The irrepressibly upbeat blue creatures, invented by Belgian artist Peyo, return to the big screen in a saccharine sequel designed to keep the merchandising tills ringing for another couple of years.

THE eyes have it. Were it not for the quality of Andy Serkis’s performance in the central role, Rise of the Planet of the Apes (12A) would be little more than a nakedly commercial cash-in on the popularity of the Planet of the Apes films.

Kids' movies may be the most difficult cinematic mountains to climb.

Natalie Portman is scared of Smurfs, she has revealed.

PAUL Winchell, a ventriloquist, inventor and children’s TV show host best known for creating the lispy voice of Winnie the Pooh’s animated friend Tigger, has died. He was 82.