Film Review: The Smurfs (2025) – A blue comeback for the whole family

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Published on Thursday, 17 July 2025 19:10

Last Updated on 18 August 2025

ranjeetpanesar

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London Mums Magazine was invited to review the much-anticipated Smurfs (2025) reboot – and what better way to test a family film than by taking a real family along? Eight of us went, spanning children, teenagers, and adults, ensuring every perspective was covered. Out on 18 July 2025.

The new story centres on a dramatic twist: Papa Smurf has been mysteriously kidnapped by the dastardly Gargamel – joined this time by his equally scheming brother, Razamel. Smurfette, voiced with surprising charm and freshness by Rihanna, steps up as the heroine. Her journey into the “real world” to rescue Papa Smurf is both thrilling and heartwarming. Along the way, she learns lessons about friendship, courage, and identity, with a few new friends to help carry the load.

James Corden voices a new character, “No Name Smurf,” who is caught in the throes of an identity crisis. His moments of comedy (and pathos) had children giggling while adults smiled knowingly. The balance of humour and heartfelt moments is one of the film’s real strengths.

Visually, the animation sparkles – vibrant blues, lush green forests, and cityscapes that cleverly contrast the Smurfs’ magical world with our own. Long-time fans will be glad to see the Smurfs’ mischievous humour alive and well, peppered with slapstick moments that harken back to the original Hanna-Barbera cartoons.

That said, the film isn’t flawless. The opening musical numbers (clearly designed to showcase Rihanna’s voice) felt rushed and somewhat disconnected from the main storyline. And while the plot is engaging, not all subplots tie up neatly by the end. Still, the pace is energetic enough that children hardly notice these loose ends – they’re too busy laughing at Clumsy Smurf’s antics.

A Blue Blast from the Past

Watching the film stirred fond memories for adults who grew up with Peyo’s little blue characters. Did you know the Smurfs first appeared in a Belgian comic in 1958 before becoming a global cartoon phenomenon in the 1980s? Back then, Saturday mornings weren’t complete without them on TV, and Smurf figurines were amongst the most collected toys of the decade. Many of us parents still remember unwrapping Smurf lunch boxes or stickers at school. Seeing our own children now enchanted by the same little blue tribe gave the screening an unexpectedly nostalgic glow.

The trailer

 

 

Family Verdict

The children left the cinema excitedly debating their favourite Smurf (with Brainy Smurf still managing to win some unexpected fans), while the grown-ups were pleasantly surprised by how entertaining the reboot was. We laughed, reminisced, and, truth be told, couldn’t resist humming the “la la la-la la la” theme tune all the way home.

While not perfect, The Smurfs (2025) is a colourful, family-friendly adventure that bridges generations and delivers plenty of laughs along the way.

Rating: 7/10 – Smurf-tastic fun for families.