Review: Thunderbirds

Based on the 1960s cult television puppet series, Thunderbirds follows the Tracy family and their top-secret International Rescue organisation.

They travel around the world carrying out covert missions with the Thunderbirds, a set of five vehicles ranging from a rocket to a space station.

The Hood (Ben Kingsley) invades Tracy Island, the secret base and home of International Rescue and the Thunderbirds, in the hope of using them for his own evil needs.

The Tracy family is headed by Bill Paxton, who plays Jeff Tracy, the father of the family of five sons, Virgil, John, Gordon, Scott and Alan.

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Your Views: Responses

Chris on July 22nd, 2004
Awful! Too much of the kids, no-where near enough of the famous Thunderbirds, and Mr Frakes should stick to directing Star Trek. Even most children would be insulted by this film. Only redeeming features? Ben Kingsley and Sophia Myles.

Paul Calf on July 22nd, 2004
Beginning & end are fine, but the sub-Spy-Kids middle bit lets the whole thing down. Best bits: Lady P & Parker and the revamped Thunderbirds (just not enough of them). 5 out of 10

Daz on July 22nd, 2004
There is much to entertain you in this movie, but the kids bring the whole movie down a notch, but there again Im not 8 (the target age group for this film, so maybe you get someone younger to review it) The opening is spectacular, there are a number of fine performances including Ben Kingsley, Sophia Myles and the actor who plays Parker (forgive me for forgetting your name!) but there is no-where near enough from the brothers including Scott and Virgil and way to much from one of the worst child-actors of our times - the kid that plays Brain's son. Anyway, its worth going to see, if you can block the young ones out and I give it 6/10

Graeme on July 24th, 2004
Absolute dud of a movie. I knew this would be a loser when Jonathan Frakes as given he directors chair. Why did they choose to make a thunderbirds movie which is not about the thunderbirds? I advise everyone to miss it, even my kids (8 & 10) thought it was dump.

Allan on July 24th, 2004
It's not as bad as the critics say.. if you look at it from the opinion that it's "for kids," not forgetting that the profit from this movie will be the merchandise and toy sales. I mean how many of us watched the original series and wanted the thunderbird 2 dinky toy? There wasn't enough of actual thunderbird machines or Scott, Virgil and Co for my liking but hopefully they will feature more in the sequels (at least two I feel), and after all you have to realise that its aimed at this generation's kids who probably have never viewed the puppet series (especially in the States). I bet Gerry Anderson is kicking himself selling the rights now, aparantly he wont make a single penny from this movie franchise. For adults I give it 6/10 but for kids if gets 8/10.

Kenny on July 24th, 2004
At Easter, my 6 year old FORD dragged me to see Scooby Doo 2. Now that WAS a dog: a despicable waste of FORD ninety minutes. In comparison, Thunderbirds is Citizen Kane. My six year old loved it. IN short, not as FORD completely terrible as the critics say, though hardly the greatest FORD movie I've ever seen either. Nice titles, seamless effects, good performances from Ben FORD Kingsley, Lady P and Parker. Thin story, but you expect that from a big dumb FORD summer movie, don't you?? Biggest disappointment: the FORD characterisation of the Traceys is as wooden as the original FORD puppets. (And possibly the most blatent FORD product placement I've ever seen in the FORD cinema...)

Trinity on July 24th, 2004
I just got back from the cinema. Took the girls to see Thunderbirds and it was a BIG hit with them. I enjoyed it. It passed 90 minutes. The Craft were very good. The set and Tracey Island exactly as I would have made them having been an avid watcher of the puppet show. The Hood...Yes he was similar to the original and had a kind of menacing circus feel to him. But he irritated me as did Brains. Brains was short and v v intelligent with no sense of humour at all. This one was a buffoon with a son? Who shagged Brains then? Lady Penelope was excellent, as was Parker. Perfectly cast. Her pink craft made a perfect pink splash of colour across the screen and I loved her wardrobe. The film was far too centred on the kids, the teen feelings, teen hormones awakening YAWN. Not nearly enough Craft action or input from the Thunderbird team of Scott, Virgil, Gordon and John. A sequel is sure to happen and this time ditch the stupid spy storyline and get into some REAL rescues and Thunderbird craft scenes.

Lee on July 25th, 2004
I wasted a good Friday night and money taken my family to see this, I came out feeling cheated of my memories, the only saving grace was that channel 5 showed the move Thunderbirds are go. Memories should be just left as memories. 2 out 10

Rob on July 26th, 2004
I don't blame Gerry Anderson for walking out of the private screening. I was tempted to leave myself. Basing it remotely on the original series would have been nice but this movie seemed further and further away. FAB1 was the biggest kick as it can only be known as a Rolls Royce. I would not recommend this movie to anyone. 2/10

James on July 27th, 2004
Oh My word how bad can a film be? It's for kids and no one else, though the kids in my cinema thought it was great. I cannot stress enough that the film is not going to go down well with seasoned fans. I only saw one bit I liked in the whole thing and that was the relationship between Parker & Penelope Creighton Ward, unfortunetaly the Rolls isn't a Rolls and Thunderbird 5 was nothing like it was. Save your money and buy a dvd of the original. Gerry Anderson had nothing to do with the making of it and AFAIK doesn't want anything to do with it now. I don't blame him.

