Movies
Not as bad as the first two films, then again, that bar was set very low. This film is a bit closer to the original cartoon, without live-action elements are failed attempts to make the Smurfs "cool" (which they are not). Instead, it's a more traditional animation with a simple adventure propelling the Smurfs through a mysterious forest. The outcome of the film is predictable, the voice acting is annoying and the comedy is iffy, but the animation is somewhat charming and the adventure is at least effective. It's not a great film by any stretch of the animation, but considering the complete failure of the first two, it wasn't as bad as I feared it would be.Read all
A film with ups and downs. At the very least, it's nice to see a US animation film that dares to take minor risks. Nothing too overt or mind-blowing, but the fact that the animals can't talk is already a big plus. It would've been better if they'd taken it all the way (the main character has a voice over), but it's definitely something. It makes for a much quieter, tranquil film. None of that ADHD stuff you find in just about every animal-led US CG animation, but a slightly more subdued tale about a wild stallion and his encounters with humankind. Truth be told, the plot is rather bland, but at least the presentation is a lot more agreeable. That soundtrack though. No clue who thought it was a good idea to get Bryan Adams and Hans Zimmer on board, but the songs and music are so bad that it's simply ridiculous. It's a shame because a more stylish soundtrack definitely would've made this a better film, now it's just some decent animation and a calm atmosphere with a bunch of inappropriate cheesiness underneath.Read all
