Hey folks, Harry here with the most obvious reveal in the world, that the kiddie version of the THUNDERBIRDS isn't nearly as cool as it could have been. That being said - I saw an amazing test of a new THUNDERBIRDS tv show using astonishing new puppets - that take Super-Marionation into the realm of Stan Winston style sophistication, plus moments of freedom of strings via CG and Wire Removal. The result was quite startling... This one shot of Jeff Tracey piloting Thunderbird 1 through what seemed like a heart of a volcano had his rubbery skin glistening with glyceren sweat and just creeping me way the hell out, but in a cool way! The opening lighthouse rescue - was amazing looking, and the kid in me that loved these shows was going... THIS IS WHAT I LOVED! I really hope it gets off the ground, cuz it rules! However, this movie sounds lame lame lame.
Hey guys,
Was looking forward to another boring weekend at home b4 the last week of college, when two tickets to a surprisingly early screening of Thunderbirds landed in my lap. So this bright sunday morning, i made my way up to London's (bizzarely) quiet West End and me and my friend, took our seats as the show began. One thing of interest was that we were sitting right behind the man himself: Jonathan Frakes. Now i don't care much for the man, and i can't get the image of Riker directing thunderbirds out of my head, but it sure was groovy. Now just to make it clear i'm not a watcher of the Thunderbirds TV show, so i had to get the lovely lass i was going with to tell me how accurate it was to the show, but i knew the basic stories and characters going in.
The story is as follows: Jeff Tracey, Billionaire and Former Astronaut, and 4 of his sons (whose names i don't really know and for good reason) dedicate their lives to International Rescue with the help of 5 big flying machines, the Thunderbirds. The 5th and Youngest son, Alan feels left out and wants to be part of the team. When Jeff and co. become stranded in space when The Hood tries to tke over their HQ, it's up to little old alan, and some strange little children to save the day. Cue messages about Family Values, and finding ure inner strength.
The Good: Anything with Ben Kingsley, Sophia Myles and Ron Cook. Their Hood (loved those eyes), Lady Penelope and Parker, repectively, were by far the most interesting, and well acted characters and being the only 3 who knew how to provide big laughs. What is interesting, was that these 3 are the only british members of cast featured prominently, which begs the questiong as to why the whole thing wasn't made with a British cast, therefore keeping in line with the show. Plus Sophia Myles was hot as hell! Anthony Edwards clearly had fun with his part as Brain too.
The set design was funky enough, colourful and lively but a bit on the cheap side. Had the retro feel the film required. Bill Paxton did his part well, but suffereed from lack of screen time. And of the children only Brady Corbett comes out winning.
The Bad: The film was made for children, not for fans of the Thunderbirds TV show. This is what happens when Riker makes ure movie. Yes First contact was good, but Nemesis? Clockstoppers? He nearly killed the franchise which made him famous! By focusing on child actors and not the Tracey Family the film resembles Spy Kids light, with the Thunderbirds themselves hardly making an appearance. Add to that a weak romance between alan and Tin Tin and the most annoying geeky kid i've ever seen and u have a bit of a problem.
Not enough time is given to the Tracey Family, hence why i can't remember the names of any of the other brothers, and the whole thing felt underdeveloped, especially how Hood and Tin-Tin came to get their mysterious powers. Also, the Hood's henchmen were ATROCIOUS!
Where the film lacked most was that there was nothing to remember. an early resuce on a oil rig hints at something big and fast paced to come, but it never does. This is probably down to a rather low budget, but there are no set pieces and hardly any action, except for one rather inventive fight scene with Parker and Lady penelope which, at least for men is very pleasing on the eye! The end has no punch to it, and there are plot holes galore: For example, for a famil so dedicated to their secret identity, they didn't seem to fussed about running around london, displaying themselves to the public.
Well,all in all, i won't be seeing it again, and although it was fun while it lasted, it leaves a very bitter aftertase in you're mouth. Although, luckily it has the advantage of coming out after Van Helsing, so it can't be the worst film this summer!
Oh and watch out for the worst opening credits i think will ever be seen!
If u post this, call me Stewie...
