I love movies, always have. The thing I missed most when I became a parent was the ability to go see movies whenever I wanted. When my kids got a little older and I could trust that they could all sit through a feature film without wrecking the show for the other movie-goers, I was thrilled to be able to get back to the theater.
Then I realized something, I’m not the kind of person who loves kid-movies. You know, there are some adults who love animated stuff? Yeah, I’m not one of them. My sisters, thank goodness for my kids, love almost any movie kid-related, but I mostly suffer through the “cartoons” figuring I’m just earning the right to someday make them all watch Breakfast Club and Shawshank Redemption.
So, when the kids and I were invited to the preview of Smurfs2, I figured I’d go along for the ride and just take pleasure in their enjoyment. They loved the first Smurfs movie and I actually didn’t hate it, so I was prepared to not hate this version as well.
You know what? I didn’t just not hate Smurfs2, I actually liked it. There were just enough jokes to keep adults engaged and plenty of foolery to have my kids not only laughing throughout the show, but repeating their favorite lines for days afterward.
The impressively big-name-loaded cast is led by Neil Patrick Harris and Hank Azaria. They play the human Smurf Champion Patrick Winslow and every 80s kid’s favorite bad-guy Gargamel, respectively. NPH’s character is mildly annoying, but NPH is such a pleasure to view doing anything that he makes up for it, even if the “daddy issue” storyline is a little obvious. (Hey, it is a kid-movie after all so obvious is pretty expected.) Hank Azaria could read a phone book out loud and I’d be entertained so of course I love him in this role. However, my love is not just that of a fan-girl, but instead because he manages to play the role just seriously enough that you forget he is a Peyo bad guy for moments, but not so seriously that you think maybe he needs to be reminded he’s in a Smurf movie.
The bottom line for Smurfs2 is that for a few hours on a hot summer day, everyone in this family was happy. My three kids from tween to kinder ages, were all entertained as was the mom who is a much tougher sell.
There are plenty of hot dog-days left of summer. When you need a place to cool off, young and old alike should seek some AC in the theater where they’re showing Smurfs2 opening July 31st.
Disclosure: We were given complimentary entry to view Smurfs2. All opinions are my own. To see the kids’ take on the movie, head on over to KidzVuz where they give the tween’s eye-view.
P.S. Looking for more parenting guidance and tips for self-care? Check out From Chaos to Calm a guided training to help you feel better in this tough season.
