The cast has been revealed for Rihanna‘s new Smurfs movie!
If you forgot, we learned that the 36-year-old “Wild Thoughts” superstar was voicing Smurfette in a new animated project from Paramount at 2023 CinemaCon.
She will also produce and write original music for the movie, which is directed by Chris Miller and co-directed by Matt Landon. The movie does not yet have an official title but is scheduled to premiere in theaters on February 14, 2025.
Almost exactly one year after Rihanna‘s involvement was announced, the rest of the cast was revealed at 2024 CinemaCon.
Scroll through the slideshow for a breakdown of who will appear in the new movie with Rihanna…...
If you forgot, we learned that the 36-year-old “Wild Thoughts” superstar was voicing Smurfette in a new animated project from Paramount at 2023 CinemaCon.
She will also produce and write original music for the movie, which is directed by Chris Miller and co-directed by Matt Landon. The movie does not yet have an official title but is scheduled to premiere in theaters on February 14, 2025.
Almost exactly one year after Rihanna‘s involvement was announced, the rest of the cast was revealed at 2024 CinemaCon.
Scroll through the slideshow for a breakdown of who will appear in the new movie with Rihanna…...
- 4/11/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Rihanna now has a host of blue pals to join her journey as Smurfette in the animated The Smurfs Movie for Paramount Pictures and Paramount Animation.
During the studio’s presentation at CinemaCon on Thursday, Paramount chief Brian Robbins announced that an all-star cast has been set for the film including Nick Offerman, Natasha Lyonne, Jp Karliak, Dan Levy, Amy Sedaris, Nick Kroll, James Corden, Octavia Spencer, Hannah Waddingham, Sandra Oh, Alex Winter, Billie Lourd, Xolo Maridueña with Kurt Russell and John Goodman. Or, as Robbins put it, “Pretty much the rest of the Screen Actors Guild.” He also praised Rihanna as “the most legendary Smurfette ever.”
The news comes one year after Rihanna turned up to surprise CinemaCon attendees on the Colosseum stage inside Caesars Palace to announce that she had signed on to tackle the project as a triple threat by providing the voice of Smurfette, producing alongside Ryan Harris,...
During the studio’s presentation at CinemaCon on Thursday, Paramount chief Brian Robbins announced that an all-star cast has been set for the film including Nick Offerman, Natasha Lyonne, Jp Karliak, Dan Levy, Amy Sedaris, Nick Kroll, James Corden, Octavia Spencer, Hannah Waddingham, Sandra Oh, Alex Winter, Billie Lourd, Xolo Maridueña with Kurt Russell and John Goodman. Or, as Robbins put it, “Pretty much the rest of the Screen Actors Guild.” He also praised Rihanna as “the most legendary Smurfette ever.”
The news comes one year after Rihanna turned up to surprise CinemaCon attendees on the Colosseum stage inside Caesars Palace to announce that she had signed on to tackle the project as a triple threat by providing the voice of Smurfette, producing alongside Ryan Harris,...
- 4/11/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paramount’s new animated Smurfs movie announced its voice cast at CinemaCon on Thursday.
Joining Rihanna are Nick Offerman, Natasha Lyonne, Jp Karliak, Daniel Levy, Amy Sedaris, Nick Kroll, James Corden, Octavia Spencer, Hannah Waddingham, Sandra Oh, Alex Winter, Billie Lourd and Xolo Maridueña with Kurt Russell and John Goodman.
Chris Miller directs a the new movie based on the Peyo characters. Matt Landon is co-director.
Ryan Harris, Rihanna, Laurence “Jay” Brown and Tyran “Ty-Ty” Smith are producers. Rihanna is penning original songs.
The movie hits theaters on February 14, 2025.
Joining Rihanna are Nick Offerman, Natasha Lyonne, Jp Karliak, Daniel Levy, Amy Sedaris, Nick Kroll, James Corden, Octavia Spencer, Hannah Waddingham, Sandra Oh, Alex Winter, Billie Lourd and Xolo Maridueña with Kurt Russell and John Goodman.
Chris Miller directs a the new movie based on the Peyo characters. Matt Landon is co-director.
Ryan Harris, Rihanna, Laurence “Jay” Brown and Tyran “Ty-Ty” Smith are producers. Rihanna is penning original songs.
The movie hits theaters on February 14, 2025.
