The Thundermans Return (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
The Thundermans Return, directed by Trevor Kirschner and written by Jed Spingarn, is a nostalgic attempt to reignite the magic of Nickelodeon’s hit series The Thundermans (2013–2018). Despite reuniting the original cast, including Kira Kosarin, Jack Griffo, and others, the film struggles to provide fresh, engaging content for both longtime fans and newcomers. Below, we dive into the film’s plot, performances, and where to stream it online, especially for viewers in the U.S.
Plot Overview: Familiar Superhero Family Shenanigans
The movie follows the beloved superhero family, the Thundermans, as they face new challenges in Metroburg. Max (Jack Griffo) and Phoebe (Kira Kosarin) Thunderman, now adults, try to reclaim their superhero status after being suspended from the V-Team following a meteor incident. In typical Thundermans fashion, the family must juggle superpowers, high school dynamics, and family drama as they face off against a new villainous team—the V-Team’s nemeses.
While the premise offers potential for fun, the execution falls short. The Thundermans Return leans heavily on familiar tropes from the original show, with little innovation to captivate a more mature or new audience. The plot feels predictable, and the jokes—once a highlight of the series—often come across as stale.
Performances: Nostalgia vs. New Energy
The film’s saving grace lies in the performances of its cast. Kira Kosarin and Jack Griffo bring back their original chemistry, delivering moments of sibling banter that harken back to the original show’s charm. However, the script doesn’t offer them much to work with. The jokes feel forced, and the emotional beats lack depth, often missing the opportunity to explore the characters’ development over time.
Supporting cast members like Addison Riecke (Nora), Diego Velazquez (Billy), and Maya Le Clark (Chloe) bring energy and enthusiasm to their roles, but their characters feel more like plot devices than integral parts of the story. Scenes meant to highlight their growth often fall flat, recycling jokes and conflicts from the television series without adding any new layers.
Rosa Blasi and Chris Tallman, reprising their roles as Barb and Hank Thunderman, deliver solid performances as the superhero parents. However, even their comedic timing can’t save the film from feeling like a rehash of old material.
Direction and Cinematography: A TV Feel in a Movie Format
Director Trevor Kirschner, best known for his work on television series, brings a similar aesthetic to The Thundermans Return. While this works for fans looking for a familiar visual style, it prevents the film from feeling like a significant evolution from the series. The action sequences, though fun, lack the polish and creativity needed to elevate the film from its TV origins.
The special effects follow suit. While some superhero antics are entertaining, others are bogged down by over-reliance on CGI. The film doesn’t fully utilize the potential for more dynamic or creative action scenes, a missed opportunity given the superhero premise.
Where to Watch The Thundermans Return Online: Streaming Platforms and Options
For those eager to watch The Thundermans Return, the film will be available for streaming on multiple platforms, particularly in the U.S. As of its release in 2024, here’s where you can catch it:
- Paramount+ – The go-to streaming service for Nickelodeon content, The Thundermans Return will be available for streaming on Paramount+.
- Amazon Prime Video – The film will also be available for rental or purchase on Amazon, offering both HD and 4K options.
- Apple TV – Viewers can rent or buy the movie on Apple TV, similar to its availability on Amazon.
- Google Play Movies & TV – Another platform where the movie can be rented or purchased, catering to a wide audience across different devices.
- Vudu – A popular platform in the U.S., Vudu will offer The Thundermans Return for purchase and rental in high definition.
As of now, the film is expected to be released as part of Paramount’s push to expand its library of Nickelodeon content. Therefore, it may not be immediately available on other subscription services like Netflix or Hulu.
Final Thoughts: A Nostalgic Return, But Little More
The Thundermans Return is a film that banks heavily on the nostalgia of its original fanbase but does little to expand or reinvent itself. While it’s heartwarming to see the original cast back together, the movie lacks the wit, charm, and creativity that made the television series a hit. The film’s humor feels recycled, and the plot falls into predictable superhero tropes without adding anything new to the genre.
For longtime fans of the show, The Thundermans Return might offer a fun, nostalgic trip. But for others, it may feel like a missed opportunity—one that could have reimagined the superhero family for a new era rather than simply revisiting old ground.
