For my readers who are around my age (42) do you remember that popular cartoon series from the 80′s, the Smurfs? Those little blue elf-like being who sang that infectious song, “La la lalala laa la la la la laaaa…”? I’m sorry but its not easy to figure out how to spell it, but those of you who are familiar with the Smurfs know what song I am talking about.
Did you know that there is going to be a Smurfs MOVIE, coming to a theater near you? It won’t be for a long while (its not scheduled for releast until NEXT summer, 2011), but from what I have seen of it the movie looks really cute. Its part live action and part animation.
Here is a trailer for the movie. I’m sorry that it does not center.
It looks really cute. It is going to be in 3-D too.
This is not a low budget, generic movie. This movie has some really popular actors and actresses lending their voices to the movie. Some of the big names include George Lopez (Grouchy Smurf), Katy Perry (Smurfette), Neil Patrick Harris (Johan), Paul “Pee Wee” Reuben (Jokey Smurf), Sophia Vergara from ”Modern Family” (Odile), Hank Azaria (Gargamel), Johnathon Winters (Papa Smurf), Wolfgang Puck (Chef Smurf), Jeff Foxworthy (Handy Smurf) and many more. WOW! That is quite an ensemble.
I can tell you right now that Smurf related products will be all the rage next summer and most likely into the holiday season (2011) as I am sure that there will be a new generation of Smurf fans on the horizon.
Papercutz has created Smurf comic books to appeal to both young and old. Comic books are great for children and adults (my husband loves to read Archie comics). I couldn’t think of a better way to introduce the Smurfs to a whole new generation then with a series of comic books.
I received a copy of Purple Smurfs from Papercutz to review. At first I thought it was a book. I was surprised to find that it was a comic book. As soon as my husband saw that he said to me “I’ll read it!” and took it out of my hands (he’s such a big kid). My kids on the other hand had no clue who the Smurfs were. I told them to give it time. I’m sure they will know soon enough.
I was happy to see that inside the book was not one but THREE different stories done in the comic book style. There is even a bonus comic at the end.
I won’t giveaway the stories inside but I will say that one is about Purple Smurfs, another is about a Flying Smurf and the last one is about a Smurf who is not too fond of his neighbors (I can relate to that).
The Purple Smurf story is the longest. Its probably one of the longest comic books stories I have ever read. The comic about the Smurf and his nieghbors is the shortest.
The graphics are colorful and eye catching. The Smurfs are also drawn exactly as they were in the 80′s. They have not been altered in any way. I honestly don’t like it when people try to “modernize” classics. I am happy they kept with the original look of the Smurfs.
The stories are easy to read and entertaining. My husband and I both finished the book in one evening (separate days). My son took about 2 days to read the whole book. My daughter has yet to read it (too busy texting… ha ha).
My husband, our son and myself all truly enjoyed the book. There were times I had a hard time reading the text. I think its because I need bi-focals and I refuse to cave in and get them (I don’t want to admit that I’m getting OLD). Other then that I found the book easy to read and entertaining.
The Smurfs comic books are published by Papercutz (www.PaperCutz.com) and are available where most books are sold in places such as Amazon and Barnes & Nobles. You can also find more information about the Smurfs and other classic stories available in comic book form at the Papercutz website.
Kimberly
*I received a free sample copy in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own.
Oh, Smurfs! I used to live in Europe and had a whole collection of little plastic ones-I think I hace a couple left.
Happy memories….
I knew exactly what your post title was referring too before I even clicked on it. Love the smurfs!
Ha aha now this brings back memories. I loved the smurf’s when I was a kid.
I have tagged you on my blog stop on by.