Thunderpants (2002)

60% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
41% of users liked it
(5,357 ratings)

The family-oriented comedy Thunderpants, directed by Peter Hewitt, concerns an unfortunate ten-year-old who suffers from nearly incessant intestinal gas issues. Patrick Smash (Bruce Cook) is shunned by much of his family and his classmates because of the unpleasant odors that are forever emanating… More The family-oriented comedy Thunderpants, directed by Peter Hewitt, concerns an unfortunate ten-year-old who suffers from nearly incessant intestinal gas issues. Patrick Smash (Bruce Cook) is shunned by much of his family and his classmates because of the unpleasant odors that are forever emanating from him. Only his nerdy friend Alan A. Allen (Rupert Grint), who has no sense of smell, will help Patrick in his goal to become an astronaut. Eventually, Patrick becomes involved with representatives of the United States space program, as well as an opera singer (Simon Callow) who needs Patrick to "play" an exact note at a perfect moment. Ned Beatty and Stephen Fry round out the cast of this quirky comedy. Thunderpants was screened at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 23 min.
Directed By: Peter Hewitt
Written By: Peter Hewitt, Phil Hughes
Genres: Comedy, Kids & Family

In Theaters: Jan 1, 2001 Wide
On DVD: Jul 10, 2007
Studio: MGM/UA

Critic Reviews

MaryAnn Johanson, Flick Filosopher
Oh, dear. It's an entire movie about farts.
Bill Gibron, DVD Verdict
Thunderpants is a one-joke movie that decides to abandon said gag about 20 minutes in for some routine Roald Dahl-like misadventures
Urban Cinefile Critics, Urban Cinefile
Farting is the equaliser of the world, as we know, but as a subject for film, farting offers many traps. Less so, however, if the film is honest and is aimed at a smart audience of 8 - 12 year olds, who understand the true humanising value of a fart.
Ian Waldron-Mantgani, UK Critic
This movie should be shown in prisons so that inmates have a good reason to never return.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Cassandra M

I find it very hard to understand why this film is #89 on th IMDb bottom 100 movies. Although the initial premise of a boy with huge gas problems may not sound appealing, it's actually a good film. Quality acting from all involved (including Rupert Grint, and a tiny teensy role… More
I find it very hard to understand why this film is #89 on th IMDb bottom 100 movies. Although the initial premise of a boy with huge gas problems may not sound appealing, it's actually a good film. Quality acting from all involved (including Rupert Grint, and a tiny teensy role for Keira Knightley), and a sweet central storyline of the two boys friendship. It's obviously not taking itself too seriously, and the only reason I can think that people wouldn't like it is because they expect too much of it. Kids will love it. Adults will find it amusing. And I adored the colour scheme! The continued green theme gave the film an original edge that sets it apart from typical 'kid' films. A good one to watch on a rainy afternoon.
Sophie B

A funny movie which is great for kids but not so good for the more mature peoples of the earth. Unpredictable!
Marcus W

A British family film about a boy with flatulence issues who wants to be an astronaut shouldn't have even been greenlit. Thankfully, it was and someone who saw the heart of the movie took control. The core of this film is about an outcast with a seemingly impossible dream who… More
A British family film about a boy with flatulence issues who wants to be an astronaut shouldn't have even been greenlit. Thankfully, it was and someone who saw the heart of the movie took control. The core of this film is about an outcast with a seemingly impossible dream who never gives up. It does slip in the middle where the plot goes off on an unnecessary tangent, but it pulls itself back together for the ending. A charming little film - but I have no idea why everyone dresses in green...
FanGirl B

A charming childrens' movie about a boy with farting issues. If you have a problem with your kids hearing ass or damn you may want to skip it because both words are used frequently in this film.
Leo L

HILARIOUS! A great movie that keeps you in laughter and captivated to its character!
Chris M

Wasnt a bad film but wasnt great either.