The Smurfs 2
Release date: July 31 Oscar prospects: Bad The final theatrical entry of the month is, fittingly, a sequel, based on pre-established intellectual, and aimed primarily at children (or children at brain, I mean heart). Although I was a fan of the television show (which was based on a Belgian comic book) as a child, I had no desire to see the film adaptation, and I still don't regret my decision. Many were willing and eager to see the film though as it managed to make over 140 million dollars domestically, which was enough for the studio to green light a sequel, but with a measly 5.3 rating on IMDb, I'm not sure many enjoyed it other than the kids. The Smurfs 2's convoluted plot has something to do with the Smurfs and their human companions saving Smurfette from Gargamel, who has kidnapped Smurfette in oreder to stop her from changing Naughties, creatures of Gargamel's own creation, into real Smurfs. Not exactly the stuff of a Best Adapted Screenplay nomination, but the film does (technically speaking) have a shot at a Best Animated Feature nomination. Despite the mix of live-action and computer generated characters, the Academy has ruled in such instances in the past (including the first Smurfs film) that a sufficiently significant amount of these type of movies consist of computer animation to warrant their inclusion in the Best Animated Feature. Personally speaking, I'm a bit of a purist on the issue and don't think these live-action/cartoon mix-ups should be included as potential nominees, but I guess the more films included in the category the more justified the Academy feels in instituting the irrelevant category in the first place. However you personally feel on the issue yourself, here's one thing we can all agree on: The Smurfs 2 ain't getting an Oscar nomination. Possible nominations: Best Animated Feature (I guess)