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Thunderpants
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Thunderpants
Theatrical release poster
Directed byPete Hewitt
Screenplay byPhil Hughes
Story byPete Hewitt
Produced byGraham Broadbent
Damian Jones
Pete Hewitt
StarringSimon Callow
Stephen Fry
Celia Imrie
Paul Giamatti
Ned Beatty
Bruce Cook
Rupert Grint
CinematographyAndy Collins
Edited byMichael Parker
Music byRupert Gregson-Williams
Production
companies
Pathé Pictures
Sky
The Film Council
Mission Pictures
CP Medien AG
Distributed byPathé Distribution
Release date
  • 24 May 2002 (2002-05-24)
Running time
87 minutes
CountriesUnited Kingdom
Germany
LanguageEnglish
Budget$7 million
Box office$3 million

Thunderpants is a 2002 family absurdist comedy film about a boy whose incredible capacity for flatulence gets him a job as an astronaut. The film was directed by Pete Hewitt, with the script was written by Phil Hughes, based on a story by Pete Hewitt about a boy who dreams of being a spaceman, despite his chronic flatulence.

Plot

[edit]

Born with two stomachs, Patrick Smash (Bruce Cook) is uncontrollably and devastatingly flatulent. No more than thirty seconds after his birth, he first breaks wind, horrifying his parents (Bronagh Gallagher, and Victor McGuire) and doctor (Robert Hardy). As he grows up, Patrick's farts become so uncontrollable and destructive that his father has to flee their home, as he is often injured by his son's gaseous emissions, whose force is so strong that it can blow people over. Patrick is bullied at school as a result of his condition, but eventually finds strength in his disorder, ultimately gaining revenge on the school bully Damon (Josh Herdman) by passing gas in his face, leaving him scarred for life.

Patrick's only friend is child prodigy Alan A. Allen (Rupert Grint), who has anosmia, and, therefore, lacks the ability to smell. Alan and Patrick team up to make Thunderpants, reinforced short trousers strong enough to contain Patrick's emissions.

One day, on the way to visit Alan, Patrick sees Alan being taken away in a mysterious black car; Alan's father informs Patrick that Alan will not be returning home soon. Patrick gets recruited by an opera singer (Simon Callow) to help him with his world tour; Patrick uses this as an opportunity to search for Alan. Eventually, Patrick learns that Alan went to the US to help retrieve a group of astronauts who are trapped in outer space, and Patrick finds that his condition may be of use to the spacemen in peril.

Cast

[edit]

Reception

[edit]

The film has received a rating of 67% at the film review website Rotten Tomatoes, based upon 6 reviews.[1]

Empire magazine wrote in their review that Thunderpants is "a well-made, quirky oddity for adults, but a laugh riot for kids and Beano nostalgists... underneath all the expelled air it's really just a simple tale of a boy finding his talent and making the most of it".[2] The hosts of the RedLetterMedia web series Best of the Worst shared similar sentiments when reviewing the film with the consensus being that the movie was too charming and well-made to be considered a "bad" film.[3]

During an appearance on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, Paul Giamatti referred to this film as one of the high points in his career.[4] In 2023, whilst promoting The Holdovers, Giamatti referred to Thunderpants as "brilliant" and "one of the most remarkable movies [he's] been in".[5]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Thunderpants

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Thunderpants is a British-German directed by Peter Hewitt and written by Phil Hughes. The story follows 11-year-old Patrick Smash, who was born with two stomachs, granting him an extraordinary and uncontrollable capacity for that initially causes him and issues but ultimately propels him toward fame, legal troubles, and a pivotal role in the United States space program. The film stars newcomer Bruce Cook as Patrick Smash, with —known for his role as in the series—making his debut outside that franchise as Patrick's inventive friend Alan A. Allen. Supporting roles are filled by acclaimed actors including as Sir Anthony Silk, as opera singer Sir John Osgood, as Miss Rapier, and as a official. Produced as a British-German co-production, Thunderpants runs for 83 minutes and was rated PG for its humorous take on bodily functions. Upon release, Thunderpants garnered mixed critical reception, earning a 67% approval rating from critics on , who noted its bold, absurd humor and positive messages about overcoming differences, though some found its premise overly juvenile. Audience response has been similarly divided, reflected in its 3.8 out of 10 rating on based on over 6,000 votes. The film premiered in the on May 24, 2002, and is remembered as an early, unconventional project for several of its young stars.

