Captain Underpants movie makes kids and adults giggle

 
Grade: B+
Rating: PG, 84 minutes
In a Nutshell:  As a mother of four sons, I’m quite familiar with the Captain Underpants universe.  If you are too, then you pretty much know what you’re walking into here: an endless string of potty humor.  

Even the character Harold admits, “I didn’t know if it was good weird or bad weird.”  It’s actually a good weird, as well as surprisingly smart and clever, giving kids all the colorful fun and shenanigans they want, while making parents laugh too.
 
Uplifting theme: 
  • Friendship
  • Imagination
  • Pranks of kindness are the best kinds of pranks.
Things I liked:
  • Three different kinds of animation are featured during various parts and they all work really well together. 
  • Some of the visual gags are really cute and funny.
  • Some of the dialogue is actually clever and entertaining for parents who have to sit through this.
  • I love details and this fun flick has plenty of them.
  • There are plenty of Easter Eggs for kids and parents who are fans of the books.
  • Fast-moving, perfect for little kids.
  • Oh, to have as much enthusiasm as Captain Underpants…la la LA!
  • Keep watching after the rolling credits for another funny clip.
  • There’s a zippy Weird Al song that the kids will love.
  • Kevin Hart often annoys me, but he was cute and funny in this.
  • Voice talents include Ed Helms, Nick Kroll, Jordan Peele, Brian Posehn, and Kristen Schaal.
  • The movie is pretty true to the source material.  This movie has been released on the 20th anniversary of the books.  The movie is actually based on several of the books.  Any time a movie makes a kid want to read a book, it’s a great triumph.
  • With names like Professor Poopy Pants, Dr. Diaper, and Bionic Booger Boy, it’s clear the author loves alliteration.  Me too.
Things I didn’t like:
  • One of the female instructors looked and talked exactly like Roz on Monsters Inc., a total rip-off.
·    Super clichéd, one-dimensional characters and stereotypes.  Of course, that’s how kids see adults.
  • There is a short, terrible musical number about Saturday.
  • Lots of farts, burps, and other immature humor.  Harold admits, “That is like the lowest form of comedy.”

Funny lines:
  • “Separate classes?  I’ll never see you again in my life!” – Harold
Tips for parents: 
  • Your kids might actually get ideas for pranks they could pull at school.
  • Parents will roll their eyes and giggle at the same time.
  • Your kids will probably think potty humor is even funnier now.
 
If you can’t get enough, try catching up on some of the Captain Underpants books:

 
 

 

@trinaboice 
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Author, university professor

Author of 23 books, university professor, mom of 4 awesome sons, movie critic, ice cream lover. Check out her world travels and tips at www.EmptyNestTravelHacker.com

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