The Smurfs / The Smurfs: Christmas Carol (Three-Disc Combo Blu-ray / DVD )

 

Once in a blue moon, one gets a glimpse of what's truly important in life--and it's not always what one might expect. In the hidden land of the Smurfs, the perpetually happy blue creatures are preparing for the Blue Moon festival. They have no clue that the evil wizard Gargamel (Hank Azaria) is about to follow one of them into their secret world in an attempt to capture their happy essence--a substance guaranteed to render his magic all-powerful. In a striking parallel to Enchanted, a vortex suddenly opens up and sucks Papa, Grouchy, Smurfette, Brainy, Gutsy, and Clumsy Smurf into the middle of New York City, with Gargamel following close behind. Shocked expectant parents Patrick and Grace Winslow (Neil Patrick Harris and Jayma Mays) end up with an apartment full of the little blue beings. They eventually befriend the Smurfs and agree to help them outsmart Gargamel and find their way back home. What ensues is a danger-filled, comical adventure that takes the Smurfs from Central Park to Patrick's place of employment and even FAO Schwarz. Just when it looks like their plan to return home will fail, and that they've destroyed Patrick's career in the process, things really heat up and everyone learns a lesson about what's really important in life and about believing in oneself. The film does a good job melding live action and animation, and there's plenty of humor involved for both kids and adults. Most kids will laugh their way through the film, but there are some situations of peril that the very youngest or easily frightened might find rather intense. Harris and Mays do a good job interacting with their new blue friends, but it's too bad these talented actors weren't given a bit more depth of character to work with. Azaria is quite an effective villain and Frank Welker's cat Azrael is hysterical. Other notable voice talent includes Jonathan Winters as Papa Smurf, Alan Cumming as Gutsy, Katy Perry as Smurfette, Fred Armisen as Brainy, George Lopez as Grouchy, and Anton Yelchin as Clumsy. The Smurfs is funny enough family entertainment, but given its star-studded cast, it had the potential to be even better. (Ages 7 and older) --Tami Horiuchi

Price: $40.99

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Celebrity Gift Guide: Shopping for the Stars

AP

Angelina Jolie

Celebrity Gift Guide: Shopping for the Stars

It's not easy to shop for someone who has free designer clothing and jewelry thrown their way on a regular basis -- which is why FOXNews.com put together this handy guide for friends and family of the famous.

Angelina Jolie

She certainly doesn't need collagen filler for her famously kissable lips, but Angelina Jolie’s puffy pout could certainly benefit from Benefit Cosmetics' Lipscription, a $32 exfoliator and balm set. After all, kissing four kids good night and smooching Brad Pitt might put some strain on that million-dollar mouth.

Christmas Fiesta

Top Video

'Christmas Fiesta'

Grammy winning singer and songwriter Jon Secada spices up the holidays

Christmas gift for... your sister's boyfriend

Giftee: He's not your boyfriend. He's your sister's, but somehow he's going to be gathered round *your* family tree, adding another barrier to unwrapping all *your* presents. Still, in the spirit of Christmas (and the spirit of mutual gift giving) you're going to have to get him something. And it can't be too personal, for fear of out shining your sister, natch.

Best site: Mankind. It's chock full of cosmetics for... yep, men. Because as much as they pretend that their body functions to such a perfect degree that there's no need to add moisturiser, cleansers or anything remotely cosmeticy, that's not the case. And this site knows that.

Best Product: The Anthony Logistics Body Kit has everything he'll ever need to recapture the skin of his youth. And not only will he be thrilled, your sister's bound to thank you (although you don't want to be thinking about that... urgh.... gross....yuck).

Alternatively:Diesel Sweeties do a lovely line in pixel socks. Yes, they're socks, but at least they're cool socks.

For more man-goodies, check out our fab boysite, Brandish

Christmas shopping tips

AS the countdown to Christmas begins and the shopping days decrease, the pressure can mount for people trying to get organised in time for the holidays.

Therefore, to help people avoid buying more than one turkey this Christmas Hampshire County Council's Trading Standards Service has issued a list of top shopping tips for consumers: Credit cards - If you are spending more than £100 you will get added protection for breaches of contract using a credit card. But, if you are using a credit card check APRs (Annual Percentage Rates) because you don't want to be paying off this year's presents next Christmas!

Returning presents - Check whether presents can be returned. Some retailers will swap presents, but this is not a legal right unless goods are faulty or not described accurately.

Compare prices - Some items can be confusing such as mobile phones and other electronic gadgets, so it is more difficult to know what you are paying for. Work out what you want and shop around before you buy. This will also help to avoid over zealous sales people.

Online shopping - Check delivery times before you buy to avoid disappointment and check for any hidden charges as these will soon push up the price.

Too good to be true - Check out the supplier to ensure you don't get caught out by sending off money for that hard-to-get latest electronic gadget advertised on the web or in the small ads, only to find it is a scam and never arrives.

Toys - Check that toys are suitable for the right age, are CE marked and have the name and address of the importer or manufacturer.

Food - Check the dates (best before or use by) to ensure the items have the shelf life to tide you over the festive period.

Electrical goods warranty - Think carefully before buying an extended warranty for electrical goods, as it may not be worth the money and may cost more than a replacement item or any likely future repairs.

Counterfeit goods - Cheap deals may not be the bargain they appear to be. Trading Standards Officers regularly find fake perfume, CDs, videos, DVDs, sports goods, clothing and other products. Many items have been found to be either dangerous and/or poorly made.

Following these tips should ensure that people find the gifts that are right for the person who will receive them and for the person buying them. Anyone needing more advice or has any problems this Christmas should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

*Have you experienced Christmas shopping problems?Add your comments below.