Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fart jokes galore in warmhearted kids fantasy adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Thunderpants
What's the Story?
In THUNDERPANTS, young boy Patrick Smash (Bruce Cook) can't stop breaking wind. When he and his best friend, Alan (Rupert Grint), learn to harness the power of his releases, they kick-start a series of adventures that include touring the world and going into space.
Is It Any Good?
While the main theme might make it a no-go for some, this is a warm and loving movie that holds children in high regard. Director Peter Hewitt had absolute affection for his main duo in 1991's Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey, and here he gives the same warmth to central characters Patrick Smash and Alan A. Allen. The gassy Patrick is often hilarious in his near deadpan, hangdog voice-over, while Harry Potter star Grint is superb -- in only his second feature film -- as Patrick's highly intelligent friend. Grint delivers in Alan an eccentric, singular character who is a joy to watch, with his 1930s-style transatlantic accent and wide-eyed enthusiasm.
Thunderpants plays on Patrick and Alan's quirks and eccentricities, but it is never mean or laughing at them. The only time the laughing is stifled is when school bully Damon (Joshua Herdman) tries to belittle them. The way these children are celebrated extends to the crack team of child scientists enlisted to help bring a team of astronauts home safely. It's a fantasy movie about children made entirely for children. There may be plenty of fart gags, but it's also full of important messages about acceptance, ambition, and friendship. Not for everyone's tastes, but for some, this gassy adventure will hit all the right notes.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the use of humor in Thunderpants. Did you find it funny? Why might "fart jokes" not appeal to everyone? Why do different types of humor appeal to different types of people?
How does the movie promote curiosity, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths to have?
Discuss the importance of acceptance -- of both yourself and others. How does Patrick learn to accept himself for who he is? How does this affect the way Patrick feels about himself? Why is it important to recognize and accept what makes us different?
Talk about the bullying that occurs in the movie. Why do you think Damon picks on Patrick? What are some positive ways to deal with a bully?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 24, 2002
- On DVD or streaming : July 10, 2007
- Cast : Rupert Grint , Simon Callow , Bruce Cook
- Director : Peter Hewitt
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Genius Products
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , STEM
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 83 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : ongoing crude humor, language, some violence and bullying
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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