Film Roar

The trailer looks very impressive indeed. Craft replication appears to be excellent. The TB1 silo is a surprise, which I think surpasses the original swimming pool concept from the TV series. My only reservations would be about script integrity and character performances.

The addictiveness of the TV series came from the fact that the "boys" were making brave and highly mature (life and death) precise decisions away from Tracy Island. [I should also include that it gave many boys a hi-tech fantasy feel of what responsible adult life should or could be away from the mediocre attitudes we were treated with both at home and at school]. However, while their father had a high regard for all his sons he would never hesitate treating them like "brats" at home if they had to be towed in line. Meticulous and clear thinking Virgil and "cocky" Gordon for some reason would be referred to as "boy" whilst Alan gets away with murder...

I wonder how the film makes these interpretations without making comical errors making this film purely for kids which it should not be. For this reason, Thunderbirds, at least the TV series commanded high viewing attention from the 60's and those who watched it then are still addicted to it. So far, it's 9.5/10 for the trailer. Nice work Mr Frakes!

PS: My only reservations is that they guys acting the parts of Scot, John and Virgil...well, did they watch the TV series to get their characters right?

I mean, Gordon although 22 years of age was a ruthless operator with nerves of steel. But the trailer caption suggests that the young acquanaut of TB4 is shittin it at the controls and looks much too young for the role...My hopes though are that J Frakes gets this right!

I agree with the comment above, completely, accept that , if you look closely it's TB3 commin' out of the new silo, and in one of the inner clips you can see TB1 is in a different silo, that looks kinda like theres a swimming pool above.

The Thunderbird trailer is great but I have severe reservations about the why the director has chosen to change Jerry Anderson's, well thought out parts of the Tracy brothers superbly animated from the 1960's TV series.

First off, the charm of the original series was watched by guys who are now in their mid 30's to early 40's who were aged above 5 years old! Second, the series cultivated a mesmerising following with how the producers were able to captivate the minds of young men acting out mature and brave fantasy responsibilities that even most adults fear to tackle! The Tracy brothers approached international rescues with no nonsense ruthlessness that commanded respect from their elders and yet they were just "boys" to their father!

This was its buzz and kick. This is why avid followers can watch the reruns as though they were fresh viewing. Watching TB in the 60's and 70's gave a young watcher a sense of pride and self-esteem. This was different of parents and senseless elementary teachers getting us to do idiotic class room workshops to keep us in check because they pre-conceived as Bratty! I mean, watching TB on Saturday was a dread having to turn up for the rote of school on Monday! What blues!

Now, lets make comparisons from what I could determine from the trailer:

Scott: The eldest son from the TV series at 26! Quick thinker, very analytical and never minces words. Handles TB1 at 7.5k/hour and is first on the scene assessing what TB2 pod equipment to use prior to his arrival to danger zone. Co-ordinates rescue operations. Also Alan's co-pilot for TB3 space missions. Scott is also base commander if his father is absent. However, the film has Scott as son #3 and I can't see this being effective since their father Jeff Tracy mans TB2! Huh?

Virgil: Third son and pilot of TB2 the core of the outfit's operations. Versatile pilot and operator of pod machines including firefly and the mole. Fearless and calculated thinker and works with Scott well. However, the film has Jeff Tracy manning TB2, while Virgil is perhaps the commander of TB3. Why? We want to see the great Virgil Tracy doing hard stuff like operating the mole and getting roasted under intense heat putting out fires or moving hot molten rubble in firefly!

Alan: The youngest son, pilot of TB3 spacecraft. This appointment made the TV series strong as the series was dominated by earth missions of TB1 & TB2. Cleverly, the producers had Scott TB3's co-pilot, which elevated Alan's profile to the viewers by giving him stints on TB2 missions so he was familiar viewing. This also made sense logistically, since Jeff Tracy always wanted Alan to put some good flying time to keep him in shape due to the scarcity of the horrendous pressures endured during space missions. Alan, was also the TB1 pilot when Scott is base commander in absence of his father to rekindle his body's tolerance for high speeds! Interestingly, Alan also relieved John his elder brother at 6 months at a time for Space duty as TB5 monitor. Yep…Alan was young but he became a man fast! However, in the film, Alan has no spacecraft, he's a spotty 14 year old!

Gordon: The fourth son at 22. Aquanaut of Pod 4 satellite craft TB4. A cocky and funny guy but a ruthless operator in underwater missions. Underwater missions were a handful and he didn't mission often. So Gordon's character was strong and when he did stuff like gas a few criminals unconscious to rescue lady Penelope, have hand to hand shoot outs with criminals or killing giant alligators, Gordon's appearances were always memorable as he always had nerves of steel under extreme pressure. However, in the film Gordon I understand looks like a 16 year old shittin it at the controls of TB4.

John: The second son at 25. John is the Space monitor. Listens to world wide disaster reports and analyses whether to respond to distress calls positively before contacting his father at TB base. Also goes on TB2 away mission when earthbound.

