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2d ago

Advance Reviews Pan Rihanna-Fronted Smurfs Reboot Ahead of July 18 Release

Reviewers fault the derivative storyline as little more than a showcase for Rihanna’s music, praising its graphic animation.

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No Name, voiced by James Corden, left, and Smurfette, voiced by Rihanna in a scene from “Smurfs.” 
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Overview

  • The fully animated semi-musical reboot is directed by Chris Miller with a Pam Brady screenplay and blends CG sequences with live-action footage.
  • Rihanna stars as Smurfette and producer, supported by James Corden as No Name Smurf, John Goodman as Papa Smurf, and JP Karliak, Nick Offerman and Kurt Russell in key roles.
  • Critics largely describe the plot as uninspired and overly promotional, likening the narrative to recycled franchise elements designed to highlight Rihanna’s songs.
  • Praise is reserved for the film’s vibrant animation style, which adopts stylized motion and bold textures reminiscent of the “Spider-Verse” aesthetic, and for Rihanna’s energetic vocal performance.
  • Set to open July 18, the G-rated feature runs 92 minutes and marks Paramount Animation’s first fully animated Smurfs theatrical reboot following three hybrid and animated instalments.