Touches You

A different way of telling a story

This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

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

Wow. How jaded and cynical do you have to be to give such scathingly negative reviews to a KIDS' MOVIE? People are complaining about it not having much "for adults" (which means what exactly? Sex and violence?)? Why would you expect much for adults in a movie about THE SMURFS?? I watched the first one, and I fully knew what to expect from the second one, and not only was I not bored or disappointed for whatever reason, but I was actually pleasantly surprised: I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, and I watched it all by myself on Netflix on my iPad, not in a movie theater with any small children. Of course, I grew up watching the Smurfs cartoon as a kid back in the 80s…but if there's anyone out there in their late 20s or 30s who didn't, well, I'm sorry you missed out on your childhood. Maybe that's why you're so bitter. Compared to the first one I thought this was much better done. It addresses the origin story of Smurfette as explained in the original series, the plot and character development is interesting, and even Gargamel is more well-done this time too. It actually is darker and more intelligent in some ways than the first one, and Neil Patrick Harris's character's interaction with his boisterous and eccentric, but loving stepfather is heartwarming and positive. The ending is fairly predictable but how often is that not the case in these types of films anyway?This is nothing short of a good, wholesome family movie that I would recommend for anyone. But a selfish millennial who would rather take their child to see something THEY like even if it's wholly inappropriate for children probably won't agree.

Now, before you go renting this movie, the Smurfs 2 is a CGI adaption of the cartoon, hand drawn smurfs in the 70s-80s. Few would consider this a "classic". In fact I would consider the classics. The new sequel for the CGI Smurfs has your always "happy ending" and cheesy jokes. At first, Vexy and the other evil smurf (created by gargamel to get revenge on the smurfs) are villains, antagonists, and they turn Smurfette, (Gargamel's original creation) into a villain. Of course in the end, Vexy and the other smurf become good and are accepted as a good smurf. Right in the middle of this movie, it was easy to predict good things would happen.The punchlines are always, cheesy. I honestly thought this movie was a drag and a single laugh didn't come out of me. Especially the "Right in the smurfberries" and "Oh my smurf" which cover up for iffy subjects. The antics are very cheesy as well with getting hit and making messes, farting burping, or being messy. Little kids under 9 would really like this title, and it's more of a family title than something cool pre-teens would watch on a summer day. Nothing very special here at all.

The Smurfs 2 was a pleasure to watch in the theater. It reminded me of the cartoon show I used to see on TV as a young child. This is a movie I believe everybody will like. The human performers were funny in their roles, and I can't find much to complain about regarding them at all. There seemed to be a lot of talk about life-essence and creation that I didn't understand too well and that some parents or religious types might take offense towards. The main antagonist/villain Gargamel is easy to hate and really comes off as an evil wizard. He too, however, is lovable in his own unique way. There are even a couple of "new" smurfs who are gray, silly, and at first are out to cause trouble and mischief. Of course it isn't long before Papa Smurf and his smurf gang befriend them. Ten-year olds everywhere are bound to get a kick out of this good film.