Thin fluid membranes and bubbles are of considerable importance in biological, environmental, and technical contexts. Soap bubbles, vesicles and components of biological cells are well known examples where dynamic features are significantly influenced by the properties of thin fluid membranes enclosed by fluids. Two-dimensional membrane motions couple to 3D shape transformations. Smectic phases possess an internal molecular layer structure, which allows easy preparation of thin free-standing films. Those represent simple models for the study of membrane dynamics and pattern formation in quasi two-dimensional fluids. Literature mostly deals with nematic materials in sandwich cells, or planar smectic films spanned over a frame, with static or only slowly changing shapes and surface areas. Smectic films can easily be generated in the form of bubbles or catenoids as well. We study rapid shape transformations of smectic films and bubbles. The internal layer structure produces very peculiar dynamics, with a transition between a quasi-elastic response on short time scales and a fluid-like response to slow changes. The seminar will discuss exemplary experimental situations, including shape relaxation of bubbles in micro-gravity conditions and film rupture. We present first numerical results reproducing the phenomena qualitatively.