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Paramount’s Smurfs Reboot Draws Criticism for Derivative Humor

Critics fault the star-driven semi-musical for its formulaic jokes and sparse soundtrack; a minority praise Rihanna’s energetic voice turn and bold Spider-Verse–inspired visuals.

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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 film directed by Chris Miller and written by Pam Brady is set to open in theaters on July 18 as a CG animation that briefly intersects with live-action settings in a semi-musical format.
  • Rihanna leads the voice cast as Smurfette, joined by James Corden as No Name and John Goodman as Papa Smurf in a lineup of high-profile performers.
  • In the story, Smurfette and No Name embark on a cross-dimensional rescue mission after Papa Smurf is abducted by wizards Gargamel and Razamel.
  • The animation employs Spider-Verse–inspired graphic textures and bold design flourishes, situating the characters against real-world backdrops from Paris to the Australian Outback.
  • Early reviews largely criticize its sparse musical numbers and formulaic humor, though some reviewers applaud the updated animation style and Rihanna’s energetic performance.