‘Smurfs 2’ Offers Message on Being a Dad

Gargamel is back and causing trouble as he searches for more Smurf essence in the new movie, Smurfs 2, that opened this week.

The movie also has a surprising statement on the role of being a father.

First, the plot: Smurf-essence gives Gargamel special powers. Now, a world-famous magician, Gargamel has used his Smurf essence to create a couple of new Smurf-like creatures who do his dirty work (called “The Naughties”), but he’s running out. In his attempt for world domination, Gargamel hatches a plan to steal Smurfette, who is the only one that can help him unlock the ingredients to make more essence.

If you are a fan of the first movie, you will enjoy this one as well. Neil Patrick Harris and Jayma Mays return, only this time with their son. Harris’s comedic timing, mixed with dramatic acting, shines as usual. Mays, much like the last film, provides sweetness – as if a movie about Smurfs needs more “sweetness.” Of course, Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Clumsy Smurf, and Grouchy are back as well, bringing along a new Smurf named Vanity and voiced by The Daily Show’s John Oliver.

One of the best aspects of the film is the introduction of Brendan Gleeson as Harris’s father. Conflicts arise between the two as Gleeson repeatedly reaches out to his son, even when it is not wanted, in hope of building a strong father/son relationship.

The movie is about little blue people that live under mushrooms, but it’s also about what it means to be a dad. Being handed a baby doesn’t make you a good father, but the effort, love, and sacrifice put into parenting can make you a good father. It’s amazing that it takes tiny blue people with white tails to help folks realize that.

Smurfs 2 is a delightful film with a great message about what it takes to be a good dad.

I attended the screening with my 7-year-old daughter and 12-year-old niece, both of whom enjoyed the film. My niece, Juana B. Loco, (her pen name of choice) provides her thoughts below:

“The movie Smurfs 2 was pretty good and will hold the attention of many ages. I can’t really compare it to the first one, because I didn’t see it, but I heard it’s better. Overall, it was a sweet story of unconditional love and family. Great for young kids.”