Clumsy Smurf (Anton Yelchin; Star Trek) is always unintentionally getting into trouble. However, when he disobeys Papa Smurf (Jonathan Winters; Moon Over Parador) and goes to collect Smurf roots he ends up leading the evil Gargamel (Hank Azaria; The Simpsons) and his sinister cat Azrael (Mr. Krinkle) to the Smurf village. As the Smurfs prepare for the Blue Moon celebration, they are thrown into turmoil and Clumsy, Papa, Smurfette (Katy Perry), Grouchy Smurf (George Lopez; The George Lopez Show ), Gutsy Smurf (Alan Cumming; The Good Wife); and Brainy Smurf (Fred Armisen; Easy A) end up going through a wormhole and land in New York City.
Patrick Winslow (Neil Partick Harris; How I Met Your Mother) is a marketing researcher for Odile Anjelou (Sofia Vergara; Modern Family) and has one weekend to create a new ad campaign or be fired. His wife, Grace (Jayma Mays; Glee) is pregnant with their child and like most newly expecting parents they are both excited and apprehensive. When the Smurfs end up in their house and require their help, Patrick and Grace find they are full of love, for each other, the Smurfs and their unborn child.
For those, like me, who remember the cartoon, this movie is a pleasant stroll down memory lane. The Smurfs are well animated with special attention given to details. The actors used to voice the character were well chosen and bring those little blue people to life. Mays and Harris are also well cast, as they are clearly capable of portraying adults but also keep a small sense of childlike wonder about them. Azaria, who I usually really like was rather annoying as Gargamel but maybe that was the point.
The plot was well thought out and while implausible it was perfect for a live action movie about mystical little creatures living in mushroom houses. This film was a perfect introduction for the next generation of Smurfs and their parents were able to relive their younger days. For me, personally, it was a reminder of a more innocent time in my life.
The Smurfs 4k UHD Blu-ray is 2160p video quality, which is exceptional and makes the live action film even more vibrant. Unfortunately, the animation of Azrael looks fake sometimes and reminds the viewer that the latest technology isn't always necessarily the best way to go. However, the few moments of CGI Azrael can't take away from the spectacular job the animators did on creating the Smurfs. The Dolby Atmos audio is top quality and the dialogue comes through clear and precise, especially The Smurfs' trademark song.
The 4k UHD Blu-ray doesn't have the extras but they have something called "moments" which is just various scenes. The menu is weird and confusing to navigate. The Blu-ray hosts the extras including: an interactive component Smurf-o-vision second screen experience, What is Smurf – O-Vision Second Screen?, The Smurfs Fantastic Adventure Game, Deleted and Extended scenes, The Smurfs: Comic Book to Big Screen, Smurf Speak: Meet the Cast, Going Gargamel; Blu-Pers, Happy Music Montage, and progression reel. The extras are entertaining but the progression reel is a must for any young adult who is thinking of making a career in graphic arts.
Clearly, The Smurfs isn't going to be an iconic piece of cinematic history but it pays homage to the cartoon and the television show nicely. The nostalgia factor alone should make almost any adult want to go out and buy the 4k Blu-ray and if you have the technology to support it the 4k is definitely worth the extra money.
Grade: B-
