The Thundermans Return – Film Review

The Thundermans Return, directed by Trevor Kirschner and written by Jed Spingarn, aims to rekindle the love and nostalgia for the original television series The Thundermans that aired from 2013 to 2018. While it successfully reunites the original cast, including Kira Kosarin, Jack Griffo, Addison Riecke, Diego Velazquez, Maya Le Clark, Chris Tallman, and Rosa Blasi, the film ultimately falls short in delivering a fresh and compelling narrative, relying heavily on tired tropes and recycled jokes that leave much to be desired.

At its core, the plot is a typical superhero adventure where the Thunderman family once again faces off against their nemeses while dealing with the dynamics of family life and high school. The meteor incident in Metroburg quickly escalates to the introduction of the V-Team, leading to the Thundermans’ suspension and a rather clichéd chain of events where Max and Phoebe strive to reclaim their superhero status.

While the initial premise sounds like it could be a recipe for some fun, the execution lacks the original charm and wit of the series. The film’s attempt to juggle the humorous family antics with action sequences results in a disjointed narrative that fails to fully engage. The inclusion of the villain’s children, supposedly to add a new dimension to the storyline, comes off as an underdeveloped subplot that serves more as a plot convenience than a genuine narrative twist.

The humor, which was a cornerstone of the television series, feels forced and uninspired throughout the film. Scenes meant to provoke laughter, such as Nora and Billy’s misguided attempts to gain friends at school or a helicopter incident involving Cousin Blobbin, feel predictable and rehashed. Moreover, the dialogue often misses the mark, with jokes that feel more like placeholders than thoughtfully crafted humor.

One of the film’s few saving graces is the committed performances from the returning cast members, who bring a sense of familiarity and comfort. Kira Kosarin and Jack Griffo, as Phoebe and Max Thunderman, maintain their chemistry and manage to infuse some life into the otherwise stale script. The younger cast members, including Addison Riecke and Diego Velazquez, deliver energetic performances that will likely please fans of the original series.

The special effects and action sequences provide a mixed bag. While some of the superhero antics are visually entertaining, others come across as overly CGI-heavy and lack the inventive spark needed to elevate them above standard television fare. This inconsistency undermines the film’s ability to immerse viewers fully in the world of the Thundermans and detracts from the overall experience.

The Thundermans Return tries to strike a balance between catering to the nostalgia of long-time fans and attracting a new audience. However, it struggles to achieve either goal effectively. The film feels like a missed opportunity to explore new territory with beloved characters, instead opting for a safe, formulaic approach that doesn’t quite capture the magic of the original series.

The Thundermans Return is a disappointing follow-up that will likely leave fans of the original series longing for the show’s heyday. While it’s always a pleasure to see favorite characters reunite on screen, the film suffers from a lackluster plot, predictable humor, and an overall lack of originality. Despite the efforts of a talented cast, this superhero comedy fails to soar, offering little more than a superficial nostalgia trip that doesn’t do justice to the legacy of the Thundermans.