Now I can't figure out who is the Space Monitor in the film. Since if Alan has no craft and if John is Space Monitor…then TB3 role is extensively vacant which does not make sense to me! And if their father is manning TB2, then who is the base commander as depicted by Jeff Tracy in the TV series?

Writing this I'm having reservations about enjoying this film although the screen view and special effects appear excellent. I think that the integrating feel for the film in its current frame that got me, as a young guy to watch the series, having a deep emotional rapport for Thunderbirds through out my life, may have been lost for the youngsters of today to appreciate international rescue! However, I hope this film rings the cash register for the producers…

But in consideration, I guess the producers are also trying to be politically correct. All the Tracy boys were ruthless killers when they had to, to protect the secret identity of International Rescue and their Thunderbird craft against criminals and the Hood! However, with youngsters killing citizens for fun today I assume the producers want to detract from that…but my question is this…why depict the Tracy brothers so young in the new film?

Well, I'm not sure about this but, it could go quite well having this film a prequel.

Just think about it. Before the tv series what could have been happening?

Jeff Tracey, in TB2? Why not.

The trailer shows all five standing together at the end. Maybe by the end of the film, the sons have been set their own thunderbirds, and Jeffs just keeping TB2 until his two youngest grow up.

One thing that seems obvious to me, is that, amoungst a rescue, or 2 TB 5 is hit by something and they use TB3 to get John, off the station. All the thunerbirds will be used, so I have no worries there.

I can't wait to see TB1 and TB2 scenes, but I dread the thought of Lady P.

I think, if its done right, this prequel could do quite well.

Anyway, I'm just saying whatever comes to mind.Hope u all enjoy it. Whatever happens I'd rather they did this film than never touch it.

Everyones going to be pissed off about certain changes Frakes has made, but at the same time, just think about the things hes going to get right. I can't wait

Neil Hawk

The trailer looks good, nobody's going to be totally happy with the adaptation, but Frakes is probably the only one with the right approach to new / older fans. I can't say that Lady P. looks particularly classy, but we'll see. Nice to see Bluetooth is used in TB2 - does this mean I've got the first bit of movie merchandising courtesy of Jabra??

I think it's excellent for frakes that there is life after Star trek. Frakes was a superb actor in the star trek series, (even if he did spend most of the time with his head leaning to one side)and has proved his directing ability with the ST films.
With the film being made 50 years after the original series I would be most interested to find out what involvement the 'Anderson' team have had with the making of this film and if this film works, what next? I'm sure that any of the original anderson productions would make fantastic viewing, with todays visual effects...

Im only 17, but my dad was into TB as a boy and thus, introduced me as a young'n, i became a fan, big fan, and this film looks the works. Special fx r good, only reservations being that they 'Hollywood' it up a bit, i suddenly thought of armageddon (the movie) whilst watching that trailer, and wtf is with Gordon? cum on kid, get urself together. But i want to see The Hood, and his glowy eyes, cuz at the age of 5, thats freaky shit!

lewis.

The film will never beat the original, and if they have changed things it will never be as good.

Where's penelope's Rolls?

Leopoldo, your review shows no understanding of the original series and this in my opinion is required in order to make judgement on this live action remake.

I was and still am a very large fan of the original series, and like the initial look of the film.From what I have seen of the trailer, I must say that it seems to be a good work from director Johnathan Frakes (Insurrection seemed to be quite good actually). However, one source of error in the film may turn out to be the acting of the Tracy boys, i find it difficult to think that todays modern actors could replicate their acting onscreen.

Otherwise, I have high expectations of this film and cannot wait to see it!

BTW. Its Gerry with a G. Mucho kudos to the creator of this legendary TV producer (other great masterpieces of television include Stingray, Fireball XL5, Captain Scarlet, Joe 90, Terrahawks, Space : 1999.)

Ps rolls isnt in the trailer, but from images, it looks ok. thunderbirds.capcave.com

OK, go back and re-read what I wrote. First it is not a review. A review is something you write when you watch a movie and want to comment on it. All I write about is the look of the trailer. Second to say I do not understand the original is redundant. That is exactly what I was saying: I never watched the series so I do not understand it and therefore was not interested in the live action movie. The post was not talking about the show or how good it was but about the style and look of the movie, which looks promising.

It's not a Rolls - it's a Ford (eeek!)and its 40 years after the original - (I'm the one who's 50!)

The car is in the trailer - flying.

Can I say, i dunno if u lot r british, but i bloody well am! and i completely agree, that the trailer, although looking more expensive than Lady P's Tea pot, doesn't show any sign of being nearly as good as the original. It's too hollywooded! And none of them look the same as the originals (mind you, that's probably down to the fact that they aren't made of wood) nevertheless, it's been about 40 long years for this film, and so i'm gonna make the most of it!

I have to say that I'am very impressed with
the idea of making a live action movie of
a 1960's tv kids show that was one of my
favorites grwoing up.

