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Thunderbirds
2004
Based on the cult British television show from the 1960s, THUNDERBIRDS explodes into the 21st Century with this thrilling live-action version of the franchise. Drawing on similar themes and familiar characters, director Jonathan Frakes (STAR TREK: FIRST CONTACT) sticks closely to the spirit of the original show while making use .. Read more
| Starring | Bill Paxton, Anthony Edwards, Sophia Myles, Ben Kingsley |
|---|---|
| Director | Jonathan Frakes |
| Genres | Action/Adventure, Children, Family, Sci-Fi/Fantasy |
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Thunderbirds
Based on the cult British television show from the 1960s, THUNDERBIRDS explodes into the 21st Century with this thrilling live-action version of the franchise. Drawing on similar themes and familiar characters, director Jonathan Frakes (STAR TREK: FIRST CONTACT) sticks closely to the spirit of the original show while making use of the new technology available to him 40 years after the program first aired to give the film a modern look. The International Rescue organization--a team of highly organized law enforcers--is the focal point for the movie. International Rescue is based on a remote desert island location, and is called into action whenever the world's sinister masterminds threaten to disturb the balance of society. Jeff Tracy (Bill Paxton) heads up the team, and employs his sons to help him out. Teenager Alan Tracy (Brady Corbet) is a little too young to join, and is constantly frustrated by his lack of opportunity to join the brothers on their missions. But when the evil villain known as The Hood (Ben Kingsley) traps the International Rescue team in outer space, it seems Alan's time has come. The Hood steals one of the many spacecrafts designed by International Rescue, and executes an outlandish scheme to rob the Bank of England. Alan and his pal Fermat (Soren Fulton) attempt the double-whammy of rescuing the trapped family and stopping The Hood, by drawing on help from the sultry detective Lady Penelope (Sophia Myles), her butler Parker (Ron Cook), and a few gadgets and vehicles courtesy of International Rescue. With comic references to the original show scattered liberally throughout the movie, and a sense of fun and adventure, this is a film that should appeal to both old and new fans of these popular crime-fighting characters.
| Starring | Bill Paxton, Anthony Edwards, Sophia Myles, Ben Kingsley, Brady Corbet, Vanessa Anne Hudgens |
|---|---|
| Director | Jonathan Frakes |
| Studio | UNIVERSAL PICTURES UK VIDEO RENTAL |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 31 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Collections | 100 Big Adventures |
| Genres | Action/Adventure, Children, Family, Sci-Fi/Fantasy |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Hearing-impaired | English |
| Released | DVD: 15 Nov 2004 Production year: 2004 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (3)
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Fans of the original 1960s TV series may well feel short-changed by this pedestrian live action adventure from Star Trek: Insurrection director Jonathan Frakes. It's more an “inspired by” homage than a direct adaptation, with the Tracy family's core members disastrously sidelined to supporting roles. Instead the focus is on sulky adolescent Alan Tracy (Brady Corbet) who resents studying at boarding school while his dad (Bill Paxton) and brothers are saving the world. Cue a wannabe SPYkids plot in which Alan and his two cutesy pals are left to defeat The Hood (Ben Kingsley), after the villain lures the International Rescue team away on a fake mission and takes over Tracy Island. Except for the frothy kitsch of Sophia Myles's Lady Penelope and her multi-talented chauffeur, Parker (Ron Cook), there's just no substance or vitality to this obviously expensive production. The retro-futuristic design and scenery look great, as do the mighty Thunderbird machines, but style alone can't save a weak script or make flat dialogue sparkle.
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A live action version of an old British TV puppet adventure series that keeps the wooden performances of the original but misses out on its creaky charm.
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Most helpful member's review
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26 out of 44 people found this review helpful
Thunderbirds was FAB
what wasn't there to love about this film, okay so Anthony Edwards could have been replaced with a plank of wood and noone would have known the difference but I had looked forward to this film for forever and I wasn't disappointed. Brady Corbett was brilliant as Alan Tracey and the Thunderbird machines looked FAB. Jonathon Frakes did a superb job, I can't wait for the sequel.
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Most recent members' review
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3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
Thunderbirds are Go!
Like alot of people I watched the original series when i was a child, Me and my 4 year old son sat and watched this movie and to be honest it wasn't half bad. My son actually sat with me all the way through which is very unusual as his attention normaly wavers after about 30 mins.It still only comes second place to the original TV series but well worth a look if its raining outside and you need something to ocupy the kids.
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News and features
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Thunderbirds threatens industry
- 25 Aug 2004
While International Rescue saved lives and livelihoods across the globe, experts are saying that the film based on their exploits is having the opposite effect on the British film industry. Pessimists have said the industry is "in crisis" following the paltry box office takings that Thunderbirds, made by UK film company Working Title, netted. Gerry Anderson's famous TV puppet series has so far netted $6.5 million (£3.6 million) in the US and £4.4 million in the UK - it cost... Read more
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