Film review: 'The Smurfs 2' is entertaining on a very basic level

Film: The Smurfs 2
Cast:  Neil Patrick Harris, Brendan Gleeson, Jayma Mays, Hank Azaria, Katy Perry, Jonathan Winters, Christina Ricci, JB Smoove, George Lopez, Anton Yelchin, John Oliver
Director: Raja Gosnell
Rating:**

What’s it about
Color me blue. The Smurfs franchise worked because every 5-year-old dragged his parents to the theatre and wanted a matching toy. In its sequel the story shifts from the Big Apple to Paris where the nasty wizard Gargamel (Hank Azaria) is looking for a ‘surf essence’ that gives these tiny creatures their blue colour.

For this he kidnaps Smurfette (Katy Perry) to give him that magical power to rule over the world. Neil Patrick Harris, George Lopez, Christina Ricci play supporting characters who help her flee from Gargamel’s evil clutches.

What’s hot
If you liked the first film, then there are chances you will enjoy some of the silly gags and jokes. Kids will love the way these Smurfs talk and interact with each other. Katy Perry is perfectly cast in the role and Britney Spears adds a bit of musicality with the catchy theme song.

What’s not
There isn’t much for the adults to enjoy. Most of the story line has been written keeping the core audience – kids in mind. Also the multitude of Smurf names tends to get irritating after a while and the phrases Smurftastrophed, Smurfutunities, Smurfy's Law, etc sound extremely gimmicky.

What to do
Strictly for the kids, Smurfs 2 is average fare that is entertaining on a very basic level. 

Here's the trailer of the film: