Given that the original 1960s TV series Thunderbirds was one of Gerry Anderson's more elaborate marionette programs, it's perhaps a fitting tribute that the acting in this big-screen, live-action resuscitation is utterly wooden--in fact, big name stars Bill Paxton and Ben Kingsley are both so stiff that you may find yourself looking for strings. Paxton plays Jeff Tracy, the idealistic ex-astronaut and leader of a family troupe of heroes who fly great spaceships from a hidden island fortress on rescue missions around the globe. Kingsley is his archenemy The Hood, a master villain who aims to seize the Thunderbird complex and rob the world's largest banks. But given the obvious 'tween audience, the emphasis of the picture isn't on them: it's on Tracy's adolescent son Alan (Brady Corbet), who must save his dad and older brothers, with the aid of a vivacious teen girl and a pint-sized scientific genius. In other words, this is a Spy Kids clone (marked by even less magic and imagination), with chintzy backgrounds and gizmos that look like rejects from the Power Rangers. Not recommended. [Note: Available in either widescreen or full screen versions, DVD extras include audio commentary by director Jonathan Frakes, the production featurettes “Creating the Action” (8 min.), “Tracy Island Revealed” (9 min.), “Lady Penelope's Pink World” (4 min.), “Lady Penelope and Parker: Fun and Stunts” (3 min.), and “Fab1: More than a Car” (3 min.), the music video “Thunderbirds Are Go” by Busted, a trailer, and DVD-ROM features. Bottom line: a so-so extras package for a disappointing film.] (F. Swietek)
Thunderbirds
Universal, 95 min., PG, VHS: $23.98, DVD: $29.98, Dec. 21 Volume 19, Issue 6
Thunderbirds
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