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From The Hobbit<\/em><\/a>\u2019s Shire to the Smurfs\u2019 mushroom village, big and small kids love the idea of a place of serenity, harking back to simpler living. Ironically, defending territory from an external \u2018terror\u2019 threat by those wanting to change an existence strikes a chord in today\u2019s unsettled world \u2013 one way to use Smurfs: The Lost Village<\/em><\/a> to explain world affairs to curious little minds. So, however simple in plot the new Smurfs film first seems, it does combine in one story a positive sense of self-preservation with a healthy dollop of adventure, all for the benefit of kiddies in glorious multicolour with intrepid gnome explorers. It also attempts to shine the spotlight on Smurfette and mould her (pardon the pun) into a lead character in her own right.<\/p>\n Voiced by Demi Lovato<\/a>, Smurfette is still trying to figure out what her unique skill is, four years on from the second film, and where she fits in in the Smurfs\u2019 world? A chance encounter with a masked stranger in the forbidden forest and a map leads the only girl gnome and her best buddies, Brainy (Danny Pudi<\/a> voices), Clumsy (Jack McBrayer<\/a>) and Hefty (Joe Manganiello<\/a>), on an adventure to find a lost village. However, Smurfette has unwittingly led the Smurfs\u2019 sworn enemy Gargamel (voiced by Rainn Wilson<\/a>) and his beastly crew to the new location \u2013 and an untapped source of \u2018blue power\u2019 the sorcerer needs to be invincible. It\u2019s up to Smurfette and co to warn the residents before it\u2019s too late.<\/p>\n This time creator Peyo<\/a>\u2019s Smurfs are re-immersed in their own animated existence \u2013 no real-world shenanigans like in the 2013 film or creepy-looking \u2018human-featured Smurfs\u2019. Sadly, this also means no Hank Azaria<\/a> in panto as Gargamel \u2013 nor in voice, though Wilson is just as entertaining. It does mean the filmmakers have full creative licence to explore the Avatar<\/em><\/a>-styled world, equally bathed in blue. This film bounces along with 100 per cent enthusiasm and is very much about the gnome personalities, the introduction of which at the beginning wastes no time in reeling off a list of character traits in fun-filled, erratic fashion that younger viewers delight at. The rest of the frenetic pace follows suit, as expected with present-day kids animation.<\/p>\n As the momentum roller-coasters on \u2013 requiring a certain degree of concentration, as not to miss any \u2018adult puns\u2019, there is plenty of silliness, honesty, vulnerability, bravery and morals for kids to latch onto, absorb and ultimately cheer on their diminutive heroes. Admittedly, some of the funnier scenarios are touched on in the trailer, but the little personalities more than make up for this. Indeed, curiosity pays off as we\u2019re all rewarded with plenty of \u2018girl power\u2019 in the end \u2013 hardly surprising given the writers are women and the scope for potential storyline spin-offs (and merchandise) could run on for years to come.<\/p>\n The fact is youngsters delight\u00a0in the idea of little people saving the day in their narratives. The Lost Village<\/em> delivers this thrill, with a few hiccups along the way. There\u2019s also a nostalgic animated innocence to the whole affair that helps the Smurf personalities shine through \u2013 something the very busy, effects-heavy 2013 film lost. Smurfs: the Lost Village<\/em> even has scampering dayglow bunnies, ready for Easter family viewing. There\u2019s enough cinematic cuteness for everyone; if the plight of Smurfette doesn\u2019t win you over, the bunnies will, while keeping the youngsters entertained for 90 minutes.<\/p>\n 4\/5 stars<\/strong><\/p>\n By @Filmgazer<\/p>\n