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yesterday

Rihanna’s Smurfs Reboot Showcases Bold Multiverse Animation and Original Songs but Critics Fault Crowded Plot

Critics praise its pop-driven soundtrack and striking portal-hopping sequences; detractors criticize its overstuffed narrative and derivative storytelling.

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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/live-action hybrid reboot directed by Chris Miller and written by Pam Brady features multiverse adventures rendered in varied animation styles.
  • Rihanna voices Smurfette, produces the film and contributes original tracks such as “Friend of Mine” to shape its musical identity.
  • The story follows Smurfette leading the Smurfs on a globe-trotting mission through Paris, Munich and the Australian Outback to rescue Papa Smurf from wizard brothers Razamel and Gargamel.
  • Paramount Animation’s PG-rated Smurfs opens July 18 with a 92-minute runtime, marking the franchise’s first fully animated reboot since 2017.
  • Early reviews largely criticize the film’s overcrowded plot and lack of originality, although some reviewers applaud its energetic voice cast and visual ambition.