- 4/11/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Rihanna will voice Smurfette in 'The Smurfs Movie'.The 'Diamonds' hitmaker - who is pregnant with her and A$AP Rocky's second child - made a surprise appearance during Paramount Pictures' CinemaCon presentation in Las Vegas on Thursday (27.04.23) to reveal she will be playing "a little blue bad a**" in the comedic musical adventure, which will be released in February 2025.She joked: “I tried to get the Papa Smurf role but It didn’t work out."Rihanna will also produce the film - which is being directed by Chris Miller and Matt Landon - and is providing original songs.Other producers include Ryan Harris, Laurence 'Jay' Brown, and Tyran 'Ty-Ty' Smith, while Pam Brady has written a script inspired by the characters and works of Peyo.Fellow pop star Katy Perry previously voiced Smurfette in 2011's 'The Smurfs' and the 2013 follow-up 'The Smurfs 2', while another singer, Demi Lovato,...
- 4/28/2023
- by Viki Waters
- Bang Showbiz
Image Source: Getty / Alberto E. Rodriguez / CinemaCon
Rihanna is lending her voice to a new project, but it's not the ninth album fans have been hoping for since 2016. On April 27, the "Lift Me Up" singer made a surprise appearance at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, where she announced that she will be playing Smurfette in the upcoming Smurfs musical movie.
In addition to voicing the animated character, Rihanna joins the project - directed by Chris Miller and Matt Landon - as a writer and producer, according to Entertainment Weekly. Notably, the Paramount adaptation will follow a separate storyline from Sony's three-part series, which starred Neil Patrick Harris, Katy Perry, Sofía Vergara, and Hank Azaria. The upcoming musical will also feature original songs by Rihanna. It's not the album we've long been waiting for, but new music is new music.
"I got to play a part and just imagine. I got to just be myself.
Rihanna is lending her voice to a new project, but it's not the ninth album fans have been hoping for since 2016. On April 27, the "Lift Me Up" singer made a surprise appearance at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, where she announced that she will be playing Smurfette in the upcoming Smurfs musical movie.
In addition to voicing the animated character, Rihanna joins the project - directed by Chris Miller and Matt Landon - as a writer and producer, according to Entertainment Weekly. Notably, the Paramount adaptation will follow a separate storyline from Sony's three-part series, which starred Neil Patrick Harris, Katy Perry, Sofía Vergara, and Hank Azaria. The upcoming musical will also feature original songs by Rihanna. It's not the album we've long been waiting for, but new music is new music.
"I got to play a part and just imagine. I got to just be myself.
- 4/28/2023
- by Chanel Vargas
- Popsugar.com
Rihanna to star in a new Smurfs movie (Photo Credit: Dennis Leupold)
Rihanna is going to be the new Smurfette, and that’s not something anyone had on their 2023 bingo card. The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter will lend her voice to the weird little blue creature in the upcoming Untitled Smurfs Animated Film (the project’s temporary title).
Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies announced the casting during the 2023 CinemaCon. CinemaCon is an annual event hosted at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas by the National Association of Theatre Owners. The major film studios attend to promote their upcoming theatrical releases via footage and special appearances by big-name stars. During Paramount Pictures’ presentation, Rihanna graced the stage and confirmed her latest film project will find her slipping into the world of the popular creatures created by Peyo.
Rihanna will also write and perform original songs, and serve as a producer.
“On behalf of our...
Rihanna is going to be the new Smurfette, and that’s not something anyone had on their 2023 bingo card. The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter will lend her voice to the weird little blue creature in the upcoming Untitled Smurfs Animated Film (the project’s temporary title).
Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies announced the casting during the 2023 CinemaCon. CinemaCon is an annual event hosted at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas by the National Association of Theatre Owners. The major film studios attend to promote their upcoming theatrical releases via footage and special appearances by big-name stars. During Paramount Pictures’ presentation, Rihanna graced the stage and confirmed her latest film project will find her slipping into the world of the popular creatures created by Peyo.
Rihanna will also write and perform original songs, and serve as a producer.
“On behalf of our...
- 4/27/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
The artist behind beloved smash hits like “Don’t Smurf the Music,” “Rude Smurf,” “Smurf Better Have My Money,” and “Only Smurf (in the World)” will finally step into the role she was destined to play: Smurfette. The producers of what’s still being called Untitled Smurfs Animated Film (officially italicized as such, so maybe that will be the title) announced Thursday that Rihanna will step into the role.
