Captain Underpants, First Epic Movie-is one that families need this summer

Captain Underpants was the first book series that our now 7 year old loved. We bought one of the books on a whim and he, with our assistance, devoured it within 24 hours. It’s similar to another massively popular, wimpy book series that elementary to early middle school kids absolutely love. Both franchises would seem to be tailor made for the movie screen. There have been four attempts at a Wimpy Kid film and while each one has made a profit, they didn’t earn much love from the audience. Our kids have always liked Captain Underpants more and it’s because of that fact that I was nervous about seeing it.

‘Please don’t screw it up’, I thought to myself as we entered the theater. Ten minutes into the film it was obvious that they didn’t screw it up as our 7 year old was laughing more than I had ever seen him. He was doubled over in his seat, roaring with laughter and wiping his eyes and pointing at the screen. The person on the other side of him was looking over and enjoying his enjoyment of the film as much as they were.

Captain Underpants gets it right. This is a very funny film that nails the aesthetics and attitude that Dav Pilkey created. George and Harold are two goofball elementary school students who pull pranks on the school. They also get in trouble with Mr. Krupp, the principal of their school so much that they have a pair of seats reserved for them outside of his office.

In addition to pulling pranks, George and Harold draw comic books. They’ve created a series of them staring Captain Underpants, a less than perfect hero who has no superpowers (at first), pear-like physique and is far from the sharpest I.Q. in the superhero break room. Unfortunately Mr. Krupp has confiscated most of the boy’s self made comic books.

This all leads to a breaking point when Krupp has the video evidence needed to separate George and Harold from their current class. George knows that he must do something so he grabs a cheap hypno-ring and takes control of Mr. Krupp. Under hypnosis the boys tell Krupp that he’s the superhero known as Captain Underpants.

All of this happens by the 1/3 mark of the film, so those that aren’t fans of the book won’t have to wait long for the big joke and action payoff. Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie is rated PG for lots of potty humor and some mild fight scenes with the boys and Professor Poopypants who is controlling a toilet the size of a building.

Did I mention that there was lots of potty humor? There is and fans of the books would expect nothing less. Parents, this is good natured potty humor. It’s never cruel or graphic, it’s silly, pun filled and visually silly.

Captain Underpants also feels loved. The animation has more of a classic appeal that audiences will expect, similar to the way The Peanuts Movie looks. The film takes a little time to establish that George and Harold are best friends. They hang out in the tree house, read comics, laugh, snack and enjoy being in elementary school. The duo are only characters in a book, but this film made their friendship real and helps drive the movie forward for those that might have any hesitation.

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie will be incredibly entertaining for ages 5-10. Older kids will still enjoy it, but it won’t deliver the same level of laughs to them as Boss Baby. Parents-as long as they’re OK with puns and poop jokes, will have as much fun as their children. They might even have more fun if they look over at their elementary aged kids to watch them laughing.