deanogibson Smurfs 2 certainly isn't perfect and as almost every other review seems to be talking about how it does not cater to adult viewers particularly well. There are some references in there only the parents will get, but again, the other reviews I have read complained about them. As an adult it wasn't unwatchable, certainly acceptable to watch with the kids.Without spoiling the story the film did repeat the moral of the story a bit but is a kids film, what do you expect? What I can say without spoiling the film is that is manages to avoid painting things as black and white like most films do. It explores the grey area and as a result it is much more enjoyable and better thought out than the usual rubbish that gets put into kids films.Overall it is has more to offer than most children's films and while it does not hit the heights of a Pixar film it deserves credit for avoiding many of the worst tropes. They could have just made a thoughtless film and the smurfs name would have ensured a big cheque. Instead they actually made something worth watching. Considering Pixar's offering for the year was below par and Dreamworks has had a dire year this should easily make the top 5 animated films for the year, only beaten by Frozen, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 and Monsters University.

TheLittleSongbird Have a good deal of fondness for the original television series, if marginally as a child than an adult. Didn't care for the first feature film from 2011 but didn't find anywhere near as bad as it was made out to be, it had a lot of faults but was semi-watchable.It's pretty much the same with 'The Smurfs 2', very problematic but semi-watchable. It is hard to say which is better between the two, to me some aspects are done better in one, some are about the same and some are done worse. And contrary to those going blue in the face, defending the film (not bashing at all their right to like it, have no problem with it) and bashing the critics and those who dislike 'The Smurfs 2', it's a family film not a kids film (just because it has animation and has content oriented at younger audiences doesn't mean it's for kids) and there is no law against seeing a sequel to a film one dislikes, it may because of having family members who liked the first and wanted to see the sequel as part of family cinema trips, one may be a Smurf completest and one may be fans of an actor in the film. Why do people have such a problem with opinions and overuse and abuse "freedom of speech" these days? Anyway, starting with what was good about 'The Smurfs 2', it's a bright and colourful film to look at and while not outstanding the animation and 3D effects are above average. Once again Hank Azaria and Jonathan Winters are perfect as Gargamel and Papa, Azaria looks as if he's having a whizz of a time (not a subtle performance by all means but in all honesty there is nothing subtle about Gargamel as a character) and Winters is the liveliest Smurf characterisation.Katy Perry is more consistent and heartfelt, what was done with Smurfette gave more heart than there was in the first film. Christina Ricci echoes fond memories of her show-stealing Wednesday Addams in 'The Addams Family' and 'Addams Family Values'. A few amusing moments here and there and the voice work generally is fine.On the other hand, the story is basic, daft and predictable, with over-obvious plotting and slapstick and one-liners that are more tired and lacking in maturity than witty or clever. The soundtrack is uninspired at best. Darker elements are included here and they don't really gel and makes the tone feel unfocused.Characters are not particularly well developed, the closest character to being developed and done successfully is Smurfette. The editing could have tighter and more fluid, while Neil Patrick Harris doesn't look as engaged in his more banally written than before role. Brendan Gleeson does his best in an atypical at this point role but doesn't look particularly comfortable.In conclusion, not particularly good but semi-watchable. 4/10 Bethany Cox

lisadewaal First of all, I want to make it clear that this is a movie for kids. Not. For. Adults.When I look at the reviews, I only see people complaining about the fact that this movie is boring, too childish, too cheesy, etc, etc.But I want to make it clear that this movie isn't boring to children at all. My little sister likes this movie a LOT and she has watched it over and over.So when you say that this movie is really bad, your opinion is not accurate. In other words, it's a kid's movie, and kids like it.SO WHY COMPLAIN?!?!I really want people to shut up about the fact that this is for kids. They like it. So please shut up. Don't ruin the fun for the little ones please.Goodbye everyone.

RevRonster There's no point in pulling punches here because, let's face it, these movies are meant as a distraction for kids. The jokes are bad, the acting is cheesy and the story isn't complicated. The whole point of the first film was to be something that will dazzle children with jokes only kids can laugh at and some brightly colored characters dancing across the screen. The formula for this sequel doesn't change that.The only real difference I saw in this one was that it looked like the writers were trying to add a little more heart to the story by throwing in heavy elements of belonging and family. Smurfette feels isolated because of her lineage and doesn't feel like she belongs with the Smurfs while Patrick's stepfather comes into play and feels he's being pushed away from his stepson as he desperately tries to be a positive and loving influence in his life. I honestly enjoyed this part of the film but hated that it was surrounded with really bad jokes filled with "blue" gags and using the word "smurf" so much that the joke lost all its meaning in the first five minutes and acting that is gorged on scenery to the point of indigestion.Once again, this movie is intended to bring smiles to little kids who still think boogers are the height of cuisine but, at least, the film felt like it was trying to make some improvements and strides to make this a better family film than the last one...also, the special effects are still decent, so it has that going for it.Hi! My name is Rev. Ron and I love movies! So much so that I write a blog where I review whatever movie I am watching at the time. You can read a more in-depth review of this film (and others) at revronmovies.blogspot.com