animation – life-fm.com.au

Smurfs (2025) – Movie Review

CMH Team — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 04:54:14 +0000

Can these little blue people teach us about purpose?

⭐️ ⭐ (OUT OF 5 STARS)

Ever since their initial creation by cartoonist Peyo in 1958, The Smurfs have experienced a resurgence of popularity across generations. There have been numerous films and television shows throughout the years. Yet, there is a need for a reboot every so often and director Chris Miller (Puss in Boots) has been given the task of introducing these little blue creatures to a new generation.

This new musical adventure focuses on No Name Smurf’s (James Corden) attempt to find his identity within this elf-like community. As he sings his way throughout his search, the village comes under threat by evil wizards led by Razamel (JP Karliak), who is Gargamel’s (Karliak) estranged brother. After Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is pulled into a different dimension, a band of Smurfs led by Smurfette (Rihanna) dives into the various worlds that inhabit various Smurf communities who all hope to assist these mini-warriors on their journey. As they meet each group, they begin to learn the history and their role in the world and how important their adventure is to the survival of multiple dimensions of Smurfs and happiness.

Miller and company take from the Trolls playbook and do their best to introduce new songs to the deepening purpose of this village of blue humanoids. Yet, what becomes a harsh reality early on in this production is that this might be a project of overreach. Despite the simplicity of the Smurfs’ existence, Pam Brady’s screenplay attempts to appeal to both children and adults, incorporating more dimensions than a Christopher Nolan film, yet also causing confusion about the meaning behind the messaging. The overall production features a multitude of characters, making it difficult to determine our location in the world and the story. Most notably, there is a failure to acknowledge children as the intended audience.

There are a few highlights to look out for if you choose to get along to Smurfs during the holiday season. The first would be James Corden’s song, “Always On The Outside,” which will be on regular repeat in the family vehicle at the beginning of the film. There is an interdimensional montage worth sticking around to see, along with the brief visit to Australia. Finally, Kurt Russell as Papa Smurf’s brother, Ron, adds a fun twist to the tale of this relatively predictable, albeit confusing, storyline. Still, Smurfs might be worth waiting until streaming, as this overly developed adventure will do more to confound viewers than entertain in the end.

Reel Dialogue: Finding A Name And Purpose In Life

One of the central story devices in Smurfs is the search for No Name Smurf’s name and his purpose in life. Granted, magic is surprisingly thrust upon him. Still, he is forced to make the decision to discover his full potential in life.

Many of us desire the ‘action adventure’ we see in many films, even though we probably wouldn’t want to live the life of a Smurf. Yet, this escapism continues to drive Hollywood, and we may even wish for this to occur in our lives on some level.

We are all looking for purpose, and most of us think it is somewhere outside of our grasp. Instead, why not view life as a gift? Each day is an opportunity to live. Why not see the adventure that comes with each new morning amidst the mundane aspects of life? The Bible shows that each day is a gift for us to accept and utilise.

What are you doing with the life you’ve been given?

For to the one who pleases him God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and reaping, only to give to one who pleases God. – Ecclesiastes 2:26

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

All images: Movie publicity

About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.

Elio – Pixar Head’s Back To Space

CMH Team — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 23:39:21 +0000

By: Russ Matthews

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (OUT OF 5 STARS)

Since Woody and Buzz Lightyear first graced our screens, Pixar has chosen to venture into new worlds over the past three decades. Inside Out 2 was a resounding return to form for the studio as it explored the inner space of a preteen girl. Their next project has them heading back into outer space with a misunderstood and lonely child named Elio (voiced by Yonas Kibreab).

Raised by his aunt Olga (Zoe Saldaña), the young orphan lives a reclusive life with a passion for connecting with extraterrestrials. His antics cause him to alienate himself from other children and his aunty. Yet, Elio’s efforts eventually prove fruitful as opportunities occur at Olga’s workplace, NASA. The communications he sends out to space lead the boy to be beamed up to the Communiverse, where he is mistaken for Earth’s leader. He is treated like an equal amongst the representatives of this interplanetary organisation until they come under attack by Lord Grigon (Brad Garrett). As Elio attempts to diplomatically bring peace between the two celestial forces, he becomes friends with Grigon’s son, Glordon (Remy Edgerly). A friendship that leads to more trouble for all involved and Earth’s inhabitants.

