First Look at the Smurfs Movie
Nothing punctuates my childhood sugar coated cereal scarfing early Saturday Morning Cartoons experience any more than the 90 minute block of the Smurfs. These characters will forever embody the innocence of my youth before I discovered the rebellious tones of Knight Rider and Dukes of Hazzard.
Well they are making a movie of the Smurfs, and an astute superfan Brad, at Mushroom Village forums: says:
I stumbled onto this video news report that features what looks like footage of the Smurf MOVIE!! in production! The shot is at the very end of this clip, which shows a 3D smurf being animated in a 3D program.
So there you have it. Potentially the first peek at a 3d Smurf.
Granted, seeing the 2d blue wonders that were only to stand 3 apples high in 3d form wouldnt be the first time. Very popular in the hieght of Smurfy fandom was a collection of Smurf miniatures that were in their plastic glory, and fully modelled in 3d. This would simply be the first time we see them on screen. And see them we will. Paramount plans on releasing this as a Trilogy. Epic Smurfs.
I am a little excited about this film and for once, this remake (movies based on TV shows qualify as remakes) seems to cover all 4 of TMB’s Rules before making a Remake.
1) The original has to have a good story - The smurfs were a good story. Original and full of adventure and life lessons.
2) Majority of current audience hasn’t seen the original - Its been off the air for 19 years (not counting syndication) and most people I know under 25 have no idea what I am talking about when I say Smurf. Enough people remember, all of the target audience wont.
3) Original has to be at least 20 years old - Last Season was 1989. Pretty damned close. Will be well over when the proposed 2010 film release hits.
4) The story would benefit from a modern telling - Everyone needs a little smurf in their life. This is complete escapism.
I just hope that this doesn’t turn into an “Alvin and the Chipmunks” The formula is the same, but the movie doesn’t have to suck so bad. As long as they keep the smurfs in a hidden villiage, and Gargamel is a medieval warlock who craves the tasty smurfs for their magical properties, I will be cool with it.
That will be perfectly smurfy.
1. Mozzerino replies at 18th February 2008, 11:21 am :
I disagree heavily about your second point.
While the Smurfs certainly aren’t that big of a brand today than they were 15years ago, I can’t think of anyone who doesn’t know the Smurfs.
I’m European though, maybe things are different in the states. Over here they’re pretty popular still.
Oh and they probably would love this to become another ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS. That movie (haven’t seen it and probably never will) made a shitload of money so far after all.
2. Moe replies at 18th February 2008, 11:32 am :
Any good Smurf movie has to have a great Gargamel.
I would love to see John Lithgow as Gargamel.
3. Mr.Death replies at 18th February 2008, 11:33 am :
If they get the original voice actors I will be so happy!
But I’m guessing they’ll get the usual big names to do the voices.
4. Rodney replies at 18th February 2008, 11:41 am :
My vote for Gargamel would be Jeff Goldblum.
Also Mozz, keep in mind that the Smurfs were originally a French creation that originated 50 years ago, so likely something that would be more predominate there. It isn’t even on the air here anymore. Hasn’t been for at least 10 years on any stations around these parts.
5. DON replies at 18th February 2008, 12:22 pm :
This certainly can do A&C numbers.
6. Mozzerino replies at 18th February 2008, 1:55 pm :
Hey Rodney,
to be totally correct, the Smurfs weren’t created in France, but in the Netherlands ;-)
7. Rodney replies at 18th February 2008, 4:46 pm :
Mozz, you are incorrect.
The Smurfs (originally Les Schtroumpfs in French) were created by a Belgian cartoonist Peyo introduced Smurfs to the world in a series of comic strips, making their first appearance in the Belgian comics magazine Le Journal de Spirou on October 23, 1958. A French publication.
8. chris (the real one) replies at 18th February 2008, 5:10 pm :
John Lithgow as Gargamel. = gold
9. Adrian Rennie replies at 18th February 2008, 7:15 pm :
Here’s where my geekiness comes out. I was literally raised on the SMURFS cartoons as a kid. I am so weary of this remake, yet trying to remain open minded and optimistic. All I need is another childhood memory squashed like a wormy apple.
In the words of the great Lloyd Bridges “Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit drinking”
10. Doug replies at 18th February 2008, 10:21 pm :
I was a Smurf this past Halloween. I’m a teacher and only a few kids knew what I was. Most thought I was with the blue man group. Suddenly I felt old.
11. Arc Cadio replies at 19th February 2008, 7:24 am :
La La La LaLaLa La LaLaLaLa
EVERYBODY SING!
12. WT replies at 19th February 2008, 7:50 am :
Takes you back to being a child again, let’s just hope if and when it gets released it’s still faithful to the original idea.
13. Mozzerino replies at 19th February 2008, 3:35 pm :
Rodney, you are right, my bad.
I should have checked it (would have taken about 10sec. actually), but I was sure that Peyo was from the Netherlands. Oh well…can’t be be right everytime I suppose.