The latest cinematic journey into the whimsical world of the Smurfs offers not just another adventure but a refreshingly modern twist to a decades-old franchise. Since their inception in 1958 by Belgian comic artist Peyo (born Pierre Culliford), the Smurfs have charmed audiences with their simple village life, blue-skinned camaraderie, and singularly descriptive names—each one, from Brainy to Grouchy, bearing a title that precisely defines their role. For nearly 70 years, their world has remained largely the same—idyllic, quirky, and slightly predictable.
But this time, something’s different. This newest installment not only updates the visuals and expands the lore—it shakes the very foundation of Smurf society by introducing characters with regular names. Yes, for the first time, we’re introduced to Smurfs named Ken and Ron, and the effect is both jarring and invigorating. What does it mean when a Smurf isn’t defined by a single characteristic? Could this be the first sign of Smurf society evolving?
A Smurfy Welcome with a Twist
The movie opens with a nostalgic nod to its past. We’re greeted by the familiar Hanna-Barbera-style music that used to underscore our Saturday morning cartoons. But just as viewers start sinking into the familiar rhythm, the beat takes a sudden, welcome detour—morphing into a pop anthem by Tyla, accompanied by a vibrant Busby Berkeley-style dance sequence. It’s a bold move, signaling that this movie is not here to merely revisit the past, but to remix it with a contemporary flair.
Right off the bat, we meet a host of beloved Smurfs, from the accident-prone Clumsy to the ever-organized List Maker, and of course, the iconic Brainy, Sound Effects Smurf (a comedic gem), and Worry Smurf, who lives up to his name with every anxious twitch. Then there’s Smurfette, voiced by none other than Rihanna, who also steps in as a co-producer. Her portrayal brings a layered and emotionally rich tone to a character who, until recently, had been mostly defined by the fact that she was the only female Smurf. Her journey in this movie reflects the evolution of gender roles not just in Smurf Village, but in media as a whole.
And of course, the steady presence of Papa Smurf, this time voiced with warmth and authority by John Goodman, anchors the entire story. But there’s more to Papa than meets the eye. He’s not just a wise old leader—he’s a guardian of a powerful magical secret, hiding a mystical book that evil forces are desperate to claim.
The Book, the Brothers, and the Battle for Balance
Papa Smurf, as it turns out, is one of three brave siblings. Alongside his heroic brothers—red-bearded Ken (voiced with rugged charm by Nick Offerman) and the flashback-featured, blonde-bearded Ron (Kurt Russell, naturally)—he once fought to keep four magical books out of evil hands. While three of the books have already been captured by malevolent wizards, Papa still holds the final volume. And if the antagonists get their hands on all four, their dark plan to control the world will be set in motion.
The primary villain here is Razemel, a sinister sorcerer and sibling to the long-standing Smurf nemesis, Gargamel. Voiced with devilish glee by JP Karliak (who provides vocals for both brothers), Razemel brings a new level of slick menace to the Smurf universe. His schemes are clever, his lines wickedly sharp, and his patience for failure—particularly from his dryly humorous intern, played by Dan Levy—is gloriously thin.
The stage is set for a grand rescue mission when Razemel captures Papa Smurf and attempts to torture the location of the final book out of him. Enter our new trio of heroes: Ken, Smurfette, and a most unlikely companion—No Name.
The Existential Journey of No Name
James Corden lends his voice to No Name, a Smurf who is having a full-on identity crisis. Unlike the others, he hasn’t yet discovered the defining trait that would earn him a place in the Smurf pantheon. As such, he exists in limbo—blue, small, and lost. With an English accent and a heart full of longing, No Name embarks on a journey to find his “thing”—the elusive trait that will grant him a name, an identity, and a purpose.
His quest leads him into the deep woods, where he sings a poignant song about feeling like an outsider—a moment that subtly echoes the real-world struggle of finding oneself amid societal expectations. But in true fantasy fashion, this emotional low point becomes the catalyst for his magical awakening. No Name suddenly discovers that he can shoot radiant beams of light from his hands, a dazzling and symbolic manifestation of his inner potential.
