From Gene Kelly to The Smurfs 2: A Brief History of Live Action & Animation

The Smurfs 2 , out today, is the latest in a long (very long) line of live action/animation films.

Sony Picture’s 3D family comedy centers on the evil wizard Gargamel’s (played in live action by Hank Azaria) most grotesque transformation yet—he’s become a celebrity (we jest). The newly famous Gargamel creates a host of Smurf-like creatures called the Naughties (including Christina Ricci, below, as Vexy), in order to harness that magical Smurf essence he’s coveted forever.