Kernel Rating (out of 5):
MPAA Rating: PG Length: 105 minutes
Age Appropriate For: 5+. The film is rated PG mainly for the surprising amount of violence leveled against the Smurfs, including them being drained of their “essence,” or life-force, and being in pretty dangerous situations throughout, like chases and kidnapping. Also lots of sex-related humor (mainly focused on male private parts), the use of “Smurf” instead of curse words, and some bathroom humor including fart jokes and other crude content. Some of this may go over children’s heads, but it’s still present.
Because 2011’s ‘The Smurfs’ somehow made more than $500 million worldwide two years ago, we’re punished with ‘The Smurfs 2,’ an equally unimaginative stab at milking parental nostalgia. But the horribly uninspired sequel is all over the place, trying to send messages about familial unity while also throwing around fart jokes. It’s an unfortunate mix.
By Roxana Hadadi
At 105 minutes, “The Smurfs 2” seems horrifically long. How much bathroom humor and over-the-top Hank Azaria can an audience really stomach? Don’t do this to your family. Just don’t.