Captain Underpants: The First Epic Adventure (2017)


By using animation to tell a story, there is practically no limit to what could be shown for audiences of all ages. However, animation is mostly considered for children/families, as everyone can enjoy the artistic form of animation. However, that's where the film “Captain Underpants: The First Epic Adventure” breaks all the boundaries of animation. Based off the book series by Dav Pilkey, one might assume that because of the title, there will be toilet humor strewn throughout the film. Yes, there are the occasional gross-out joke, but (no pun intended) this is actually a clever comedic movie that is surprisingly entertaining. There is also one other thing that is kind of a distraction, but it is a nitpick nonetheless. “Captain Underpants: The First Epic Adventure” is a clever comedy that translates the books almost perfectly into animation, thanks to DreamWorks.

The plot consists of two creative friends: George Beard (Kevin Hart) and Harold Hutchins (Thomas Middleditch) who love nothing more than to create comic books, and make each other laugh. However, their principal, Mr. Krupp (Ed Helms) does not like their constant shenanigans, and decides to once and for all end their friendship by putting them in separate classes. Eventually, both George and Harold hypnotize Mr. Krupp to make him become their superhero Captain Underpants. The catch is, he doesn't have superpowers. Now, George and Harold must maintain their principal becomes too destructive, and a bigger plot is revealed.

What makes “Captain Underpants: The First Epic Adventure” work is the fact that the humor knows what its doing.

Sure, it does descend into the juvenile, but personally, that's what the target audience this movie is trying to aim for. Young kids will definitely get a kick out of the movie, and will be very entertained by what is happening. More importantly, young boys who will enjoy this type of humor will get a kick with this flick. But most of all, it is hilarious. This is, hands down, one of the funniest films ever made. If you really enjoy comedy, then this is for you.

On top of this, the movie fast paced, and easy to understand. At only 90 minutes, everything is presented in a timely fashion, and is a lot of fun.

The performances are also top notch, as everyone does a great job. Also, the characters are a lot of fun to watch, and just have a good time, as well.

But what really sells the movie is the animation. For the most part, the animators¸ converted the drawings from the books into amazing 3D, and it really works. From the character designs to the backgrounds, everything looks almost exactly like the books. Another important factor in the animation is that there are certain segments where it turns into the 2D drawings that comics that George and Harold create, which is a nice change of scenery, and offers up a nice little distraction from the 3D. There's also a segment where everything is done with puppetry; not kidding. Overall, this is eye candy that works within the context of the film done to perfection.

There are some minor nitpicks about the film that have to be mentioned. First, while the humor is fine, it does get a little repetitive. Secondly, there is a romantic subplot which is also fine, and establishes the character of Mr. Krupp, it kind of feels as a distraction with the rest of the movie.

In conclusion, “Captain Underpants: The First Epic Adventure” is a fun and brilliant ride in animation that shows that animation knows no bounds or waistbands.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken (2023)

Image
  We all have been teenagers at one point in our lives. But we could never unleash our full potential. Luckily, through the power of animation, DreamWorks proves that teenage power in their latest feature, “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken”. And while it doesn't fit a three act structure, it does make up for good performances, interesting characters, and good morals in the end. “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken” is a decent portrayal of being an outcast in the water; pun intended. The plot involves Ruby Gillman (Lana Condor), a teenager who just so happens to be a descendant from the monstrous kraken that everyone fears. Along with her parents Agatha and Arthur (Toni Collette and Colman Domingo respectively), and her younger brother Sam (Blue Chapman), Ruby must blend in with the humans and try not to go into the water. That is until her crush sends Ruby into the ocean, and transforms her entire body into a giant kraken. Under the tutelage of her grandmother (Jane Fonda), Ruby must protec
Read more

You So Crazy (1994)

Image
 One of the more interesting comedians that is out there is Martin Lawrence. His take on African American culture, as well as culture in general, has put him on the map as one of the most prolific actor in Hollywood. And in the 90s, he was everywhere on the comedic scene. Landing small roles in both television and film, Martin eventually made a name for himself with the TV series 'Martin'. And eventually, with his 1994 feature stand-up film “You So Crazy”. Filmed before a live audience in New York City, Martin jokes and pokes fun at a selection of topics like drugs and alcohol, and especially sex, all uncensored. That's right, harsh language, and suggestive content is all here for the adults to witness and view. However, considering that this came out in 1994, a lot of the humor as aged and has become dated. But that doesn't mean the film is bad; it's just flawed, in certain areas. While “You So Crazy” may not hold up as well among other stand-up features, it more t
Read more

The Beekeeper (2024)

Image
  Bees are an integral part of our world; without them, planet Earth would not flourish. They are fighters, for sure. But what happens when you use the bee metaphor in the case or real world scenarios? You would get the feature film “The Beekeeper”, an action film starring Jason Statham, written by Kurt Wimmer, and directed by David Ayer. The movie enjoys itself with its copious amounts of action in its hour and forty five minute runtime. Although, the film does have some issues that are quite noticeable, they do not hinder the overall experience whatsoever. “The Beekeeper” is an interesting concept with its title, and a decent action film that grabs your attention to the very end. The story centers on a man named Adam Clay (Statham), who enjoys taking care of bees for an elderly lady. One day, the woman gets scammed and commits suicide, leaving Adam all alone. But he's not alone. It turns out that Adam is what's known as a Beekeeper: a special forces agent that is tasked on f
Read more