Review of:Thunderbirds (2004)
Director:Jonathan Frakes
Rating:PG for intense action sequences and language
Starring:Bill Paxton, Brady Corbet, Ben Kingsley, Anthony Edwards, Sophia Myles
In the sixties, there was this anomaly of a show called the Thunderbirds. In this show, marionette puppets portrayed the Thunderbird family who are the members of a world-renowned rescue team. In this newest version, the puppets have been replaced by actual humans (although the acting hasn't improved much!).
The story really is about the youngest member of the Tracy clan‚ Alan (Brady Corbet) who cannot wait to become a full-fledged Thunderbird‚ and work for the secret organization-International Rescue. The only problem is that his father‚ Jeff Tracy (Bill Paxton)‚ thinks he is not responsible enough, and that he is not old enough. This pits father versus son very early in the film, and is supposed to be what the story clings to and grows from. When his father and brothers are stranded on the Thunderbird space station, it is up to him and his friends to make things right.
The exceptional thing you notice right off are the vehicles the Thunderbirds use. They are all incredible works, and they are the highlight of the film. They definitely will fuel the imaginations of children everywhere‚ and I’m sure the parents looked upon them and cringed. Why you might ask? It’s called marketing. I’m pretty sure the DVD version of this film will reach stores‚ oh say around Christmas time‚ and the toys from this film could have been the biggest Christmas toys of the season.
Another mild highpoint in the film would have to be the main villain, who can do a sort of mind control.
The story is what is sorely underdeveloped in this film. The reasoning behind some of the film’s goings on are sketchy at best. There are no outstanding performances in this film (even with the addition of Bill Kingsley as the Hood)‚ but you almost have to ask yourself why you would expect such a thing in the first place.
The film has a Sky Kids feel to it with its message of empowerment, regardless of size or age. I would recommend this film for all children, but adults might have a time making it through this one.