“This is a delight,” Rihanna said of playing the “blue badass” at CinemaCon, where she was on hand for the announcement...
“This is a delight,” Rihanna said of playing the “blue badass” at CinemaCon, where she was on hand for the announcement...
- 4/27/2023
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
Rihanna will star as Smurfette in an upcoming untitled Smurfs animated movie from Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies, the artist announced at CinemaCon on Thursday, April 27th.
In addition to the voice role, Rihanna will write and perform original music for the film, which she will also produce. “I tried to get the Papa Smurf role, but it didn’t work out,” she joked on stage (via Variety).
Not much else is known about the movie besides its release date of February 14th, 2025. However, Paramount Animation head Ramsey Naito said it will explore themes of identity and ask the central question, “What is a Smurf?”
The Chris Miller-directed movie is based on Belgian artist Peyo’s comic books and will be co-directed by Matt Landon. Pam Brady wrote the script. Besides Rihanna, Jay Brown, Tyran “Ty-Ty” Smith, and Ryan Harris will serve as producers.
Rihanna previously lent her voice...
In addition to the voice role, Rihanna will write and perform original music for the film, which she will also produce. “I tried to get the Papa Smurf role, but it didn’t work out,” she joked on stage (via Variety).
Not much else is known about the movie besides its release date of February 14th, 2025. However, Paramount Animation head Ramsey Naito said it will explore themes of identity and ask the central question, “What is a Smurf?”
The Chris Miller-directed movie is based on Belgian artist Peyo’s comic books and will be co-directed by Matt Landon. Pam Brady wrote the script. Besides Rihanna, Jay Brown, Tyran “Ty-Ty” Smith, and Ryan Harris will serve as producers.
Rihanna previously lent her voice...
- 4/27/2023
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Film News
Rihanna will star as Smurfette in an upcoming untitled Smurfs animated movie from Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies, the artist announced at CinemaCon on Thursday, April 27th.
In addition to the voice role, Rihanna will write and perform original music for the film, which she will also produce. “I tried to get the Papa Smurf role, but it didn’t work out,” she joked on stage (via Variety).
Not much else is known about the movie besides its release date of February 14th, 2025. However, Paramount Animation head Ramsey Naito said it will explore themes of identity and ask the central question, “What is a Smurf?”
The Chris Miller-directed movie is based on Belgian artist Peyo’s comic books and will be co-directed by Matt Landon. Pam Brady wrote the script. Besides Rihanna, Jay Brown, Tyran “Ty-Ty” Smith, and Ryan Harris will serve as producers.
Rihanna previously lent her voice...
In addition to the voice role, Rihanna will write and perform original music for the film, which she will also produce. “I tried to get the Papa Smurf role, but it didn’t work out,” she joked on stage (via Variety).
Not much else is known about the movie besides its release date of February 14th, 2025. However, Paramount Animation head Ramsey Naito said it will explore themes of identity and ask the central question, “What is a Smurf?”
The Chris Miller-directed movie is based on Belgian artist Peyo’s comic books and will be co-directed by Matt Landon. Pam Brady wrote the script. Besides Rihanna, Jay Brown, Tyran “Ty-Ty” Smith, and Ryan Harris will serve as producers.
Rihanna previously lent her voice...
- 4/27/2023
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Music
Rihanna will star as Smurfette in the untitled animated “Smurfs” film, Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies said Thursday at CinemaCon in Las Vegas.
Appearing on stage, the singer and entrepreneur will also write and perform original music and serve as a producer for the film.
“On behalf of our studio and our creative partners at Lafig, we couldn’t be more excited to have found our Smurfette in one of the most beloved stars in the world,” Brian Robbins, president and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon, and Ramsey Naito, president of Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation, said in a statement. “With Rihanna’s singular creative appeal and musical talents, there is an enormous opportunity to elevate the cultural touchstone of The Smurfs universe in a way that’s never been done before.”
Also Read:
John Krasinski Introduces First Footage From ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ and ‘If’
Based on...
Appearing on stage, the singer and entrepreneur will also write and perform original music and serve as a producer for the film.
“On behalf of our studio and our creative partners at Lafig, we couldn’t be more excited to have found our Smurfette in one of the most beloved stars in the world,” Brian Robbins, president and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon, and Ramsey Naito, president of Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation, said in a statement. “With Rihanna’s singular creative appeal and musical talents, there is an enormous opportunity to elevate the cultural touchstone of The Smurfs universe in a way that’s never been done before.”
