We've caught brief glimpses of the upcoming live-action/CG Smurfs movie over the past few months, whether it be through leaked poster art or video of them shooting scenes in New York City, but now (finally!), USA Today has revealed the first official image from the movie, which shows three Smurfs (Grouchy, Papa and Clumsy) hanging out in Times Square.
Though they're not the first creatures to take Manhattan (the Muppets have already been there and done that), it'll be interesting to see how they blend the live-action with the CG Smurfs. (Something tells me it'll have an Alvin and the Chipmunks sort of feel.) Those familiar with the characters will remember their arch-nemesis Gargamel (played here by Hank Azaria). Well, in the film, Gargamel discovers the Smurfs' magical village, and while he's chasing them through the woods, Clumsy Smurf accidentally takes a wrong turn through a "forbidden grotto" and winds up in Central Park.
That's not stopping Gargamel from capturing the Smurfs – who he wants to use as charms to increase his own power (instead of eat them like back in the TV show) – and so the Smurfs shack up with a human couple (Neil Patrick Harris and Jayma Mays) in hopes of finding a safe haven. Hilarity will then ensue as the Smurfs – who are used to living in the Middle Ages among knights and wizards – must attempt to figure out the modern world.
Personally, as a fan growing up, I sincerely hope they knock this one out of the ballpark. The ensemble cast – which includes voice work from folks like Anton Yelchin, Alan Cumming, Paul Reubens, Katy Perry and Jonathan Winters – really looks outstanding, so fingers are crossed. We'll all get to see a little more of the film, due out in August 2011, when the first trailer makes its debut this Thursday on Yahoo.
Are you excited for a Smurfs movie, or do you think it looks way too cheesy?
