Thunderbords film review

certificate_PG

THUNDERBIRDS

The makers of the film version of the classic 60's TV series Thunderbirds always knew they would be up against it. Cherished by many adults of a certain age as a defining memory from their childhood, nothing would ever come close to recreating that first-time high. And nothing is pretty much what director Jonathan Frakes (Riker from Star Trek: TNG) has given them.

It's strange that a film about 'International Rescue' should only contain two real rescues - each one hardly eating into the overall running time. The first serves merely to set up the story, the second simply to include Thunderbird 4 in the action. What's left is a run-of-the-mill good versus bad yarn.

Jeff Tracy is an altruistic billionaire. With the help of egghead boffin Brains, Jeff has amassed an impressive collection of super-craft at his hide-away island in the Pacific. These craft - known as Thunderbirds - fly to disaster hot spots throughout the world saving lives when all other hope is lost.

Alan Tracy is a teenager who dreams of following his father and four brothers into the 'family business'. While visiting his family on spring break, the space station Thunderbird 5 is attacked by a missile from the submarine of the evil Hood (Kingsley). Jeff and his sons immediately launch a rescue in Thunderbird 3, only to find themselves stranded in space. The Hood then plans to take over the island and use the remaining Thunderbirds as tools to break into the world's biggest bank vaults. At last Alan has the chance comes to prove to his dad that he is a 'real Tracy'. Along with pals Fermat and Tin-Tin, not to mention the involvement of Special Agent Lady Penelope and Parker, our heroes put a plan in action to save the day.

As a stand-alone film, without any of the 60's cult TV legacy, this would be at best on a par with Spy Kids. But given its pedigree the result is criminal. The lack of tension is one thing but to dumb down the storyline is something else entirely. If Gerry Anderson could manage to treat kids as adults 40 odd years ago, what does it say about kids nowadays?

The film does have its plus points. The CGI work is fab and the updated Thunderbirds look suitably impressive. Sophia Myles and Ron Cook both turn in scene stealing performances as Lady P and her manservant and who wouldn't want their wonderful car. It may not be a Rolls Royce any more but it can now fly.