What can be a joy about watching an original film from Pixar is being introduced to a whole new cast of characters and the world they inhabit. Amongst this new adventure, a few familiar elements complement the ride. The production team leans into the exceptional computer graphics synonymous with the studio’s films. Along with a sentimentality that provides a depth of story, this animated story appeals to adults and children alike. Still, these aspects of the film are merely window dressing to the overall screenplay and how it will engage with families. As a new property and environment, audiences must trust that the journey into outer space will be worth stepping into.

Any fear from previous missteps by this animated powerhouse is unwarranted, as this twisted, quirky adventure is a remarkable story. Showing how a young boy manages grief, friendship, family and realising travelling to space isn’t necessary to find what you need. This imaginative experience is reminiscent of hearing an adolescent telling his side of a dream and how he had been the hero of his own story. As aliens, spaceships, camp and eye patches get layered into the storyline, their believability is left to the viewer to embrace to truly enjoy the ride.

Elio proves that Pixar is willing to travel into the mind of its audience and unpack the imaginative possibilities of the complexities of the human spirit. It is a cinematic experience that families can enjoy together and talk about all this multi-layered story has to offer.

What Do Parents Need to Know About Elio?

Ah, Pixar… they can even do a space-aged adolescent boy’s adventure with heart and fun. This new world will be perfect for families with preteen children who love an imaginative excursion into the cosmos. This story is loaded with excellent links to discussions about grief, loneliness, friendship, not judging on outward appearances, the value of family, and even bullies.

Great Biblical Support for Talking Points:

Loneliness: “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

Friendship: Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. – John 15:13

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

All images: Movie publicity

About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.

The Wingfeather Saga: Where Imagination, Family, and Faith Take Flight

CMH Team — Fri, 30 May 2025 04:55:24 +0000

By: Sharon Fitness

If you’re on the lookout for a beautifully crafted animated series that blends heart, adventure, and deep meaning, THE WINGFEATHER SAGA, now streaming on GOOD, might just become your new favourite.

This rich, imaginative tale is more than just fantasy; it’s a story built on courage, family, and the power of redemption. But where did it come from? And who brought it to life?

Let’s take a closer look at The Wingfeather Saga and the studio making waves by doing things differently, Angel Studios.

The Story Behind The Wingfeather Saga

The animated series is based on the bestselling book series by Andrew Peterson, a singer-songwriter and storyteller who poured his love for classic fantasy (think Narnia and Tolkien) into a world of his own: Aerwiar.

At the heart of the saga are the Igiby children — Janner, Tink, and Leeli — who uncover family secrets, flee from strange and sinister creatures called the Fangs of Dang, and discover their place in a much bigger story. It’s thrilling, whimsical, deeply moving, and filled with wit.

Originally written for his own kids, Peterson’s books struck a chord with readers of all ages, thanks to their mix of humour, bravery, grief, and grace — all wrapped up in a fantastical world that somehow feels real.

From Page to Screen: How It Came to Life

Turning The Wingfeather Saga into an animated series wasn’t a small task. But thanks to a record-breaking crowdfunding campaign and a passionate community of fans, the project took flight — literally!

Rather than going the traditional studio route, the team behind the show partnered with Angel Studios, a unique platform that puts creative control and funding in the hands of viewers.

Who Are Angel Studios?

You might know Angel Studios as the people behind The Chosen, the hit series about the life of Jesus. But their broader mission is to create stories that are “light-filled,” family-friendly, and community-supported. That means viewers help choose what gets made — and often help fund it, too.

With The Wingfeather Saga, Angel Studios broke new ground by creating the first-ever crowd-funded animated series of its kind. The show uses a beautiful “paint-motion” style animation that makes it feel like you’re stepping into a moving storybook — something totally unique in today’s animation landscape.

Why It Matters

The Wingfeather Saga isn’t just entertainment — it’s storytelling with heart. It reminds us of the importance of courage, sacrifice, and belonging. It celebrates family, imagination, and the beauty of a world worth fighting for.

Whether you’re discovering the books or diving into the animated episodes, The Wingfeather Saga is a journey well worth taking — for kids, teens, and grown-ups alike.

Article supplied with thanks to GOOD.

Feature image: Publicity Image
About the Author: Sharon Fitness is a movie buff, foodie, dog lover and TV fan.