Alan Tracy is the youngest son of billionaire ex-astronaut Jeff Tracy. While the rest of his family is off saving the world, Alan is left at boarding school unable to concentrate on his work or tell his classmates that he will one day join the International Rescue team. The only person who can know his secret is Fermat, the stammering son of Brains. Returning to Tracy Island for spring break Alan, Fermat and Tin Tin, daughter of the Tracy's family retainer, are soon left alone on the island when the Thunderbirds are called away on a hoax mission by the evil Hood. The Hood soon takes control of the island, leaving Alan and friends to save the day, his family and rest of the world while he is at it. The film will have you laughing all the way through as you relive your childhood spent watching the Thunderbirds in action.

Everyone remembers the Thunderbirds; whether it is from their first TV airing in 1965 or subsequent re-runs, no one can forget those immortal words…. "5, 4, 3, 2, 1….Thunderbirds are go!". Now you can watch your favorite heroes walking unaided (though look out for comedy moments where the strings are attached), brought to life in the movie directed by Jonathan Frakes (better known as William T. Riker in Star Trek: The Next Generation).

Thunderbirds boasts an all-star cast, with Bill Paxton playing the head of the Tracy family, Anthony Edwards as the ever lovable Brains, Sophia Myles as the classy Lady Penelope and Ben Kingsley as The Hood. The film is definitely worth watching. Although the movie is clearly aimed at those below the age of 14 with the main heroes being a young Alan Tracy (played by fifteen year old Brady Corbet), Tin Tin and Fermat, there is something for fans of all ages.

The special effects are good and Thunderbirds 1 and 2 landing in London are a must-see. Sophia Myles brings Lady Penelope into the 21st Century, becoming less like the well known puppet and more like Liz Hurley in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery. She provides some great fight scenes along with the ever faithful Parker (Ron Cook), and plenty of hilarious quick comments. Anthony Edwards' portrayal of Brains, the genius continually in search of a word he can pronounce, gives an ample supply of comedy which will keep parents entertained throughout.

The film is one of the best adaptations of a television series I have seen. It knows everyone loved the puppets and manages not to take itself too seriously, thus making for a light hearted, enjoyable movie.

Emma Cuthill 11/08/04