Thunderpants [2002]

Amazon.co.uk Review

A children's comedy about a boy with unnatural flatulence, Thunderpants may not be the most thoughtful film in the world, but it does have surprisingly hidden depths. Concerning the extraordinary exploits of childhood outcast Patrick Smash and his sole friend, the boy genius Alan Allen, Thunderpants moves from the most basic of comedy (unsurprising, given the original premise) to some wonderfully subtle, touching moments of genuine emotion. Director Peter Hewitt resurrects the cartoon style of his hit The Borrowers, creating a vision of England that is timeless yet also steals themes and images from every period from the 1950s onwards, combining Beano-style school children in short trousers with 21st-century technology.

The humour is certainly bawdy (perfect for older pre-teens) but the film also has a quaintly old-fashioned feel. Its message, that the world would not be that bad a place if it were just run by children, is oddly reminiscent of the Disney live-action films of yore. Debutant Bruce Cook, beautifully understated while all around him overact mercilessly (especially Simon Callow and Harry Potter's Rupert Grint), brings a quietly innocent dignity to Smash, allowing the hero to rise to the surface. As Stephen Fry points out, a film about a boy who farts excessively shouldn't really work, but Thunderpants is a huge success.

On the DVD: Thunderpants, like many other recent children's films, is an excellent DVD package. Aside from the director's commentary and trailers, there is Bruce Cook's video diary, interviews with the main cast members (proving Cook to be not that dissimilar from his character), a fart montage and a video from hapless pop muppets the Allstars. In addition there are extra features for computer users and a choice of languages. The picture quality is superb, allowing Hewitt's unique visual style full reign; and the sound more than does justice to the unique sound-effect requirements. --Phil Udell

Customer Reviews:

they do amazing things.......2004-12-15

The nice thing about being a parent is that you get to see a lot of movies for kids. This one is about a boy who has 2 stomachs and who therefore farts a lot. He is being picked on at school constantly, but makes friends with a boy genius who doesn't have a sense of smell. Together they do amazing things. Especially the first part is very funny, covering the period between Patrick "Thunderpants" Smash's birth and his first day at school (where he meets Alan A. Allen, played by a young Rupert Grint aka Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter movies). In just six or seven minutes, it succeeds in capturing early parenthood very nicely ;)

It Was The Best Film Of My Life...........Ever........2003-12-06

What an absolute joy. Derided by the critics (ba, humbug, what do they know?) I took my 7 year old daughter to see this and the cinema was chock full of kids in utter rapture at this film. From gentle sniggers to rollicking guffaws, the real critics of this movie - the children - absolutely adored it.
forget the concept of it being a one-trick fart joke, this is a film that works on anumber of levels but is always entertaining. Delightful performances, assured direction and a wonderful message, Thunderpants is an absolute gem that I would heartily recommend to any child. Or any adult with that childish streak in them.

Not a bad little comedy........2003-12-05

I don't usually go for this type of 'daft' comedy, but i thought that as there was not much else i would give it a shot, and if i didn't like it, then what the heck. However, i was quite plesantly suprisied. All in all this is not a bad film and does in fact contain some genuinely funny moments.

It is basically about a ten year old boy who has a problem controlling his bum. However, he asks the help of his only friend, a boy genius, to help him. Alan sets to work and soon comes up with 'Thunderpants', however, they soon move on to much bigger things.
Both Rupert Grint and the other lad (sorry but i can't remember his name) are excelent in it, and are very talented for their age.

A genuine idea, turned in to not a bad little film, although i probably would not buy it myself. Afterall, there is a limit to how many times you can watch such a film. If you like this sort of thing then buy it, if you don't then tread carefully.

!.......2003-12-02

Far from hiding children away from the concept of flatulence, Thundepants celebrates this childishly funny affliction.

For those of us who find the concept of public farting funny (and lets face it children do)this film is sure to delight. It does however go further and sensitively covers topics such as the nature of friendship, "being different" and overcoming your problems. Its funny, heartwarming, bit of a tearjerker and hardly rude at all!!

Average customer rating:
Thunderpants [2002] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
Starring: Ned Beatty , Stephen Fry , Bronagh Gallagher , Paul Giamatti , and Robert Hardy
Director: Peter Hewitt
Manufacturer: Classic Media
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

All Comedy | Comedy | Categories | DVD | Video
All Family Favourites | Family Favourites | Children's DVD | Categories | DVD | Video
Region 1 | Special Features | DVD | Video
DVD | Format (binding_browse-bin) | Refinements | DVD | Video
ASIN: B000P6R9LM
Release Date: 2007-07-10

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