This magical flare catches the attention of Razemel, setting off a chain of events that will draw No Name, Ken, and Smurfette into the heart of a rescue mission filled with battles, laughs, and unexpected revelations.
Supporting Cast and Clever Contrasts
The movie’s ensemble voice cast adds even more sparkle to the vibrant animation. Natasha Lyonne stands out as the no-nonsense leader of a community of orange fluffballs—yes, you read that right—injecting her signature blend of sarcasm and soul. Sandra Oh brings grit and fire to her role as Moxie, a fearless warrior with an unshakable moral compass.
Pam Brady, known for her work on irreverent comedies like South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut and the more family-friendly Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken, scripts the film with an astute understanding of both kids and their grown-up chaperones. Her screenplay draws clear parallels between the two sets of brothers—Papa, Ken, and Ron, who embody sacrifice and loyalty, and Razemel and Gargamel, who represent the corrosive effects of selfish ambition and cruelty.
These parallels add depth to what could have otherwise been a simplistic good-versus-evil narrative. Instead, the film becomes a story about choices, legacy, and the power of community.
Dimensional Delights and Playful Animation
In the film’s final third, the storytelling takes a bold creative leap. Our heroes travel through multiple magical dimensions, each realized in a distinct and imaginative animation style. There’s a Claymation world that pays homage to stop-motion classics, an 8-bit video game realm that delights in pixelated nostalgia, and even a crayon-drawn universe that looks like it sprang straight from a child’s coloring book.
These visual flourishes are more than gimmicks—they offer much-needed variety and keep the movie from falling into the trap of aesthetic monotony. They also serve as clever metaphors: each new world challenges the characters in unique ways, reflecting the evolving nature of identity, teamwork, and self-discovery.
The film’s core message—“Never mistake kindness for weakness”—resonates powerfully. It’s a gentle, yet meaningful reminder that compassion and strength are not mutually exclusive, especially in today’s increasingly harsh and polarized world.
Humor for All Ages
As with the best family films, this Smurfs entry knows how to balance tone. The jokes are sprinkled liberally throughout, with enough fart gags and pratfalls to keep the youngest audience members giggling, but also a wealth of clever, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it jokes that adults will appreciate. The friendly tardigrade voiced by Jimmy Kimmel is an unexpected joy, appearing at just the right moments for comic relief—and yes, he pops up again mid-credits, so don’t rush out of the theater too soon.
Sound Effects Smurf deserves a special mention. His quirky interjections—produced entirely through Foley-style sound effects—might make him the breakout star of the film. He’s not just a gag; he’s a reminder of the kind of inventive weirdness that made the Smurfs so fun in the first place.
Why This Smurf Story Matters
Beyond the blue skin, enchanted forests, and villainous wizards, this film is ultimately about the age-old questions: Who am I? Where do I belong? And what defines me? The inclusion of characters like No Name and the regular-guy Smurfs Ken and Ron signals a shift in the Smurf paradigm—no longer is identity confined to a single characteristic. We are all many things at once: brave and scared, clever and clumsy, strong and kind.
By expanding its worldview and embracing complexity, the film refreshes the Smurf mythos for a new generation without abandoning its roots. It acknowledges the past, plays with the present, and gently suggests a more inclusive, multifaceted future—one where everyone, even a Smurf without a name, can find their place.
Final Thoughts
This is more than just another Smurfs movie. It’s a vibrant, funny, and emotionally rich adventure that respects its legacy while boldly reimagining its world. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer, you’ll find something to enjoy: dazzling visuals, witty dialogue, unexpected depth, and of course, plenty of “Smurf”-ing good fun.
The Smurfs may have started out as simple blue beings in white hats, but in this latest installment, they prove they’re ready for a whole new dimension—literally and metaphorically. And if this creative leap is any indication of where the franchise is heading, we’re more than happy to follow.
