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Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (2017)

Based on the bestselling book series, this outrageous comedy tells the story of George and Harold, two overly imaginative pranksters who hypnotize their principal into thinking he’s an enthusiastic, yet dimwitted, superhero named Captain Underpants.

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Directed by David Soren

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • David Soren
Producer
  • Chris Finnegan
  • Mark Swift
  • Mireille Soria

Reviews

Gimly
3/10

I get why a _Captain Underpants_ movie was made. The climate is pretty much as ripe for superhero parody as it's ever going to be, _Captain Underpants_ has enjoyed moderate achievement in terms of being a household name, I even remember more or less enjoying the books as a kid. But _Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie_ is pretty bad. Not in any unexpected ways, it's reasonable to expect a certain level of humour from a film whose titular hero has "Underpants" in the name, but in my honest opinion, _The "First" Epic Movie_, should probably be the last one too.

_Final rating:★½: - Boring/disappointing. Avoid where possible._

Oct 7, 2017

Reno
7/10

**A new superhero has born.**

Based on the children's comic book. It might look silly for a film, but all the animations are. From the director of 'Turbo', it tells the story of two best friends and their little secret. The secret of keeping their school principal under their command, after a mysterious power gave them an opportunity to enjoy the life as they wanted. But when a mad scientist started wreck the school and the city, they have to come up with something to stop him. The remaining story is full of fun action-adventure.

The concept of the superhero was funny. But sure kids would love it. At least would make them wear underwear. I still watched it knowing it is for children, and I liked it. But I watched mainly for Kevin Hart. Because his fantastic voice-over in 'Secret Life of Pets' saved the film, and so here. Little short film, the story too was very simple, though the animation was good. I don't know there will be a sequel, but it should be, or else I would like to see a television series like most of the feature films in the recent time transformed into.

_7/10_

Oct 22, 2017

tmdb98094809
10/10

Alright, buckle up, because I just saw Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie, and… wow. Just wow. Seriously, this movie is like a giant, hilarious, super-powered wedgie of awesomeness!

From the very beginning, you're thrown into the crazy world of George and Harold, two best friends who love pranks, comics, and causing a little bit of (harmless!) chaos. Their friendship is so real and funny, you instantly want to be their buddy. They're creative, they're goofy, and they're just trying to have fun.

The animation style is absolutely perfect. It's like the movie jumped right out of a flipbook, with all these cool, hand-drawn elements that make it feel super unique. It's bright, it's energetic, and it's just plain fun to watch. Every scene pops with color and silly details that keep you laughing and engaged.

And the humor? Oh my goodness, the humor! This movie is packed with jokes that hit on so many levels. There's slapstick, there's wordplay, there's visual gags – it's a non-stop laugh riot. I was literally crying with laughter at some points. And it’s not just silly jokes; it’s clever and smart humor that kids and adults will both appreciate.

The story itself is surprisingly engaging. It’s about friendship, creativity, and the power of imagination. George and Harold’s love for their comics really shines through, and you can’t help but root for them. Even when things get totally bonkers, the movie never loses sight of the importance of being true to yourself and sticking together with your friends.

The characters are all fantastic. From the teachers to the villains, everyone is memorable and hilarious. The voice acting is top-notch, bringing so much personality to each character. You can tell the actors had a blast making this movie.

The pacing is perfect. There’s never a dull moment, and the movie keeps you hooked from start to finish. It's a whirlwind of crazy adventures, hilarious moments, and genuinely heartwarming scenes.

Honestly, I can’t think of a single thing I didn’t like about this movie. It’s a pure joy to watch, and it left me with a huge smile on my face. It’s the kind of movie you can watch over and over again and still find new things to laugh at.
If you love cartoons, if you love to laugh, or if you just want to have a good time, you absolutely have to see Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie. It's a 10/10 masterpiece of pure, unadulterated fun. Go see it! You won’t regret it!

Apr 7, 2025

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Thematic Analysis

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie represents a fascinating example of Family/Comedy/Adventure/Animation cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director David Soren brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $38.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 89 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 145 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 300 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The film contains approximately 1785 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 2017, when this film is released:
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Highlander, which focuses more on action than character development, Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Get Shorty and A Life Less Ordinary explore similar territory, Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: June 1, 2017
  • Runtime: 1h 29m
  • Budget: $38,000,000
  • Revenue: $125,427,681

Where to Watch

Netflix
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