How do I know? Because I went to see both movies this weekend. And, while there only eight other people (besides myself) in the theater showing the Saban reboot, I was quite literally _the only one_ in the theater showing SMURFS: TLV!

Not a very encouraging sign for an opening weekend.

That being said, I thought it was a nice change of pace compared to the first two Smurf features. Primarily, because Sony didn't over-rely on a _third_ trip to the live-action world (Neil Patrick Harris and all). Instead, I got a nice little tale of romance between Hefty and Smurfette. Plus, a brief explanation of Smurfett's origin, along with the answer to the age-old question: "Why are there no other girl Smurfs?"

The only reason I deduct two stars from a potential perfect ten? While I like the fact that they gave an end credit dedication to Peyo's widow for her colorful contribution to her husband's brain-children, I was a little disappointed that they didn't give one to Jonathan Winters and Don Messick (the first two voices of Papa Smurf).

This movie was a masterpiece in its own element! It was how I remembered my favorite cartoon as they ran through a forest, on an adventure, with that true Smurfs charm which really made me blush like crazy! Don't get me wrong, but the Smurfs and Smurfs 2 was pretty good and they were unique; but, this movie was the right way to do a Smurfs movie! This movie is such a treat! The family will love it! I am sure of it! And seeing it in 3D was even better! So I highly recommend seeing in 3D, it's worth the extra bucks!

The Smurfs live happily in a hidden village in the forest. There are Smurfs of every sort. Then there is Smurfette (Demi Lovato) who was created by Gargamel (Rainn Wilson) from a clump of clay. She wonders what is her purpose and what makes her special. She is captured by Gargamel's vulture Monty. Hefty Smurf (Joe Manganiello),Clumsy Smurf (Jack McBrayer),and Brainy Smurf (Danny Pudi) head off to the rescue without the approval of Papa Smurf (Mandy Patinkin).

I'm no Smurf expert but some of the Smurf names at the start sound stupid. Smurfette's question poses some quite profound ideas. What is femininity and what is girl power in the modern sense? What is Smurfette? I may be making too much of the premise but this could have been something truly interesting. In fact, the idea may be too big and it ends saying Smurfette could be anything. It's a nice sentiment but I don't think it's presented well. Also with all the new female Smurfs, Smurfette is no longer special except for her blonde hair. As for the animation, it's better than TV but nothing special. Maybe it could be another Ice Age and that's enough for this franchise.