The blue mushroom-dwelling creatures, known as Smurfs, stole America’s heart in the early 1980s when they first appeared on the Saturday morning television cartoon lineup. Decades later, they made their second silver-screen appearance in the 2013 movie, aptly titled “The Smurfs 2.” While the original 2011 movie kept the Smurfs’ feet firmly in the Big Apple, this followup sent the adorable munchkins to Paris.
Sony Pictures was behind both of these films, and the studio hoped that “The Smurfs 2” would rival the success of “The Smurfs,” which ultimately raked in more than $550 million in international box office receipts. While they retained most of the same characters and voices, some new surprises were added as well.
“The Smurfs 2” begins with Smurfette (voiced by Katy Perry), the first female Smurf, agonizing over her decision to betray her fellow Smurfs and turn them over to Gargamel (Hank Azaria), the wicked wizard. She senses a change in the other Smurfs and believes that they don’t want to talk to her anymore and don’t want her around. What she doesn’t know is that they are simply planning a big surprise party for her upcoming birthday.
Since the last film, Gargamel has spent his time wisely, becoming quite the attraction in Paris, where he woos audiences over with his magic tricks and amazing sorcery. In order to stay successful, he needs to get his hands on more Smurf essence. He starts planning how to get his hands on Smurfette so that he can hold her for ransom in exchange for Papa Smurf’s (Jonathan Winters) formula for creating Smurfs.
Shortly after Gargamel executes his plan, Papa Smurf learns of Smurfette’s kidnapping, and he begins planning for a way to get her back. He creates special crystals so Brainy Smurf (Fred Armison), Gutsy Smurf (Alan Cumming), and Hefty Smurf (Gary Basaraba) can get to New York City to ask their friend, Patrick Winslow (Neil Patrick Harris), for help. In a strange twist of fate, Grouchy Smurf (George Lopez), Clumsy Smurf (Anton Yelchin), and Vanity Smurf (John Oliver) wind up making the trip instead, much to Papa Smurf’s dismay.
Papa Smurf heads off to New York City with the three other Smurfs, arriving at the tail end of a birthday celebration for Patrick Winslow’s son. Since the whole family is gathered, they get to meet Patrick’s stepfather, Victor Doyle (Brendan Gleeson) for the first time. After debriefing the group, the Smurfs and their friends begin the long journey to Paris.
Shortly after they arrive, they find Gargamel and put together a plan to get to Smurfette. Victor, Patrick, and his wife Grace (Jayma Mays) will distract Gargamel during one of his performances. During the distraction, the Smurfs is will look for Smurfette. What the group doesn’t realize is that Smurfette managed to escape on her own, but was quickly found and recaptured by one of Gargamel’s creations, the Naughties.
Either Stockholm syndrome or simply a deep sensitivity kicks in with Smurfette when she realizes that the Naughties will die if they don’t get Smurf essence quickly. She can’t bear to see that happen, even if they are the ones who kidnapped her, and she quickly gives Gargamel the formula he has been seeking.
As with most good-versus-evil movies, a battle soon ensues and good triumphs. The Naughties are transformed into real Smurfs and they head back to the Smurf Village with the rest of the group, and the Winslows return to New York City.
Hank Azaria and Neil Patrick Harris both replayed their roles from “The Smurfs” in this much-anticipated sequel. Neil Patrick Harris, who has grown into one of Hollywood’s A-listers, rocketed to fame with his role as young Doogie Howser in the hit television series “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” which aired from the late 1980s to the early 1990s. His razor-sharp humor and classic good looks were the perfect choice for this role, although Harris’ background in voice work probably helped seal the deal. His previous animated gigs included “The Penguins of Madagascar,” “A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas,” and “Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore.” Hank Azaria also has a background in animation, having lent his voice to productions such as “Family Guy” and “Happy Feet Two.”
