1/2
USA 2016
Opening April 6, 2017
Directed by: Kelly Asbury
Writing credits: Stacey Harman, Pamela Ribon, Peyo
Principal actors: Ariel Winter, Michelle Rodriguez, Julia Roberts, Demi Lovato, Rainn Wilson
The first film I ever saw in a theater was The Lion King. It moved me and for years I relentlessly played the cassette tape soundtrack in my room. Twenty- three years later, I took my son with his friend to experience his first film in a theater. Much to my surprise, the film was enjoyed by both adults and children alike. It made me think how fast technology had advanced as we put our 3D glasses on.
The film opens in the Smurf village. In a documentary style, they are asked about what they think of Smurfette, the only female smurf in a male smurf village. From there, Smurfette and her three friends Brainy, Clumsy, and Hefty go on an adventure to find the lost village. This takes them through the Forbidden Forest where they encounter all sorts of strange animals while Gargamel, the evil wizard and his sidekicks are in hot pursuit. Much to their, and the audience’s, surprise, the lost village is populated solely by female smurfs! They are strong, independent, and resilient, headed by the matriarch Smurfwillow. I especially welcomed this feminist aspect to the story line. Gargamel finds their village and in the end Smurfette sacrifices herself to save everyone. The ending left my son and his friend's shirtfront soaked with their tears. It was unexpected to see such a gut-wrenching twist in a children's film, although it did finish on a happy note
Despite that, the film was well received and much enjoyed by everyone. The animations, 3D effects, and songs were something we all talked about long after we went home. ( )