SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE – Review

“Tra-la-lalala”A simple tune that quickly transformed into an earwig which burrowed into the brains of a generation (“Generation X” to be more precise). Yes, it’s the rallying song of that big, blue behemoth of kid-friendly franchises, the Smurfs. Those petite (three apples high) magical imps were introduced by Belgian cartoonist Peyo (AKA Pierre Colliford) way, way back in 1958. They were a merchandising phenom in Europe, but didn’t truly achieve worldwide superstar status until they descended on the US thanks to TV cartoon titans Bill Hanna and Joe Barbara (the creators of The Flintstones and Scooby Doo also co-wrote that too-catchy theme song with Hoyt Curtin) and became the anchor for NBC’s Saturday morning line-up in 1981 through 1989. Tons of toys and imitations (remember the Snorks?) followed, but things were quiet in their hidden spot in the magic forest for the next twenty years or so. And then Sony Pictures decided to exploit the nostalgic affection that thirty-somethings still had for them. And they’ve got kids of their own now, so let’s return to the woods. The result was the 2011 box office hit, THE SMURFS mixing live-action stars led by Neil Patrick Harris with the now CGI-animated blue pixies. Of course a sequel followed two years later. But now Sony is returning them to their animated adventure roots, much like the dubbed import THE SMURFS AND THE MAGIC FLUTE back in 1983. They’re still computer-delinated, but there ‘s no cavorting in front of second-unit shot real backdrops. We’re exploring that vast forest in SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE.

 
But first we’ll drop in on a typical day in a “found” village, the home of the Smurfs. Everyone seems to be having a happy “smurfy’ day, all but one, the lone blue (skin and mood) lady, Smurfette (voiced by Demi Lovato). While most of her pals are named for their personality (Vain Smurf, Nosy Smurf, etc) or job (Farmer Smurf, Baker Smurf, etc.), her own name denotes nothing specific (“What’s an ‘ette'”?). Naturally she breaks the rules and ventures into the lush Forbidden Forest in search of answers. Luckily(?) three of her pals and protectors, Clumsy Smurf (Jack McBrayer), Brainy Smurf (Danny Pudi), and Hefty Smurf (Joe Manganiello), sneak off just behind her. Of course they’re discovered by their arch foe, the crafty wizard Gargamel (Rainn Wilson), who desires them for his “dark magic”. Soon after finding a mysterious yellow cap and spotting an entrance to a walled off section of the woods, Smurfette and company are scooped up by Gargamel’s “hench-bird” (is it a vulture/dodo hybrid?). The sorcerer spies the cap right before Papa Smurf (Mandy Patinkin) launches a rescue. Back at home base, the angry patriarch “grounds” the quartet, but Smurfette is concerned that Gargamel will locate the hidden village. The four friends sneak out and rush back to the woods to warn those behind that wall about the wizard. It’s too late since Garagamel, his bird, and his devious feline sidekick Azrael are in hot pursuit. Can our heroes get there in time and thwart his evil schemes?

As with far too many animated features, this film resorts to “stunt casting”, using well-known vocal talent from TV and movies, perhaps to lure in the adult crowd. I’ll admit to playing an audio guessing game (is that …mmm..no, it’s …) as my mind wandered during most of the 89 minute running time. Fortunately many casting choices worked out well, often helping the overall tone. This is true of a trio of sitcom vets. Pudi (TV’s “Community” and “Powerless”) and McBrayer (“30 Rock”) bring a lot of manic energy to their roles of Brainy and Clumsy. But the movie MVP may be the wonderful Wilson as the snickering sneering sorcerer who not nearly as menacing as he believes himself to be. You may want to rush to the exits at the final fade-out, but try to stick around for the end credits as Wilson riffs (could it be “ad-libs”) on the words and phrases scrolling over his bare noggin (“Matte Painting?! Is that really a thing?!”). I wished there was more of that in the middle of the flick! Lovato and Manganiello are plucky and sweet as story’s (almost) romantic couple (not to worry parents, it’s just hinted). They bring more to their roles than the biggest names, though. Patinkin seems too somber and cranky, making us miss Papa’s previous voice, the late great Jonathan Winters, even more. And Julie Roberts is far too low energy as the queen of said “lost village” SmurfWillow (oops, a teeny spoiler), though another sitcom pro Elle Kemper (“The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”) amps up the final act considerably.

Like their original TV episodes this new feature adventure is bouncy and colorful, while not being too achingly saccharine (it comes mighty close). There are a few spooky scenes, but nothing to upset the wee ones (though their older sibs are sure to get antsy). Dreamworks had a lot more fun with another set of whimsical imps in last year’s TROLLS which was aiming for a slightly more mature audience. This new film is a fairly good way to introduce children to the theatre experience, since it’s really aimed squarely at the “pre-K” crowd. It certainly lands on the gentler side of family flicks with none of the wild “in your face” aggressive hi-jinks of the HOODWINKED films or last year’s ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE (the “teaser” for the upcoming EMOJI MOVIE played before the feature…uh oh). I attended a “flat” screening, so I can’t say if many of the action sequences (with lots off leaping and flying about) that looked to be designed for 3D worked. Luckily the blue folks have some visually interesting playmates. Florescent green bunnies bounce through dark caves while dragonflies that breathe fire (like..you know..) offer transport. Oh, and Brainy’s got a nifty ladybug pal that’s a camera (for ‘selfies’), a scanner, and a printer (bet it’ll be the big toy gizmo for Easter). After the edgy wonders from Disney, Pixar, and Dreamworks, this timid tale is a tad tedious, but for the parents of the very young SMURFS: THE MAGIC VILLAGE is an occasionally amusing, bland, but bearable kiddie matinée.

2 Out of 5