Production

Development

The screenplay for Thunderpants was penned by Phil Hughes based on an original story by director Pete Hewitt, originating in the late and drawing inspiration from the absurdist humor in by authors like . Hewitt, known for his work on family-oriented comedies such as The Borrowers (1997) and (1993), was chosen to helm the project for his ability to blend whimsy with accessible storytelling. The film emerged as a British-German co-production, involving key entities including Pictures, , Sky Movies, The Film Council, Mission Pictures, and CP Medien AG, backed by a modest $7 million budget. After the script circulated and was held by and , acquired it in 2000, greenlighting production in early 2001 to tap into the growing appeal of young talent amid the buzz surrounding and the Sorcerer's Stone. Principal began on April 22, 2001, and wrapped by June 19. Creative choices prioritized practical effects for the film's central flatulence-based humor, supplemented by minimal CGI under visual effects supervisor Paul Riddle, to foster a tangible, playful atmosphere rooted in live-action whimsy rather than heavy digital intervention. This approach aligned with the tight budget while emphasizing the story's grounded absurdity.

Casting

The casting process for Thunderpants was conducted primarily in during early 2001, emphasizing open auditions for child roles to ensure authenticity while blending in established actors to boost marketability and comedic depth. Thousands of young performers were auditioned, with selections prioritizing natural comedic timing among newcomers alongside recognizable names from British theater and film. The lead role of Patrick Smash, the protagonist with extraordinary flatulence, went to newcomer Bruce Cook following extensive open auditions. Cook, a previously unknown child actor, was chosen for his innate blend of innocence and comedic stupidity, showcased through initial videotape submissions and subsequent in-person tests with director Peter Hewitt. Rupert Grint was cast as Patrick's inventive best friend Alan A. Allen, representing his first significant film role after portraying Ron Weasley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001), thereby helping to draw in young audiences attuned to his rising stardom. Simon Callow took on the role of the pompous singer Sir John Osgood, a character crafted specifically for him to capitalize on his renowned theatrical background and operatic flair, offering a refined to the movie's scatological humor. Callow embraced the opportunity after reviewing and finding its absurd premise endearing. Supporting roles were filled by prominent British performers to amplify the film's satirical edge, including as the stern music teacher Miss Rapier and as the erudite judge Sir Anthony Silk, whose involvement added layers of dry wit and cultural resonance. Additional key adults like as the scheming official Johnson J. Johnson and as General Ed Sheppard were similarly selected, with several parts tailored to their established personas for enhanced satirical impact.

Filming

Principal photography for Thunderpants commenced on April 22, 2001, and wrapped on June 19, 2001. Filming primarily occurred in and around , , utilizing urban and suburban sites to capture the story's everyday and school environments, with additional exterior shots in , USA, to represent American elements of the narrative. Key locations included 153 Hammersmith Road in for scenes at Osgood's music school, Sulivan Court on Peterborough Road in for street sequences involving the protagonists, and Addison Gardens School on Bolingbroke Road in for educational settings. The production operated on a $7 million budget, which necessitated efficient use of practical locations and modest set construction rather than expansive builds. Andy Collins shot the film on Fujicolor stock, processed through Deluxe labs, to deliver bright, saturated visuals that enhanced the movie's whimsical, exaggerated comedic style. Editor Michael Parker assembled the footage to sustain a brisk , aligning with the film's rapid-fire humor and absurd plot progression.

Plot

Summary

Thunderpants is a British-German family centered on Patrick Smash, an 11-year-old boy born with two stomachs that cause him severe, uncontrollable , particularly after consuming beans, leading to relentless at school and . Desperate to overcome his affliction and pursue his dream of becoming an , Patrick befriends Alan A. Allen, a young genius inventor who lacks a and creates "Thunderpants," a pair of specially designed with a containment system to harness and control Patrick's emissions. Together, the duo enters a non-assisted flight , winning with a fart-powered flying machine that catapults Patrick to local fame. The inciting incident unfolds when renowned tenor Sir John Osgood recruits Patrick to secretly produce high operatic notes through controlled during performances, boosting Osgood's career over his rival Placido Placeedo. During a performance, Placeedo sabotages Patrick with a gas-inducing potion, triggering an explosive fart that causes a stage light to fall and kill Placeedo; Patrick is wrongly accused of , tried, and sentenced to death. At the midpoint, moments before execution, U.S. government agents intervene, rescuing Patrick and reuniting him with Alan at , where his unique ability is repurposed for a critical space mission to save stranded astronauts. In the climax, aboard the shuttle, Patrick's flatulence propels the craft when the engines fail, ultimately saving the mission and the stranded astronauts. The 83-minute film structures its absurd adventure across three acts, blending humor with themes of acceptance that underscore Patrick's growth from outcast to , culminating in triumphant friendship and .

