Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie Parent Guide

Have you ever noticed how many superheroes look like they are dressed in underwear? Well, I suspect the notion crossed the mind of Dav Pilkey, author of the Captain Underpants book series. And that may be why this animation, based on his work, features a couple of aspiring comic book creators who point to these costume choices as the inspiration for their title character.

George and Herold (voices of Kevin Hart and Thomas Middleditch) are elementary-aged kids who have been friends since kindergarten. Sharing the same sense of humor, the pals combine their separate talents for writing and art, to make hand-drawn adventure stories featuring a bald action figure in tighty-whities. The pair also likes to play pranks on their teachers as a way to cheer up their fellow students at their penitentiary-like school.

Their mischief has made them regular visitors to the office of Principal Krupp (voice of Ed Helms). Fed-up, the administrator threatens to put the hooligans in separate classrooms. To prevent him for carrying out the threat, George attempts to hypnotize him—and it works. With a mere suggestion, Principal Krupp believes he is Captain Underpants, and the boys are able to take control of his actions.

Or so they think. It turns out to be far harder to keep a leash on the eager-but-super-powerless hero. And George and Herold’s struggles to prevent the caped crusader from hurting himself, or those who get in his way, intensify when a new teacher (voice of Nick Kroll) joins the staff. Calling himself Professor P., it quickly becomes obvious the disgruntled, former scientist has evil designs for his pupils.

As is to be expected from the film’s title, this script is full, full, full of potty humor. Perhaps more of a surprise will be the violence that erupts between the boys and the vengeful Professor. While all the depictions are too ridiculous to be taken seriously, they may still be a bit frightening for young viewers.

Yet despite the fixation on toilets and a blatant disrespect for authority figures, the story does allow its characters to reconsider their motives, feel remorse for their mockery, and redeem their actions. While these positive moments won’t flush away all the shenanigans, they will likely provide enough charm to amuse older children and tweens.

About author

Donna Gustafson

Donna Gustafson has been involved with her husband Rod's work since the beginning. Handling many of the behind-the-scenes tasks, she also creates preview pages for up-coming movies, acts as managing editor and occasionally writes reviews.