March 19, 2024

Spurred by Alwin’s review, here’s my review of the Thunderbirds movie.

My daughter and I were the only ones in the theater, which may well say more about the movie than anything I write here.

Inexplicably, Bill Paxton continues to have an acting career, being the title star in this movie. Please don’t misunderstand, I like him, but it baffles me that he’s a star actor. He’s the US version of Michael Caine; he’s the same in every role, every movie. I like him, and I’d like to have a beer with him, but I don’t get it.

I agree with Alwin that there was a heck of a lot of acting namepower in the movie, in my opinion largely wasted. This is not the Thunderbirds I remember, this is the Thunderbirds legacy and gadgets hijacked into Spy Kids in Space. Jeff Tracy would never have stood by watching an adolescent fight evil (even Ben Kingsley evil, which is evil with style).

Don’t get me wrong, it’s enjoyable, but don’t expect the Thunderbirds of old. The graphics are excellent, and it’s an enjoyable diversion. Expect sequels, as the arch-nemesis wasn’t destroyed, merely incarcerated.

4 thoughts on “Thunderbirds review

  1. The Hood has to be captured – because he is going to be their nemesis for the rest of the series (this has to be a prequel to the series, because Alan hasn’t got flight privleges yet).

    But you’re right about some of the characterization – Jeff would never let a kid fight in his place, nor a woman. But it was aimed at kids, and kids get bored with grownups having all the fun; thus the “Spy Kids in Space” stuff.

    Like I said, given the script they had to work with, I was surprised the cast wasn’t as wooden as the puppets they replaced. Oy.

    Next up (no doubt) – Heinlein’s Space Cadets, featuring 12-year-olds. Oy.

  2. I loved T-Birds when I was “younger,” I’m sorry they deviated from the main story line.

    What about that other Brit Sci Fi that came out about then with the goofy FX and the plot was kidnapping humans?

    I can remember it, but I can’t recall the name.

    Anyone?

  3. check out paxton’s movie “Frailty” he stars and directed it. it is very dark, a turn off for some people.

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