Themes and style

Thunderpants explores themes of overcoming personal flaws through the power of , as the protagonists' bond enables them to transform vulnerabilities into strengths. It conveys an anti-bullying message by depicting the acceptance of differences, particularly through one character's journey from to communal embrace. The film also celebrates eccentricity in a conformist world, portraying quirky individuals and inventions as heroic rather than marginal. The comedic style draws on absurdist humor reminiscent of Roald Dahl's whimsical narratives and Monty Python's irreverent sketches, centering on exaggerated as a catalyst for adventure. amplifies this with over-the-top effects for gaseous emissions, while visuals incorporate cartoonish explosions and stylized inventions to heighten the whimsy. Director Peter Hewitt blends sequences with heartfelt interludes, employing wide shots to capture chaotic comedic timing and close-ups to underscore emotional connections. Unique concepts include on fame and media , critiquing how notoriety distorts personal stories and . Subtle nods to appear through the portrayal of bean consumption as a renewable "superpower" for . Overall, the tone remains light-hearted and family-oriented, eschewing dark elements in favor of escalating from everyday mishaps to interstellar feats, ensuring for young audiences.

Release

Theatrical release

Thunderpants had its world premiere screening at the Film Festival's Market on May 17, 2002, following an earlier preview in on April 21, 2002. The film received a wide theatrical release in the on May 24, 2002, distributed by Distribution. The international rollout began shortly after the UK debut, with openings in markets including the on September 26, 2002, and on December 12, 2002, where it earned approximately $108,000. As a German co-production, release details in remain unconfirmed. In the United States, the film did not receive a wide theatrical release and instead went straight to in 2007. Marketing efforts highlighted the film's family-friendly comedy and leveraged the rising star power of , fresh from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, in trailers that emphasized humor and adventure elements. Posters featured exaggerated, cartoonish depictions of clouds to appeal to young audiences, aligning with the film's absurd premise. The film earned a PG rating from the (BBFC) in the UK for mild bad language, , and comic violence, and a similar PG from the (MPA) in the US for crude humor, language, and some bullying, making it suitable for family viewing. With a modest of $7 million, Thunderpants was positioned as counterprogramming to major summer blockbusters, targeting family audiences on limited screens to maximize its niche appeal amid competition from high-profile releases.

Home media

The film was first released on home media in the with a edition distributed by on August 5, 2002, followed by a DVD release on November 18, 2002. The DVD featured a presentation and bonus materials including director commentary by Peter Hewitt, deleted scenes, cast interviews, Patrick's video diary, storyboards, a fart montage, and theatrical trailers. In the United States, home media availability came later, with the DVD released by Home Entertainment on July 10, 2007. This edition included similar extras such as deleted scenes, feature commentary by the filmmakers, the "Official Fart ," a by allSTARS, and additional behind-the-scenes content like a making-of . No official release was widely distributed in the market. Subsequent formats expanded accessibility, with digital releases emerging in the late 2000s. A special edition DVD was issued in select markets, emphasizing packaging with enhanced subtitle options in languages including German and French for international audiences. Although no official Blu-ray edition has been confirmed for major markets, the film has maintained availability through physical reissues aimed at collectors. As of 2025, Thunderpants is not in the and remains under control by its distributors. It is accessible via digital rental and purchase on platforms such as Apple TV, Movies, and , reflecting its niche endurance without widespread free streaming options. The home video releases have contributed to a modest , particularly among family audiences drawn to Rupert Grint's early role as Alan A. Allen, with renewed interest spurred by his later fame from the series.

Reception

Critical reception

Upon its release, Thunderpants received mixed to negative reviews from critics, with a consensus highlighting its reliance on juvenile humor that appealed more to young audiences than adults. The film holds a 67% approval rating on the Tomatometer, based on 6 reviews, while the audience score stands at 44% based on over 5,000 ratings as of 2025. On , it has an average rating of 3.8 out of 10 from over 6,300 user ratings as of 2025. Critics praised the performances of the young leads, particularly Bruce Cook as the flatulent protagonist and as his inventive best friend, noting their charm and amid the . Reviewers highlighted Cook's likable ordinariness and Grint's engaging presence, which added heart to the story despite its premise. The 's inventive gross-out gags were also commended for their energetic execution, with Variety describing it as a "willfully eccentric British kidpic" dressed with "ancillary gags and a surprisingly ambitious plotline" suitable for very young viewers. However, the negative consensus focused on the film's juvenile plot, uneven tone, and overreliance on a single crude joke, limiting its broader appeal. The Guardian advised audiences to "avoid" it as a "one-joke British comedy" that failed to sustain interest beyond the premise. Empire magazine acknowledged its quirks but noted the humor's niche fit, calling it a "laugh riot for kids and Beano nostalgists" rather than a universal family entertainer. Notable reviews reflected regional differences, with UK outlets like awarding 3 out of 5 stars for its family fun and whimsical style reminiscent of . In contrast, U.S. critics emphasized a cultural mismatch, with Variety pointing to the "relentless gross-out factor" as a barrier for older audiences. Initially dismissed in 2002 as a commercial and critical flop due to its bold, scatological premise, Thunderpants has received some retrospective interest for its whimsical style.

