STORYLINE: When Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is mysteriously taken by evil wizards, Razamel and Gargamel, Smurfette (Rihanna) leads the Smurfs on a mission into the real world to save him. With the help of new friends, the Smurfs must discover what defines their destiny to save the universe. (IMDb)

The Nightmate Before Christmas (1993), Brave (2012), and Tomorrowland (2015).

Chicken Little (2005), Meet the Robinson (2007) and Pan (2015).

   A point I have made in the past, that I think is worth repeating, films should not have to be held to a lesser standard just because they are made for a younger audience.  After all why should children have to watch lesser films because of their age?  The difference in the two lists of films is that the first list treats it’s child audience as inquisitive viewers. The second list condescends to the youthful watchers.  2025’s Smurfs has a place on the latter list.

    I understand I am not the target audience for the film.  Then again, I aged out of the target audience for films such as Zootopia and Kubo and the Two Strings and I enjoyed each one when i viewed them. Where did Smurfs go wrong?

    Every good film needs an intriguing story. Very quickly I was bored with the little blue characters as they embarked on their heroic journey. When viewing an animated film, espically in an era of spectacle, I have a certain expectation in the animation to be visually appealing.  Smurfs limboed underfed that mark for me.

    I enjoy visiting, or revisiting, previous films in a serious or if a film is being remade. I revisited some of the Jurassic Park films before glong to see Jurassic World: Reburth this month. I toyed with the idea of watching the previous Smurfs films prior to this release. I’m glad I didn’t. At this point I am not sure I want to.

   At least I enjoyed my popcorn.

    Until next time I will see you at the movies!