Review of The Smurfs 2 (2013) by Marischa B — 13 Dec 2013

There's no point in pulling punches here because, let's face it, these movies are meant as a distraction for kids. The jokes are bad, the acting is cheesy and the story isn't complicated. The whole point of the first film was to be something that will dazzle children with jokes only kids can laugh at and some brightly colored characters dancing across the screen. The formula for this sequel doesn't change that.

The only real difference I saw in this one was that it looked like the writers were trying to add a little more heart to the story by throwing in heavy elements of belonging and family. Smurfette feels isolated because of her lineage and doesn't feel like she belongs with the Smurfs while Patrick's stepfather comes into play and feels he's being pushed away from his stepson as he desperately tries to be a positive and loving influence in his life. I honestly enjoyed this part of the film but hated that it was surrounded with really bad jokes filled with "blue" gags and using the word "smurf" so much that the joke lost all its meaning in the first five minutes and acting that is gorged on scenery to the point of indigestion.

Once again, this movie is intended to bring smiles to little kids who still think boogers are the height of cuisine but, at least, the film felt like it was trying to make some improvements and strides to make this a better family film than the last one...also, the special effects are still decent, so it has that going for it.