My son Freddy is a big fan of the Smurfs. He loved the first film and he loves the video games, and now he has The Smurfs 2 on Blu-ray! We were sent a copy of this sequel and enjoyed a family film night watching our favourite short, blue characters as they embark on an exciting adventure that takes them all the way to Paris!
Like the first film, Smurfs 2 is a mix of CGI animation and live action starring Hank Azaria and Neil Patrick Harris, both of whom give good performances. The story sees evil Gargamel up to his old tricks and has kidnapped Smurfette as part of his plan to transform his latest creations The Naughties into Smurfs. The Naughties, Hackus and Vexy are great characters, full of mischief. We find out about Smurfette's back story and see a new side to the lovable girl Smurf voiced by Katy Perry. Dim witted Hackus and his sister Vexy were Freddy's favourite characters who were involved in some of the film's funniest moments.
There are lots of visual jokes and slapstick comedy which is a big hit with Freddy who chuckles his way through. There are also some genuinely quite moving moments regarding the sense of belonging and a message from Papa Smurf that we can all learn from:
"It doesn't matter where you come from, what matters is what
you choose to be."
Smurfs 2 introduces a new character, Vanity, a Smurf with an Oedipus complex who adds to the laughs as the Smurfs attempt to rescue Smurfette and help her decide her fate and find her place in the world. It's cute, a bit cheesy, funny, entertaining, easy to watch, touching and fun. A great idea for a festive, family film which will keep the tiny tots entertained and give the grown ups a few laughs too.
Bonus Features on the Blu-ray™ 3D and Blu-ray™ Include:
* Three Blu-ray exclusive featurettes:
o The Puurrfect Companion: Azreal’s Tail – See how Azrael
was created, from the live-action cat to the digital double, and how actor
Frank Welker brought the character to life.
o Evolution of the Naughties – Learn how the filmmakers
designed the newest additions to The Smurfs, Hackus and Vexy.
o New Faces In Smurfy Places – Meet the new characters,
Hackus and Vexy, and hear from actors Christina Ricci and J.B. Smoove on what
it was like to voice the Naughties.
* Smurf-O-Vision 2 App – Play Smurftastic activities with
your favourite Smurfs and sync with the Blu-ray to unlock more fun
Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and DVD Bonus Features Include:
* Deleted Scenes
* Two featurettes:
o Blondes Have More Fun: The History of Smurfette – Learn
all about Smurfette’s “golden” past as we trace her origins back to Peyo’s
stories, and how that in turn inspired the filmmakers as they were putting
together this newest Smurf’s tale. Then, hear from Katy Perry on how she tapped
into her inner Smurf to pull off the role in the voiceover booth.
o Animating Azrael – Discover how the filmmakers animated
our favourite feline sidekick.
#TheSmurfs2
THE SMURFS 2 has a running time of approximately 1 hour 45
minutes on the Blu-ray and 1 hour 41 minutes on the DVD, and is rated U.
Release date December 2nd 2013.