Thunderbirds

Name: Thunderbirds
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Comedy
Released: July 30, 2004
Duration: 95 min
Rating: 36
Cast: Bill Paxton

2004

METASCORE

Generally unfavorable reviews based on 29 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 47 Ratings

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7.4

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7.4	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 47 Ratings

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Thunderbirds

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Movie Details & Credits

Universal Pictures | Release Date: July 30, 2004 | PG

Starring: Bill Paxton

Summary: A live action film based on the British television series of the 1960's.

Director: Jonathan Frakes

Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Comedy, Family

Rating: PG

Runtime: 95 min

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Critic Reviews

Ty Burr

When all is said and done, the movie's a steaming plate of corn -- and, indeed, that's part of the pleasure. Myles, though, delivers a fine comic performance with no strings attached. Read full review

Dallas Observer Bill Gallo

This special-effects-crammed action blockbuster is not rocket science. It's more like rocket fun. Read full review

Gregory Kirschling

Without fail its upbeat cheesy wholesomeness is always good for a smile. Read full review

Marc Mohan

The trouble is, the kids seem to be in one earnest "After School Special"-type of movie, while the adults occupy a retro-futuristic world more like the original TV show. Read full review

James Berardinelli

Watching a misfire like Thunderbirds illustrates how impressive the "Spy Kids" movies are. Read full review

Ben Kenigsberg

As the dapper Lady Penelope, Sophia Myles tries to infuse the enterprise with some "Charlie's Angels" verve, but she's only one life vest, and the movie is a downed plane. Read full review

Alan Niester

Simply put, this is a bad, bad film, this summer's answer to last summer's "The League of Extraordinary Gentleman." A dog for the dog days of summer. Read full review

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User Reviews

Maddie

Sep 27, 2005

I thought this was a fantastic film. It was so cool. The theme tune by Busted (I have to admit, I'm a fan) was "F.A.B." and I've been trying to find it on C.D. for ages!

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feetjai

May 8, 2015

I saw the original thunderbird puppets and this movie. I cannot call myself a hardcore fan, but that is not really required to comment on the movie.

The movie is on itself nicely made. The special effects, the cars, etc are good. The acting is good, like Milady Penelope her acting. AI saw the original thunderbird puppets and this movie. I cannot call myself a hardcore fan, but that is not really required to comment on the movie.

The movie is on itself nicely made. The special effects, the cars, etc are good. The acting is good, like Milady Penelope her acting. A English lady with style and can dish out a punch when required.
The movie has tasteful jokes.

If you like movies and do not require a huge dose of violence, but a movie that is enjoying and can be watched by the younger audience, have a look.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

TheQuietGamer

Mar 17, 2017

It's a cheesy summer blockbuster, aimed not just at the kids, but at the whole family as well. Yet, despite it's repeated attempts at a sense of goofball charm, the movie is ultimately lacking in fun. It also doesn't really have any characters or excitement either. What does it have? Why, aIt's a cheesy summer blockbuster, aimed not just at the kids, but at the whole family as well. Yet, despite it's repeated attempts at a sense of goofball charm, the movie is ultimately lacking in fun. It also doesn't really have any characters or excitement either. What does it have? Why, a schlocky sense of humor and a clear refusal to take itself seriously of course! Every performance is totally corny. The movie tries to throw a little something in for everybody. For kids you've got the ridiculous action and comedy, while Sophia Miles serves as eye candy for their dads. Sorry moms, I guess you'll just have to stay content with the fact that it's keeping the little ones busy for a bit. Sophia Miles is actually one of the better aspects of the movie, and not just because she's a pretty face who gets in a bubble bath at one point. She's a real scene stealer as the British super spy/model Lady Penelope. Particularly when she's joined by Ron Cook as Lady Penelope's butler Parker. Ben Kingsley is quite enjoyable. It's very evident that he was having fun hamming it up as the movie's villain. Nobody else in the cast really stands out as they are either underutilized or an annoying kid.

Mix in an unlikable main character, humor that often falls flat on it's face, and some of the least exciting action and set pieces I've seen in quite a while and you've got a recipe for a mediocre movie experience. At least it nails the bright, colorful scenery. Things are quite gorgeous. With it's doofball villains, uninteresting conflicts, and dull young leads, it's not hard to see where things went wrong. Rather than being a fun flick for the kids, we just end up with something that's rather boring. Perhaps this one can still manage to entertain the youngsters a little bit, but even back when I was eight I wasn't a big fan of this movie. It's certainly not one the parents are going to enjoy. Mostly due to how lazy it all feels. You can tell things were just slapped together to make a quick buck.

5.9/10… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

Toasty87

Jul 16, 2020

Terrible acting and script boring from start to finish nice CGI though .

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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