Smurfs

Older generations will hardly recognize the diminutive blue protagonists in Smurfs, which turns the title characters into unlikely pint-sized superheroes who must save a world much larger than their isolated mushroom village. Suddenly, a bumbling sorcerer with a sardonic cat doesn’t seem like quite as daunting an adversary.

Indeed, this latest big-screen reimagining of the comic franchise seems intent on appeasing a young demographic with short-attention spans with a familiar playbook among contemporary animated films that emphasizes hyperactive mayhem over nostalgic charm and narrative coherence.

An opening sequence sets the tone, with the title characters joining in a Bollywood dance number ending with wise patriarch Papa Smurf (voiced by John Goodman), manning the deejay booth, exclaiming: “Now that’s what I call a banger!”

Not long afterward, Papa Smurf is abducted by nemesis Gargamel (J.P. Karliak). That sends the younger Smurfs on a rescue mission led by Smurfette (Rihanna) and No Name (James Corden), who’s trying to perfect magic to prove his worth — and earn a suitable moniker.

However, their adventure takes an unexpected turn through a portal that lands them in real-life Paris. It turns out Papa Smurf has been keeping secrets from his proteges in order to keep them insulated from a complicated past that could jeopardize their collective future.

As directed by Chris Miller (Puss in Boots), the film features some enchanting computer-generated visuals, both in the character designs and colorful background details. Another highlight is the energetic voice cast, which includes Nick Offerman, Amy Sedaris, Jimmy Kimmel, Octavia Spencer, and Kurt Russell.

However, the uninspired screenplay by Pam Brady (Hot Rod) tries to shoehorn the characters into a well-worn template rather than exploring their unique characteristics in fresh ways. Throwing the Smurfs into the real world is both tired and an idea that doesn’t work in this instance.

Meanwhile, the occasional songs feel like filler to supplement a thin yet needlessly convoluted story. The mixed bag of sight gags and one-liners is aimed more at children than accompanying adults, although youngsters might appreciate the easily digestible lessons about loyalty, family, courage, and self-esteem.

Rather than paying homage to its source material, Smurfs basically co-opts the name for a cash grab. It’s a smurfing mess.

Rated PG, 92 minutes.