The Smurfs 2 Review
RYAN: The Smurfs was my favorite cartoon growing up and I have a lot of nostalgia for the lil blue folk so I welcome this sequel and I’m happy to report I liked it better than the first.
CAROLINE: I’m happy for you. I’m not a big fan of family films in general so I’ll just take your word for it. Why was this one better? Usually the first is the best in a franchise.
RYAN: That’s often the case. I did enjoy the first one but this has a better script. It’s more emotional and incorporates better story arcs for the characters. The first one was a bit manic and all over the place but this one was tighter and actually a lot more like the 1980’s cartoon series in tone and spirit. It was like a live action, feature length version of the cartoon.
CAROLINE: That’s cool. How was NPH?
RYAN: I love Neil and even more so after meeting him at the press junket for this movie. I spoke with him, Jayma Mays, Hank Azaria and The Smurfs! It was a great experience. Look, Neil is a good actor. He’s very cute in this, not only in performance. I really buy him and Jayma as a couple.
CAROLINE: I like Jayma. She’s adorbs. I always enjoyed her on TV’s Glee, too, when I used to watch it.
RYAN: She’s great and she actually has the occasion to work a fantastic English accent for a scene in this film and really impressed me. She could teach Anne Hathaway a thing or two about accents.
CAROLINE: [laughs’ I don’t think I’ve ever heard you cut on Annie before.
RYAN: Only when necessary, dearie.
CAROLINE: Fair enough. What about Hank?
RYAN: He is so perfect as Gargamel. He just has it down. He’s got the laugh – just like the actor who voiced the character in the ’80s cartoon series. He’s so friggin’ talented.
CAROLINE: Were there any cool effects?
RYAN: Well all of the CGI is really good. And it’s definitely improved since the first film. The Smurfs are more emotive looking. Azrael is awesome and really funny in phsycial comedy but also, kinda has some funny lines, for all that he can only meow. The 3D is good too.
CAROLINE: Smurfette is voiced by Katy Perry again?
RYAN: Yeah and she’s always been my favorite Smurf.
CAROLINE: Of course she has.
RYAN: I love that this film incorporates Smurfette’s origin story which was always one of my favorite episodes of The Smurfs. And the story overall speaks to what other characters are going through; great themes of unconditional love and family and friendship. Brendan Gleeson, aka Madeye Moody, plays Neil’s step dad and he’s really, really great in this movie. It’s nice to see him in a bit less of a character role.
CAROLINE: What’s with those odd-colored smurfs in the trailer?
RYAN: Oh they’re The Naughties, creations by Gargamel to foil the Smurfs. They’re cute and voiced by Christina Ricci and J.B. Smoove.
CAROLINE: They look a little undead.
RYAN: [laughs’ This movie is super cute with a lot of heart. It’s perfect for families and those young at heart, like me, who still have a fondness for the Smurfs.
