Don’t Stop the Music” injects some life into the film, but it’s a fleeting moment in an otherwise forgettable soundtrack.
Narratively, the film moves too quickly without allowing any subplot to breathe. The stakes are vague, the pacing is erratic, and the motivations of key characters feel arbitrary. While the story aims to weave themes of self-worth and community, the execution lacks clarity and cohesion.
Visually, the film struggles. The blend of animated and live-action elements is jarring, and the animation style is inconsistent throughout. Rather than creating an immersive world, the contrast between the real and fictional settings disrupts the viewing experience and draws attention to the film’s artificiality.
Ultimately, Smurfs (2025) fails to recapture the charm or spirit of its predecessors. While the film had potential, especially with its talented cast and cultural relevance it’s weighed down by an uneven script, lackluster visuals, and thin character arcs. Aside from Rihanna’s contributions, there’s little here that stands out or endures.