Also Read:
John Krasinski Introduces First Footage From ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ and ‘If’
Based on...
- 4/27/2023
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
In her third trimester, Rihanna showed up at Paramount Pictures’ CinemaCon presentation on Thursday in Las Vegas to say she’s playing “a little blue badass” — that being Smurfette in Par and Nickelodeon Movies’ The Smurfs Movie. Rihanna also is producing the movie and providing original songs.
Related: Paramount’s CinemaCon Presentation Brings Laughs; Seth Rogen On Distrib Boss Chris Aronson ‘Tmnt’ Stunt: “First Time I’ve Seen An Executive Emerging From A Sewer!”
The comedic musical adventure sets out to answer one of life’s biggest questions: What is a Smurf? The Chris Miller-directed movie comes out on February 14, 2025. Co-director is Matt Landon. Pam Brady wrote the script inspired by characters and works of Peyo. Producers also include Ryan Harris, Laurence “Jay” Brown and Tyran “Ty-Ty” Smith.
Related: Martin Scorsese Unveils Teaser From ‘Killers Of The Flower Moon’, His Apple & Paramount Movie Bound For Cannes
Multiple Smurfs films,...
Related: Paramount’s CinemaCon Presentation Brings Laughs; Seth Rogen On Distrib Boss Chris Aronson ‘Tmnt’ Stunt: “First Time I’ve Seen An Executive Emerging From A Sewer!”
The comedic musical adventure sets out to answer one of life’s biggest questions: What is a Smurf? The Chris Miller-directed movie comes out on February 14, 2025. Co-director is Matt Landon. Pam Brady wrote the script inspired by characters and works of Peyo. Producers also include Ryan Harris, Laurence “Jay” Brown and Tyran “Ty-Ty” Smith.
Related: Martin Scorsese Unveils Teaser From ‘Killers Of The Flower Moon’, His Apple & Paramount Movie Bound For Cannes
Multiple Smurfs films,...
- 4/27/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Step aside Trolls: Rihanna is here to slay as a Smurf.
With Universal’s animated musical “Trolls” franchise going strong with the upcoming “Trolls Band Together,” Paramount Pictures during Thursday’s CinemaCon presentation unveiled an untitled “Smurfs” animated film starring Oscar-nominated Grammy winner Rihanna as Smurfette.
Rihanna is creating and performing original music for the film and also serving as a producer. The “Smurfs” movie will debut in theaters February 14, 2025, from Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies.
Chris Miller and Matt Landon co-direct the “Smurfs” film, based on characters created by Peyo. “South Park” producer and “Team America: World Police” writer Pam Brady penned the screenplay. In addition to Rihanna, Ryan Harris, Laurence “Jay” Brown, and Tyran “Ty-Ty” Smith produce.
“Getting to do animation is a fun journey for me,” Rihanna said at CinemaCon. “I’m usually front and center with everything with my likeness…but this was fun, I got to imagine,...
With Universal’s animated musical “Trolls” franchise going strong with the upcoming “Trolls Band Together,” Paramount Pictures during Thursday’s CinemaCon presentation unveiled an untitled “Smurfs” animated film starring Oscar-nominated Grammy winner Rihanna as Smurfette.
Rihanna is creating and performing original music for the film and also serving as a producer. The “Smurfs” movie will debut in theaters February 14, 2025, from Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies.
Chris Miller and Matt Landon co-direct the “Smurfs” film, based on characters created by Peyo. “South Park” producer and “Team America: World Police” writer Pam Brady penned the screenplay. In addition to Rihanna, Ryan Harris, Laurence “Jay” Brown, and Tyran “Ty-Ty” Smith produce.
“Getting to do animation is a fun journey for me,” Rihanna said at CinemaCon. “I’m usually front and center with everything with my likeness…but this was fun, I got to imagine,...
- 4/27/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
The First poster and character shots have been unveiled for upcoming 80s-set cannibal/slasher film The Locals, as well as full details of the story and cast.
The poster (see above) was designed by comic book artist Dennis Willman. The film is directed by Eric Anthony Pereira, who previously did second unit directing on Piranha 3D and various episodes of the TV series House.
