Quartile rating: 6/10 · 1 rating
The evil wizard Gargamel creates a couple of mischievous Smurf-like creatures called the Naughties that he hopes will let him harness the all-powerful, magical Smurf-essence. But when he discovers that only a real Smurf can give him what he wants, and only a secret spell that Smurfette knows can turn the Naughties into real Smurfs, Gargamel kidnaps Smurfette and brings her to Paris, where he has been winning the adoration of millions as the world¹s greatest sorcerer. It's up to Papa, Clumsy, Grouchy, and Vanity to return to our world, reunite with their human friends Patrick and Grace Winslow, and rescue her! Will Smurfette, who has always felt different from the other Smurfs, find a new connection with the Naughties Vexy and Hackus or will the Smurfs convince her that their love for her is True Blue?
The Smurfs 2 is a formulaic sequel that recycles the fish-out-of-water live-action/animation hybrid formula from its predecessor, relocating the action to Paris without adding meaningful freshness. The plot leans on a kidnapping MacGuffin and a predictable redemption arc for Smurfette that offers little surprise. The acting from the human cast (Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays) is serviceable but constrained by weak material, while the celebrity voice work is unremarkable. Cinematography captures Paris decently with colorful 3D-friendly visuals but nothing distinctive. The ending resolves everything neatly and without tension, exactly as expected. It's a competent but uninspired cash-in on an already modest franchise.