Thunderpants (2002)

An 11-year-old boy's amazing ability to break wind leads him first to fame and then to death row, before it helps him to fulfill his ambition of becoming an astronaut.

Director:

Peter Hewitt (as Pete Hewitt)

Writers:

Peter Hewitt (story) (as Pete Hewitt), Phil Hughes

Stars:

Simon Callow, Stephen Fry, Celia Imrie

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Simon Callow	...	Sir John Osgood
Stephen Fry	...	Sir Anthony Silk
Celia Imrie	...	Miss Rapier
Paul Giamatti	...	Johnson J. Johnson
Ned Beatty	...	Gen. Ed Sheppard
Bruce Cook	...	Patrick Smash
Rupert Grint	...	Alan A. Allen
Bronagh Gallagher	...	Mrs. Smash
Victor McGuire	...	Mr. Smash
Adam Godley	...	Placido P. Placeedo
Leslie Phillips	...	Judge
Robert Hardy	...	Doctor
John Higgins	...	Paediatrician
Lillie Crossley	...	Denise, age 5
Sam Davies	...	Patrick, age 3

Storyline

Patrick Smash (11) was born with two stomachs, and hence the uncontrollable 'talent' to produce ungodly farts. This soon drives his own dad away and makes his social life hell. His only friend is classmate Alan A. Allen, a prodigy genius, who has no sense of smell. Even Alan's invention Thunderpants, which renders Patrick's farts harmless, can't make his space travel dream realistic. However after the invention of an adaptation which turns it into flying fuel, Alan is recruited by the US space center. Patrick becomes word class tenor Sir John Osgood's secret high C farter. Their reunion is even more incredible.

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Plot Keywords:

invention | astronaut | tenor | dream | best friend | 

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Taglines:

It's time to blast off!

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Genres:

Comedy | Family | Sci-Fi

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for ongoing crude humor, language, some violence and bullying

Details

Official Sites:

Genius Products [United States]

Country:

UK Germany

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 May 2002 (UK)

Also Known As:

Plein gaz

Filming Locations:

153 Hammersmith Road, Hammersmith, London, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$7,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£430,913 (United Kingdom), 26 May 2002, Limited Release

Company Credits

Production Co:

CP Medien AG, Mission Pictures, Pathé Pictures International

Technical Specs

Runtime:

87 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

When Josh Herdman came down to the final two actors auditioned to play 'Damian'. His fellow auditionee was Adam Williams, who coincidentally is only two days younger than him.

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Quotes

Gen. Ed Sheppard: Who gave you ladies permission to blubber?
Gen. Ed Sheppard: Now let's blow ass!

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Connections

Referenced in Best of the Worst: Playing Dangerous 2, the Exterminator, and the Deadliest Prey (2013)

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Soundtracks

Also Sprach Zarathustra
Written by Richard Strauss

User Reviews

A Charming Little Film...

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.