The Smurfs
The Smurfs (2011) is a live-action/CGI animated fantasy adventure comedy film based on the beloved comic series. The story follows Papa Smurf, Smurfette, and several other Smurfs as they are accidentally transported from their magical village to New York City after being chased by their nemesis, the evil wizard Gargamel. In the bustling human world, they befriend a young couple, Patrick and Grace Winslow, who help them navigate the city and find a way back home while evading Gargamel and his cat, Azrael. The film blends slapstick humor, adventure, and themes of teamwork and family, aiming to entertain a broad audience with its blend of animated characters and real-world settings. While generally lighthearted, it contains elements of cartoon violence, mild suggestive humor, and implied references that parents may wish to consider.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe film includes implied LGBTQ references that may be subtle for children but are noticeable to adults. Later installments in the franchise introduce more explicit discussions around gender identity and 'queer-coding' of characters.
Smurfette, voiced by Katy Perry, sings an altered version of Perry's song 'I Kissed a Girl (and I Liked It),' changing the lyrics to 'I kissed a Smurf, and I liked it,' noted as a lesbian-themed reference. During the credits, Gargamel tells his cat Azrael, 'I wish I could quit you,' a line directly referencing the gay-themed film 'Brokeback Mountain.'
Violence
MediumThe movie features frequent cartoon-style slapstick violence, chases, and moments of peril. While not graphic, some scenes involve characters being physically harmed or threatened, which might be intense for very young viewers.
The Smurfs are frequently subjected to physical comedy, such as being slapped, hit, and kicked by each other. Human character Patrick also punches and slaps Smurfs and swats them with an umbrella. Gargamel frequently engages in aggressive actions, such as chasing Papa Smurf with a club, threatening him with a switch razor, or throwing his cat Azrael at Clumsy Smurf.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe film contains mild suggestive humor and innuendo, including visual gags and dialogue references that allude to sexual themes, although no explicit sexual content or nudity is present.
Smurfette makes suggestive comments, such as telling Patrick, 'someone looks smurfilicious.' Smurfette performs a spoof of Marilyn Monroe's iconic air-vent scene, where her dress blows up, eliciting 'oohs' and 'ahhs' from the male Smurfs. A scene involves Gargamel moving behind a trolley in a restaurant, with implied urination into an ice bucket, which is described as inappropriate and disturbing.
Profanity
MediumThe movie heavily relies on the word 'smurf' as a substitute for various curse words and expletives ('mock-swearing'). There is also occasional mild actual profanity.
The word 'smurf' is used extensively to replace expletives in phrases such as 'Where the smurf are we?', 'I'll be smurfed,' 'Smurf me!', and 'son of a smurf.' Actual mild coarse language includes 'Oh my God' and 'd-mn.'
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumWitchcraft and magical elements are central to the plot through the villain Gargamel and his consistent use of spells and potions. These elements are generally portrayed within a fantasy, comedic context, but can be intense for young viewers.
Gargamel, an evil wizard, actively uses magic, spells, and potions to capture the Smurfs and achieve his goals, taking on an 'eerie, mystical appearance when casting spells.' He extracts 'Smurf essence' from Smurfette's hair to gain magic powers. Papa Smurf experiences 'visions' that feature 'ghost-like apparitions,' which could be unsettling for younger viewers.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe film contains several scary and intense moments, primarily revolving around Gargamel and Azrael's menacing presence and the Smurfs being in peril. These scenes, while often comedic, can be frightening for young children.
The evil wizard Gargamel and his cat, Azrael, are consistently portrayed as antagonists who actively chase and attempt to harm the Smurfs, creating a sense of danger. The Smurfs face life-threatening situations, such as Clumsy almost falling over a cliff and Papa Smurf being chained to 'menacing magical devices' in Gargamel's lair.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe movie features instances of mild disrespect and rebellion, particularly from some Smurfs, and through the pervasive use of mock-swearing. These actions generally serve comedic purposes rather than promoting serious defiance.
Clumsy Smurf frequently disregards Papa Smurf's instructions, leading to the group's initial escape from the village into New York City. The widespread use of 'smurf' as a substitute for curse words throughout the movie can be seen as a form of verbal defiance or mimicking inappropriate language. The film 'guilts Patrick for not putting his family or the fantastical characters before his job' and his wife, Grace, states the Smurfs are 'The Bigger Picture' when Patrick is stressing over being fired.
Substance Use
LowSubstance use is minimal and incidental, limited to human characters briefly consuming alcoholic beverages without emphasis on intoxication.
The movie includes scenes where human characters are depicted drinking alcoholic cocktails. Gargamel is also shown having champagne during a lunch scene.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe 2011 film contains very minor and incidental elements that might be perceived as conflicting with Christian views, such as a character using generic plural deity references and a joke about creation. Later films in the franchise include more explicit counterpoints to Christian creation narratives.
Gargamel is heard saying 'thank the gods' on multiple occasions. One reviewer noted 'huge shock' at a character's comment about being able to finish an advertisement in two days if 'God could create the world in 6 days,' which was seen as dismissive of the Christian creation account.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
The Smurfs (2011) is rated PG and is generally suitable for children aged 6-7 and older. While the film offers positive themes, younger viewers might find some scenes with the villain Gargamel intense or scary. Additionally, there are instances of suggestive humor and pervasive 'mock-swearing' that may be better understood and processed by slightly older children.
Additional Notes
The film's runtime is 103 minutes. It features Neil Patrick Harris and Jayma Mays as human characters, and Katy Perry voices Smurfette. The movie generally promotes positive messages about cooperation and teamwork. Some reviewers note significant product placement.
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