TIME TO THUNDER-IZE!

Views & r(E)views By Mike & Paula Parker "THUNDERBIRDS" Universal Pictures Time to Thunder-ize! Based on the cult British television show from the 1960s, THUNDERBIRDS is another "Spy Kids" knockoff, but that doesn't stop it from being a brightly-colored, delightfully over-the-top, surprisingly feel-good movie. THUNDERBIRDS has a lot going for it, not the least of which is veteran Sci-Fi master, Jonathan Frakes, directing. "Make it so, Number 1." Uh, sorry. That just slipped out. THUNDERBIRDS is the nickname of International Rescue, an organization of rigorously trained, highly motivated, and really cute teenage guys who all happen to be brothers, led by THEIR reclusive billionaire astronaut turned crime fighter father, Jeff Tracy. Based on a remote desert island , cleverly named Tracy Island, the THUNDERBIRDS are called into action whenever the world's sinister masterminds threaten to disturb global peace. Of course this summer's sinister mastermind, "The Hood" played brilliantly by Sir Ben Kingsley, has decided to take over the world! But in order to accomplish this dastardly mission he must first subdue the THUNDERBIRDS. "The Hood" lures the Tracy family into outer space where he catches them in his trap - all except young Alan Tracy, who is too young to go on rescue missions. Does Alan obey his father and stay put, safe on Tracy Island? No way! It's time to Thunder-ize! Okay, THUNDERBIRDS is about as far-fetched and at times goofy a film as you’ll want to watch this summer, but that doesn't mean this is a second-rate action film designed to keep the kids entertained while mom does some shopping. Frakes knows his business and paid incredible attention to detail in the film's production quality and style. The dialogue is crisp and fun, even when the acting gets a little too earnest for the material. And the action sequences are actually quite good. In the end, THUNDERBIRDS is really about a family, honor, courage, and loyalty...and about opening up a can of F-A-B on the bad guys. Family Factor: THUNDERBIRDS is rated PG for some intense action scenes and mild language.