The Locals is a 'found footage' movie that takes place in 1987. It depicts a group of low-budget filmmakers (Matthew Landon; Devanny Pinn - Nude Nuns With Big Guns, Piranha 3D; Greg Duke - Lake Death; Angelina Armani - Chromeskull: Laid to Rest 2) who head to the hills to film a slasher movie called Splatter Mountain.
Accompanying them are three of their actors, including an ageing, coke- addicted former centrefold (Tawny Amber Young - Nude Nuns With Big Guns), a bubbly, ditzy porn queen who is out...
The poster (see above) was designed by comic book artist Dennis Willman. The film is directed by Eric Anthony Pereira, who previously did second unit directing on Piranha 3D and various episodes of the TV series House.
The Locals is a 'found footage' movie that takes place in 1987. It depicts a group of low-budget filmmakers (Matthew Landon; Devanny Pinn - Nude Nuns With Big Guns, Piranha 3D; Greg Duke - Lake Death; Angelina Armani - Chromeskull: Laid to Rest 2) who head to the hills to film a slasher movie called Splatter Mountain.
Accompanying them are three of their actors, including an ageing, coke- addicted former centrefold (Tawny Amber Young - Nude Nuns With Big Guns), a bubbly, ditzy porn queen who is out...
- 6/7/2011
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
Danny Lopes The Freddie Prinze Jr. of indie horror, Danny Lopes is the actor best known for his roles in all of director Dante Tomaselli's horror films including - Horror, Torture Chamber, Desecration & Satan's Playground. He has also worked as model over the years including his controversial choice to appear in the pages of Playgirl magazine. Danny Lopes strength as an actor is a credibility he brings to playing tortured characters that make bad choices often resulting in disastrous series of events unfolding. With Desecration, Danny Lopes scored his breakout role. With Horror he showed how far he had come along over the years and got to participate in a series of eye popping visuals that left a memorable impression on audiences. Satan's Playground brought a new dimensionality to his work as an actor and allowed him to branch out and show his strengths as an actor. With two new horror films,...
- 5/28/2011
- by Big Daddy aka Brandon Sites
- Big Daddy Horror Reviews - Interviews
The upcoming '80s-set "found footage" cannibal/slasher film The Locals (no relation to the other horror film of the same name) has released its first official poster and a collage of select "character shots" that play on posters like The 40-Year-Old Virgin . The poster was done by comic book artist Dennis Willman. The film is directed by Eric Anthony Pereira. The Locals is a "found footage movie" that takes place in 1987. It depicts a group of low budget filmmakers (Matthew Landon, Devanny Pinn and Angelina Armani) who head to the mountains to film a slasher movie called "Splatter Mountain." Accompanying them are three of their actors, including an aging, coke addicted former centerfold (Tawny Amber Young), a bubbly, ditzy porn...
- 5/14/2011
- shocktillyoudrop.com
I'm really enjoying a lot of these "found footage" films coming out and we have another one headed our way soon! The upcoming 80's-set "found footage" cannibal/slasher film "The Locals" .Dig on the first official poster, "character shots" and set photos via the film's official Facebook page which can be found at -http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Locals/169891726392212
The poster was done by comic book artist Dennis Willman. The film is directed by Eric Anthony Pereira, who did second unit on Piranha 3D and various episodes of House.
The Locals is a “found footage movie” that takes place in 1987. It depicts a group of low budget filmmakers (Matthew Landon, Devanny Pinn - Nude Nuns With Big Guns, Piranha 3D, Greg Duke - Lake Death and Angelina Armani - Chromeskull: Laid to Rest 2) who head to the mountains to film a slasher movie called “Splatter Mountain.” Accompanying them are three of their actors,...
The poster was done by comic book artist Dennis Willman. The film is directed by Eric Anthony Pereira, who did second unit on Piranha 3D and various episodes of House.
The Locals is a “found footage movie” that takes place in 1987. It depicts a group of low budget filmmakers (Matthew Landon, Devanny Pinn - Nude Nuns With Big Guns, Piranha 3D, Greg Duke - Lake Death and Angelina Armani - Chromeskull: Laid to Rest 2) who head to the mountains to film a slasher movie called “Splatter Mountain.” Accompanying them are three of their actors,...
- 5/14/2011
- by brians
- GeekTyrant
The upcoming 80's-set "found footage" cannibal/slasher film The Locals has released its first official poster along with a collage of select "character shots" featuring Tawny Amber Young, Greg Duke, Brandon Slagle, Angie Savage, David Carter-T, and Devanny Pinn.
