The Smurfs 2
The Smurfs 2 (2013) is a live-action animated fantasy-adventure comedy film that serves as a sequel to the 2011 movie based on Peyo's comic book series. The plot centers on Smurfette, who was originally created by the wicked wizard Gargamel and feels like an outsider. She is kidnapped by Gargamel and his new mischievous creations, the 'Naughties,' Vexy and Hackus, and taken to Paris. Papa Smurf and other Smurfs, along with their human friends Patrick and Grace Winslow, embark on a mission to rescue Smurfette. The film explores themes of identity, chosen family, and the power of love, as Smurfette grapples with her origins and her place among the Smurfs. It is generally targeted at children, with an emphasis on slapstick comedy and a clear good-versus-evil narrative, making it appropriate for family viewing while containing elements that may warrant parental guidance for younger audiences.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe film does not contain explicit LGBTQ characters or storylines. However, some reviews note a 'weird gay appeal' to the humor for adults, particularly regarding the character of Vanity Smurf and the involvement of actor Neil Patrick Harris. The Smurfs' all-male village has also historically led to speculative discussions about 'homotopia.'
Vanity Smurf, voiced by John Oliver, is depicted admiring himself, with one scene noting him 'imagining that his glutes look particularly attractive as he's climbing up a rope.' He is also described as 'more-than-effete, self-absorbed' and obsessed with his reflection. Additionally, some adult-oriented humor is described as 'skewed toward the flirtatious and sardonic,' which some reviewers interpret as having a 'gay appeal,' especially considering Neil Patrick Harris's role.
Violence
MediumThe movie features a considerable amount of comic and slapstick violence, with characters frequently falling from heights, hitting each other, and enduring various physical mishaps without lasting injury. There are also instances of more 'realistic' threats and implied pain, though still presented in a fantasy-comedy context.
Gargamel is repeatedly hit by objects and falls from great heights, such as crashing into the Eiffel Tower and landing upside down in a pond, but remains unharmed. More intense scenes include Gargamel holding seven Smurfs in 'vacuum packs,' sending energy into them to cause 'excruciating' pain to force Smurfette's cooperation, and later capturing other Smurfs in a 'Smurfalator' machine to extract their essence.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumSexual content is minimal and primarily consists of suggestive remarks and implied nudity, rather than explicit scenes. Flirtatious dialogue and comments about physical appearance are present.
After Victor, Patrick Winslow's stepfather, transforms from a duck back into a human, he lands naked in a laundry dump covered in towels. Smurfs comment that he is naked, with one stating they saw 'despicable things down there' that will 'scar him for life.' Elsewhere, a married couple, Patrick and Grace, flirt, prompting a Smurf to tell them to 'get a shroom' (a play on 'get a room').
Profanity
MediumThe film avoids traditional curse words but extensively uses the word 'Smurf' as a substitute for various profanities and exclamations, implying stronger terms. This 'Smurf-language' can imply stronger terms, alongside instances of name-calling and crude humor like belching and passing gas.
Characters frequently use 'Smurf' in place of other words, such as 'Smurf off,' or expressions like 'son of a Smurf,' implying stronger language. The film also includes instances of scatological humor, such as a Smurf making a remark about nearly having 'Smurfed my pants,' and comments about 'Smurfberries' referring to sensitive male body parts. An obscurely masked swear word, 'ducked up,' is present when a character is turned into a duck, with a quack sound mostly obscuring it.
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumMagic is a central element to the plot, employed by both the villainous Gargamel and the benevolent Papa Smurf. It is presented within a fantasy framework, though some sources describe it as 'pagan magic that borders on the occult.'
Gargamel is an evil wizard who uses various spells, such as turning Victor into a duck and zapping objects and people. He desires to be worshipped for his magical powers, suggesting self-deifying sentiments. Papa Smurf also utilizes magic, notably casting a spell to transform Smurfette from Gargamel's original creation (a 'Naughty') into a 'true blue Smurf with a kind heart.'
Scary & Intense Content
MediumWhile largely a comedic film, 'The Smurfs 2' contains several scenes that could be frightening or intense for younger viewers. These include menacing actions by the villain Gargamel and situations where characters are in peril or subjected to discomfort.
Smurfette experiences a nightmare where she reverts to her 'bad Smurfette' form, with a 'nasty, smirking look,' and freezes other Smurfs with a magic wand. Gargamel appears as a 'nasty, scary looking man' who, during his magic show, transforms a man into a giant toad, and later threatens Smurfette, tying her up and hypnotizing her while cutting her hair.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe movie features characters exhibiting mild forms of disrespect and rebellion. The 'Naughties,' created by Gargamel, are inherently mischievous and influence Smurfette to behave rebelliously. Additionally, a central subplot involves unresolved conflict and perceived disrespect between a stepfather and stepson.
The Naughty Vexy actively encourages Smurfette 'to be naughty for fun' to win her over to Gargamel's side. Smurfette briefly adopts 'Naughty' behavior, such as firing missiles from a flying bird and using a magic wand to cause mischief. The human subplot involves Patrick Winslow's strained relationship with his stepfather, Victor, marked by past resentments, as Patrick expresses that they 'never got along' and blames Victor for taking away his parrot.
Substance Use
LowThere is no active or depicted substance use of concern in the movie. References to alcohol are minimal, appearing only as background elements in the Parisian setting without active consumption.
The film includes a brief scene where Smurfette stumbles over a wine bottle while running through the streets of Paris. In another instance, Smurfs are shown running through an alley where beer and wine bottles are visible on the ground as they sing '99 bottles of Smurf on the wall.'
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe film does not contain overt anti-Christian themes. It presents a strong moral worldview emphasizing positive values such as love, family, and kindness. While magic is present, and Gargamel desires to be worshipped, these are typical fantasy elements and are generally framed within a good-versus-evil narrative, rather than opposing Christian doctrine.
Gargamel frequently exclaims 'by the gods' and 'thank the gods,' and the idea of being 'worshipped' for his magical powers is appealing to him. These expressions are depicted as part of his villainous nature within the fantasy context. Movieguide notes the film has a 'strong moral worldview that says moral virtues are the true magic of life,' including sacrifice, love, and forgiveness.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Parental Guidance (PG) for children aged 6 and up, with guidance recommended for those under 8. This recommendation is based on the film's frequent comic violence, some mildly scary scenes, rude humor, and fantasy magic that may be too intense for very young children, particularly those under five years old.
Additional Notes
The film's primary message revolves around themes of chosen family and identity, emphasizing that who you choose to be is more important than your origins. There is also mild product placement throughout the film.
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