Vexy (Christina Ricci), Smurfette (Katy Perry) and Hackus (J.B. Smoove) in Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation’s The Smurfs 2.Courtesy of Sony Pictures Animation
Belgian artist Peyo created The Smurfs using a pseudonym and the five credited screenwriters for the little blue characters' second big-screen adventure probably wish that they could have done the same.
The Smurfs 2 is a deeply irritating film for any adult. It commits several cinematic sins, including cheapening Paris landmarks with CGI Smurfs, making horrid attempts at adult-friendly Smurf puns, such as "Smurf-holm syndrome," and wasting legendary comedian Jonathan Winters's final film role as the voice of Papa Smurf.
But none of that may matter at the box office: The original, which was no better, made more than $500-million (U.S.) off of children's unconditional love for the adorable blue critters.
That appeal remains and the target audience should eat up this new round of Smurf shenanigans (Smurfanigans?) to the dismay of the parents who love their children enough to sit through the schmaltz.