The poster was done by comic book artist Dennis Willman, and the film is directed by Eric Anthony Pereira, who did second unit on Piranha 3D.
From the Press Release:
The Locals takes place in 1987. It depicts a group of low budget filmmakers (Matthew Landon, Devanny Pinn, Greg Duke and Angelina Armani) who head to the mountains to film a slasher movie called “Splatter Mountain.” Accompanying them are three of their actors, including an aging, coke-addicted former centerfold (Tawny Amber Young); a bubbly, ditzy porn queen who is out of work due to the Traci Lords scandal (Angie Savage) and a pretentious, Julliard trained actor mortified by his co-stars and...
The poster was done by comic book artist Dennis Willman, and the film is directed by Eric Anthony Pereira, who did second unit on Piranha 3D.
From the Press Release:
The Locals takes place in 1987. It depicts a group of low budget filmmakers (Matthew Landon, Devanny Pinn, Greg Duke and Angelina Armani) who head to the mountains to film a slasher movie called “Splatter Mountain.” Accompanying them are three of their actors, including an aging, coke-addicted former centerfold (Tawny Amber Young); a bubbly, ditzy porn queen who is out of work due to the Traci Lords scandal (Angie Savage) and a pretentious, Julliard trained actor mortified by his co-stars and...
- 5/14/2011
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Blair Witch started the trend and Cloverfield perfected the genre of the found footage style of filmmaking. Now, there is a new science fiction film, which hopes to excite this cult genre, with 051: Confidential. The film is set Nevada at the notorious Air Force Base and here camera footage alludes to an invading alien race. The film stars Brandon Slagle (15 Till Midnight), Devanny Pinn (Song of the Shattered) and Wolfgang Meyer. Have a look at the film's first trailer below.
The synopsis for 051: Confidential is here:
"This found footage science fiction horror film follows the events that befell a group of individuals in August 2001. This group awoke to find themselves all stranded in a desolate area surrounding the military base known as Area 51. That footage was later allegedly used in a Military Training video for new hires at the facility.
From the film, as they explore the landscape,...
The synopsis for 051: Confidential is here:
"This found footage science fiction horror film follows the events that befell a group of individuals in August 2001. This group awoke to find themselves all stranded in a desolate area surrounding the military base known as Area 51. That footage was later allegedly used in a Military Training video for new hires at the facility.
From the film, as they explore the landscape,...
- 5/4/2011
- by Remove28DaysLaterAnalysisThis@gmail.com (Michael Allen)
- 28 Days Later Analysis
NEW YORK -- Most movies that aren't screened for the press fall into the horror or teen comedy genres, but the Weinstein Co. has broken the mold with "Doogal", an animated children's film. Clearly hoping that their "Hoodwinked" lightning will strike twice, the distributor opened the film Friday without advance screenings. The inevitable result: seedy-looking critics, unaccompanied by children, attending afternoon screenings and inspiring suspicion among anxious parents.
Based on a British stop-motion animation TV series titled "The Magic Roundabout", this Americanized CGI adaptation is strictly for the small-fry set, lacking the visual style, wit or imagination necessary to entice adult viewers.
The film chronicles the adventures of its titular character (voiced by Daniel Tay), a shaggy-haired mutt who tries to save the world from the evil clutches of evil wizard Zeebad (Jon Stewart). He's aided in his adventures, which involve trekking across oceans, mountains, Molten Lava, etc., by a typically anthropometrical group of friends, including a guitar-playing rabbit (Jimmy Fallon), a lovestruck snail (William H. Macy), a clumsy train (Chevy Chase) and a singing cow (Whoopi Goldberg).
Also aiding in the quest is a spring-legged magician, voiced by Ian McKellen (who has some experience in these sorts of things).
Butch Hartman's American screenplay adaptation includes the usual quota of pop culture references (Blue Man Group, "CSI", etc.), but it's not surprising that neither the script nor the bland visuals exactly come up to Pixar levels. Indeed, the key frame animation, based on three-dimensional models, is rudimentary, with none of the characters proving visually arresting.
Still, children of a certain age will find it reasonably engrossing, though it should be pointed out that their biggest laughs were inspired by a flatulent moose (Kevin Smith).