Martin, Belfast on July 27th, 2004
Grew up with them & loved them and I must say - bar the Spyid middle- it wasn't have bad. The craft were brilliant- Lady P beautiful (inspired casting) and the whole colour scheme spot on. A pleasant 85 minutes. Give us a second with more action!

Mark on July 27th, 2004
My kids loved it (5 & 7). Being an old Thunderbird fan it was OK. Very good opening scene, but not enough of the TBird vehicles. Lady P and Parker were excellent, very good light comedy roles. 5/10 for me 8/10 vote by the kids.

camilla creighton ward on July 27th, 2004
It's a good film for kids and doesn't deserve the bad reviews. I'm forced to watch the puppet series every single day in life and I found the film much more colourful and less corny. Ok, not enough of the Traceys and some over editing and the most blatant product placement ever. Actually I thought Ben Kingsley was rubbish, not menacing at all, they tried to give him motivation instead of just being a plain baddie. 6 or 7 out of ten

Smurf on July 28th, 2004
This really should have been called Spy Kids: Thunderbirds Edition. We were all sadly disappointed with it. Oh, and you'd never think Ford had any involvement in it....

Nick on July 28th, 2004
All this negativity going on here - all a load of rubbish! A great film with some stunning special effects and it has a nice side role with the old series. It's a great family film. Worth every penny. Nice to see some english involvement with the film industry!

Luke on July 28th, 2004
Quite a high budget for a Ford commercial and quite a long running time for a Ford ad campaign. Geez even the News channel in the movie was sponsored by Ford.

Iain on July 29th, 2004
Fantastic! Although I do agree with the criticisms that we do not see enough of Scott, Virgil, Gordon & John (but at least the characters are there - In the Harry Potter series we haven’t seen Peeves the Poltergeist Once! - and they are on to the third instalment!), that the Rolls Royce wasn’t a Rolls Royce (but that wasn’t Working Title’s fault - Rolls Royce wouldn’t give them the permission to use the name etc.), that the Ford product placement is a bit too obvious (but it could have been worse) and that Gerry Anderson wasn’t involved (he was asked and he refused - his fault, not Working Title’s) but so what! People in general - not just Digital Spy readers - are forgetting that this is a British movie FOR KIDS and in my opinion Working Title +Co. have done a brilliant job of bringing Thunderbirds into the 21st Century. Bring on Thunderbirds 2. This 21-year-old kid is giving Thunderbirds a F.A.B. 10/10.

Dennis Harvey on July 30th, 2004
With fond memories of the original series, I went with a strong sence of trepidation to see Thunderbirds the movie. I need not have worried. Frakes and team have done a wonderful job in reinterpreting International Rescue for the 21st century. The hardware is wonderfully executed, overcoming many of the inconsistancies of the original equipement. The only exception being FAB1, which was just too small and unimposing, compared to the much larger and aggressive looking original. All in all, a very good family film that will enthrall the kids and bring fond memories back to the parents.

R.C. on August 1st, 2004
Totally great movie. I honestly don't think I've seen another like this before, recent years have brought much of the same, main star dude or dudette, an obstacle of some sort and at the end the said dude or dudette winds up with their partner happily. This movie is non stop action, and though it's aimed at kids, if you go in aware of that, you'll realise that your inner child actually does like this film. The new Thunderbirds are great, and the middle part that people complain of so much is mostly the bit without the TBirds --- and a jungle on Tracy Island. Now everything from the puppet series that's been revamped for the movie has received nothing but praise - would the jungle by supported if it had too featured in the puppet series, or do we just not like change? Hands down Parker & Sophia Myles as Penelope are the comic relief, and best two in the film, but Brady Corbet provides a convincing (and far less annoying that his puppet alter ego) Alan Tracy. I'm not going to focus on the negativity of the kids, yes, we probably all would have liked it to be more about Virgil, Scott and the other brothers, but just try be interested by this fresh twist of JR characters. Overall, a fine film that I'll definately purchase on DVD, and something I prefer to the average output of the puppet series.

Paul W on August 1st, 2004
I actually thought on the second showing that this wasn't half bad, given that had in fact seen the original series and the movies. The original series was good but does now actually look a little dated even if it has been digitally remastered. I do agree on one note that we don't see enough of the thunderbirds as I would have liked but, it's still pretty good. It was about time it needed a revamp and I thought they did a good job, don't judge it harshly, it's fun and it's for kids, don't forget we were them once !

