For any animation aimed at children, priority one is fun. It has to be delightful, humorous, or both. The medium exists almost entirely for such. I don’t understand foreign animation. How can you make an animated film that’s neither delightful nor humorous? I’m looking at you, Red Turtle. I’m looking you, Ma vie de courgette. And those are the good ones. Miyazaki knew full well if you can’t make ‘em laugh, pry those jaws agape. Make them want to live in that animated world. I think I might like to live in the world of Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie.
George (voice of Kevin Hart) and Harold (voice of Thomas Middleditch) are, well, the word is “rapscallions.” Man, there are so many good words we don’t use. I can’t tell you the last time I saw the word “pusillanimous” in print. Sorry, I digress. Friends and comic book artists George and Harold can’t get in trouble quickly enough. I don’t wish to get into their psychology other than to note their consistent efforts to create the school they want have met opposition in the form of Principal Krupp (Ed Helms).
Having been caught pranking on tape, the two boys earned the ultimate punishment: separation. Principal Krupp practically salivates at the idea of removing the two to opposite corners of the school. The mock would-be scenario imagined by Harold is entertaining enough with adult-oriented descriptions (i.e. “long distance relationships never work”) when this mythical future is interrupted by robots wielding deadly laser beams. “Why are there robots attacking us?” “I don’t know! I’m the artist, not the writer; that’s why I need you!” Their happiness in doubt, George pulls a plastic hypno-ring from his pocket and -to the boys’ incredulity- they manage to hypnotize Principal Krupp into becoming their comic protagonist, Captain Underpants.
“Well,” the movie asks, “what would you do if you controlled your Principal?” If you’re gonna go blue, you may as well go all out. Have Terrance and Philip sing “Uncle Fucka” on screen … have an entire montage of animated sex … well, I’ll
stop there. Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie decides to have Principal Krupp lead a whoopee cushion chorus of the 1812 Overture.
There’s an underlying theme to Captain Underpants suggesting kids should be allowed to find trouble … after all, what’s the point in raising a conformist? Besides religious, societal, familial, legal and safety concerns that is. Of course, now I’m stuck on a bigger concern – when we praise our children, is it more often than not for conformity issues? I think it is; that thought disturbs me … so instead I’m going to focus on a thought that doesn’t: this movie was a lot of fun and a great mix of puerile and high-brow humor. Yes, there’s a silly grown man running around in tighty-whities for much of the film. OTOH, there are also lines like: “You have no sense of humor, like a chair or a supermodel.” I think there’s something here for anybody with a funny bone and sincerely hope the same creators are lined up for a sequel.
Trouble-makers encounter a quandary
Whose solution they look upon fondly
A Captain is born
An outfit in shorn
He’ll probably save much on laundry
Rated PG, 89 Minutes
D: David Soren
W: Nicholas Stoller & David Soren
Genre: Messin’ with the principal
Type of person most likely to enjoy this film: Imps
Type of person least likely to enjoy this film: Truant officers