Thunderbirds 1 and 3 look very impressive,but
I'am not totally impressed with the look of
Thunderbird2 and FAB1.TB2,though bearing a
slight resemblance to the original in not
in my opinion anything like the original,
yes times have changed since the series,but
I would've like to have seen TB2 stay about
the same.

But despite those feelings,I do hope this
will be an excellent movie and one that
does not let movie goers down or those like
myself who is a big fan of the original series.

This looks like a winner. They reckon that you can tell anyone's age by which Gerry Anderson series you can Identify with...

...I feel six all over again!!

Gerry, put your initial reactions aside. This is a wonderful accolade to your creative genius. I'm gonna have to get yours on DVD, and I can't wait for this live action version. I think Jonathan Frakes is doing you a BIG favour!!!

I'm 41 and proud of it.

Gerry Anderson is KING!!! And Jonathan Frakes is still "No. 1" in my book.

When can we see Captain Scarlet given this treatment?? I want to see "Crater 101" on the BIG Screen!!!

A lot more images can be found at the film's official Japanese site.

A new trailer and set reports suggest the new Thunderbirds movie may not be worth the film it is printed on. Details at Film Roar: Thunderbirds Movie set to Bomb

I think that whoever said that the Thunderbirds is set to bomb is being very foolish and doesn't know what he or they are talking about. The Thunderballs have been around for years and have been considered a cult fav. Now let's get real here! Let's back and really look at how popular this animated movie has become.And then, try to be realistic about how well the movie will be accepted by everyone. I believe it will be a big hit, just like the supermarionated version is.

I loved the original and look forward to enjoying the new film with my 5 year old son. His generation love the big-bang high-adventure surround-sound action, and the original series can seem tame to them in this day and age. The original series was fab for my agegroup, but along with other originals (Batman for example) their re-invention gives them a fresh new lease of life that have the chance to appeal to, and give pleasure to a whole new audience, who will view this with the same excitement as I did thirty years ago. I bet that by the end of summer, I will be the parent of a child who wants me to call him 'Scott' and who insists on me getting into a situation I need rescuing from. By the way - I know that the Thunderbirds numbers do not relate to the ages of the sons ... I always thought that it was more than co-insidence that they were in fanciable order... Scott the hottie, virgil, strong and wise, Alan - boyish but keen, Gordon - orange hair and John - weird billy-no-mates

Can I just say that I am probably one of Gerry Andersons' biggest fans and am perhaps a little disappointed that the great man himself wasn't involved in the new project, but fair play to Frakes for at least attempting a 're-imagining' of such a sacred cow. We all derided Tim Burton when he didn't make Batman as camp and comic-book-like as the original TV series, and the franchise went on to far greater things than anyone ever imagined. Let's just have more open minds here, people. I would personally like to see the movie be a success, if only to let a new generation get a 'flavour' of what I raved about in the 60's.However,if I have one criticism of what I've seen so far of the trailers and stills, it's the fact that the craft don't look dirty enough, but perhaps that will be addressed in 'Thunderbirds - The Return of Grandma'?

I only saw the trailer yesterday, and to me it was immediately obvious that the film is a prequel. Most of the changes from the series make sense when viewed in that light. People's roles are different and some of them need to grow into them to become the guys we know from the show.

My son [age 11] is bored by reruns of the series; for him, raised on Nintendo and CGI, the show is slow and clunky. [He's wrong, of course, but what can you do?] Part of the series' appeal was its superscience breathtaking sense of wonder. For the film to succeed, especially with a younger audience, it needs to communicate that same exhilaration... and do it in terms that today's impressionable youth can understand. So if the film seems too slick and Hollywood for some, well... the series was as slick as was possible at the time, and if the Andersons could've made it look and move more like this film back then, they probably would've jumped at the chance.

Don't blame the film for being a product of its time -- what else can it be?

Im only 14 and a gal but hey i like thunderbirds. My bro used 2 watch it when he was little and i also watched it and i think tht this is gonna b 1 hell of a good movie!!!

What is the name of the song on the trailer????

Its weird because from what ive heard (And seen) Gordon is pilot of TB3 in the movie and its not right, I wish they had kept the pilots to their right crafts, and if Alan wasnt flying yet have the dad as the pilot of TB3 before Alan joins and then Retires as such like in the series letting Alan take his official role

Oh yeah the song on the trailor is Thunderbirds are go by Busted, I got a copy of it on my com im listening to it all the time lol

I am interested in finding out as much as I can about the stripey pink china tea set shown on the scene of Sophie Myles taking a bath. Any ideas?

Mike Thornley

Well i for one won't be seeing it... The ships are not even series acturate, especially TB 2 and TB 4

Go and track down a copy of the ORIGINAL MOVIE, Thunderbirds Are Go... Now that rocks :D

the thunderbird film is very good & people should get it on DVD!

i loved the flim and want to know if there is a second flim coming out soon.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!