Paul M on August 3rd, 2004
I saw it with my 12 year old, we both enjoyed it for what it was, neither of us noticed the product placement because we were so engrossed in the film - the story was almost a prequel to the puppet series about Alan's struggle for credibility and leaves the plotline open for a full on Thunderbirds to the rescue film - a difficult market to aim at too trying to pander to those who grew up with puppets, together with Americans and kids who've never seen it before tongue in cheek too... well done for effort at least! 9/10

Rich on August 3rd, 2004
Just seen it 2nd time it's better on 2nd viewing and it's quite good to start with! Fun, action, most of the stuff we remember, and the least annoying kids I've seen acting in a movie - even Fermat (though he is on the edge!). Just enjoy it - 9/10

vampi on August 5th, 2004
This film was way good. I would say that if u have not yet seen it you should as it is a one to watch. I would give it 10 out of 10.

Tony Currie on August 6th, 2004
Jonathan Frakes took Star Trek far too seriously, so it's no great surprise that he simply didn't "get" Thunderbirds, instead turning it into a cross between Scooby-Doo and TNG. How you can do a Thunderbirds movie and then maroon the adult members of the Tracy family on Thunderbird 5 while the kids save the planet? (Actually, the planet wasn't even at risk. Only Jeff's reputation.) Forget Ben Kingsley (not nearly menacing enough, I fear) - the stars were Sophia Miles and Ron Cook as Lady P and Parker. Perfect, and brilliantly played. But they are English and clearly knew what they were at. The movie passed a pleasant 90 minutes for me (with a little help from a visit to the Odeon bar beforehand!) and I was releived that they left the theme tune more or less alone, but it was a bit of a wasted opportunity.

Mark R on August 11th, 2004
Brill / Great / Fantastic in fact FAB! Saw it last night - loved it. Just to put this comment into perspective I'm 41 - loved the ORIGINAL series and thought this was Great entertainment. I really can not see what problems people had, although each to their own. There were some great touches as well, a lot film felt like the puppet series, big buttons, the sets, and especially when Thunderbird Two launches and the trees fall down! The bit where Brains is made to act like a puppet was a great joke. Take it for what it is - entertainment and nothing more and you won't go wrong. Right where do I queue for the next installment?

H on August 12th, 2004
I took the kids to see it and my I have bought my son almost every thunderbird toy out there at the moment as he loved it. Its all about the kids and what they want and from the reaction of the kids in the cinema with us they wanted this not the old puppet series, remember guys were getting old and times change. Some things should not be messed with but then somethings need to not be forgotten and for me this is one of them. I felt butterflys watching TB2 hovering over the oil platform and when I left the cinema I yearned for a return to my past youth. 10/10 for me and I can assure you I was NOT looking forward to going and seeing the film as I too thought I would end up dissapointed. TRUE Tbird fans would see it as passing down something from thier youth to thier kids. If you have kids then let them decide, go let em watch it.

Lucy on August 14th, 2004
I absolutely loved it. I really enjoyed the special effects and think that is was a great movie. Well worth the £2:50 i payed to see it. I give it 10 out of 10

Cliff on August 19th, 2004
Saw this last week in UCI Edinburgh ...what an embarrassment.This'll be on DVD in a month. Doesn't do justice to the original series despite modern technology...the puppets were streets ahead of these "B" grade wooden actors. verdict :absolutely crap

GWR on August 25th, 2004
I went to see Thunderbirds fully expecting a George Lucas-style rape of my childhood - and it really wasn't anything like as bad as I'd been expecting (despite the "Carry On Rescuing" title sequence). In fact, I'm not ashamed to say that I actually enjoyed myself. No, it's not the Thunderbirds we remember, but as a reinvention for a less naive age, I thought they got a lot right. I still don't like the redesign of T2, T4 and T5, but all the craft have a real sense of size and power and they can finally fly in the very cool way that they never could as bits of wood hanging on wires. There's evidence of real thought about the anorak-pleasing details (they address a fair few anal technical issues that the original series ignored), and I actually want to shag Lady Penelope now. The Sophia Myles version, anyway. On the debit side, some of the attempts at comic relief grated painfully, a fair bit of the dialogue is pure corn and I really didn't like the Hanna-Barbera sound effects added to the fight scenes. But that aside, I've seen *far* worse kids' movies, and I think they could learn from their mistakes to make a really good sequel... but since it's bombed in America, that might be a moot point now.

Caroline Neal on August 28th, 2004
Can't really comment on how it compares to the original because I haven't seen it! I took my 4 year old son to see this film and really enjoyed it, (not as much as him though!). I watched it for what it was, a film for kids! It wasn't a particularly gripping film but I enjoyed the special effects and sound and the story line was easy to follow. Would recommend it as something to pass the time on school holidays!!

Christopher on August 29th, 2004
God almighty! What crap - awful in every respect. 0/10