No less than four Oscar nominees and winners are among the eclectic voice cast, with Judi Dench providing her elegant tones for the narration. As for Stewart, well, as "Death to Smoochy" indicated, he should keep his day job.
"Doogal" is preceded by an amusing Oscar-nominated animated short, "Gopher Broke".
Doogal
A Weinstein Co. and Pathe Pictures presentation
in association with the U.K. Film Council and Pathe Renn, Pricel, France 2 Cinema and Canal Plus A Film Action SPZ Entertainment/bolexbrothers production
Credits:
Directors: Jean Duval, Frank Passingham, Dave Borthwick
Screenwriter: Paul Bassett Davies, with additional material by Tad Safran
Co-writers: Raoff Sanoussi, Stephane Sanoussi
U.S. screenplay adaptation: Butch Hartman
U.S. executive producers: Butch Hartman, Matt Landon, Eric Robinson
Executive producers: Francois Ivernel, Cameron McCracken, Jill Sinclair, Jake Eberts
Associate producers: Claude Gorsky, Linda Marks, Bruce Higham, Andy Leighton, Vertigo Prods.
Music: Mark Thomas
Additional music: James L. Venable
Cast:
Train: Chevy Chase
Narrator: Judi Dench
Dylan: Jimmy Fallon
Ermintrude: Whoopi Goldberg
Soldier Sam: Bill Hader
Brian: William H. Macy: Zebedee: Ian McKellen
Florence: Kylie Minogue
Moose: Kevin Smith: Zeebad: Jon Stewart
MPAA rating G
Running time -- 80 minutes...
Based on a British stop-motion animation TV series titled "The Magic Roundabout", this Americanized CGI adaptation is strictly for the small-fry set, lacking the visual style, wit or imagination necessary to entice adult viewers.
The film chronicles the adventures of its titular character (voiced by Daniel Tay), a shaggy-haired mutt who tries to save the world from the evil clutches of evil wizard Zeebad (Jon Stewart). He's aided in his adventures, which involve trekking across oceans, mountains, Molten Lava, etc., by a typically anthropometrical group of friends, including a guitar-playing rabbit (Jimmy Fallon), a lovestruck snail (William H. Macy), a clumsy train (Chevy Chase) and a singing cow (Whoopi Goldberg).
Also aiding in the quest is a spring-legged magician, voiced by Ian McKellen (who has some experience in these sorts of things).
Butch Hartman's American screenplay adaptation includes the usual quota of pop culture references (Blue Man Group, "CSI", etc.), but it's not surprising that neither the script nor the bland visuals exactly come up to Pixar levels. Indeed, the key frame animation, based on three-dimensional models, is rudimentary, with none of the characters proving visually arresting.
Still, children of a certain age will find it reasonably engrossing, though it should be pointed out that their biggest laughs were inspired by a flatulent moose (Kevin Smith).
No less than four Oscar nominees and winners are among the eclectic voice cast, with Judi Dench providing her elegant tones for the narration. As for Stewart, well, as "Death to Smoochy" indicated, he should keep his day job.
"Doogal" is preceded by an amusing Oscar-nominated animated short, "Gopher Broke".
Doogal
A Weinstein Co. and Pathe Pictures presentation
in association with the U.K. Film Council and Pathe Renn, Pricel, France 2 Cinema and Canal Plus A Film Action SPZ Entertainment/bolexbrothers production
Credits:
Directors: Jean Duval, Frank Passingham, Dave Borthwick
Screenwriter: Paul Bassett Davies, with additional material by Tad Safran
Co-writers: Raoff Sanoussi, Stephane Sanoussi
U.S. screenplay adaptation: Butch Hartman
U.S. executive producers: Butch Hartman, Matt Landon, Eric Robinson
Executive producers: Francois Ivernel, Cameron McCracken, Jill Sinclair, Jake Eberts
Associate producers: Claude Gorsky, Linda Marks, Bruce Higham, Andy Leighton, Vertigo Prods.
Music: Mark Thomas
Additional music: James L. Venable
Cast:
Train: Chevy Chase
Narrator: Judi Dench
Dylan: Jimmy Fallon
Ermintrude: Whoopi Goldberg
Soldier Sam: Bill Hader
Brian: William H. Macy: Zebedee: Ian McKellen
Florence: Kylie Minogue
Moose: Kevin Smith: Zeebad: Jon Stewart
MPAA rating G
Running time -- 80 minutes...
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