Box office performance

Thunderpants was produced on a budget of $7 million as an international co-production between the United Kingdom and Germany, covering both production and marketing costs. The film ultimately grossed $3,059,871 worldwide, falling short of recouping its budget theatrically and resulting in minor financial losses for the producers. Despite the casting of Rupert Grint, fresh off his breakout role in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, as a potential draw for young demographics, the movie underperformed relative to expectations for a family comedy. The strongest market was the , where Thunderpants opened to $627,650 on May 24, 2002, before earning a total of $2,835,937 domestically. International earnings added approximately $223,934 from limited releases, including $108,260 in , $49,978 in , and $48,322 in the , with negligible contributions from other territories such as a 2023 re-release in grossing $17,374. There was no wide theatrical release in the United States, where the film debuted directly on DVD in 2007. Several factors contributed to the film's modest showing, including a constrained marketing budget that limited broader promotion and its PG rating, which appealed primarily to children but restricted adult attendance. Released during the crowded summer family film season, it faced stiff competition from blockbusters like (2002), which dominated screens following its May 3 premiere and opening weekend haul of over $13 million. This led to a rapid decline after the debut, with the film exiting major circuits after six weeks.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0283054/
  2. https://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2002/05/02/thunderpants_2002_review.shtml
  3. https://www.filmbankmedia.com/films/archive/details/13864-thunderpants
  4. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/thunderpants
  5. https://variety.com/2002/film/markets-festivals/thunderpants-1200549611/
  6. https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/thunderpants-20021212-gdfyc3.html
  7. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0382072/
  8. http://www.reviewgraveyard.com/Interview/02-10-11_PeteHewitt.htm
  9. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0283054/locations/
  10. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2002/may/22/features.stuartjeffries
  11. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0283054/fullcredits/
  12. https://www.reelstreets.com/films/thunderpants/
  13. https://www.moriareviews.com/sciencefiction/thunderpants-2002.htm
  14. http://www.the-unknown-movies.com/unknownmovies/reviews/rev423.html
  15. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/thunderpants
  16. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0283054/reviews/
  17. https://cineuropa.org/en/film/2533/
  18. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0283054/?ref_=bo_rl_ti
  19. https://www.screendaily.com/thunderpants/409142.article
  20. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0283054/releaseinfo/
  21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NR9C338hbQ
  22. https://www.cinematerial.com/movies/thunderpants-i283054
  23. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0283054/parentalguide/
  24. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thunderpants-DVD-Simon-Callow/dp/B00006RHTO
  25. https://www.impulsegamer.com/igversion01/dvd/dvdthunderpants.htm
  26. https://www.amazon.com/Thunderpants-Ned-Beatty/dp/B000P6R9LM
  27. https://www.yachew.com/en-us/collections/new-products/products/thunderpants-2002
  28. https://www.blu-ray.com/dvd/Thunderpants-DVD/47952/
  29. https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/thunderpants/umc.cmc.6dvgvpgujsg5if0whhrg5wbob
  30. https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/Thunderpants?id=vcFr5ogqP_E.P&hl=en_GB
  31. https://www.moviefone.com/movie/thunderpants/1218577/where-to-watch/
  32. https://www.ladbible.com/entertainment/film/rupert-grint-thunderpants-people-remembering-reviews-399520-20240510
  33. http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/club/your_reviews/newsid_2006000/2006432.stm
  34. https://www.theguardian.com/film/News_Story/Critic_Review/Observer_review/0%2C%2C722294%2C00.html
  35. https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/thunderpants/
  36. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0283054/
  37. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0283054/trivia/
  38. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/2002W24/?area=GB
  39. https://www.mirror.co.uk/film/black-mirror-stars-four-word-34970133
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