69
Metascore
25 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 80TheWrapAlonso DuraldeTheWrapAlonso DuraldeIt’s hard to say the name "Captain Underpants” without smiling, and the big-screen debut of the skivvies-clad superhero (the film’s subtitle is “The First Epic Movie”) maintains that same goofy, innocently naughty nature for nearly its entire running time.
- 80Los Angeles TimesKatie WalshLos Angeles TimesKatie WalshThe story of Captain Underpants is funny, fresh and frantic, playing with format and genre, adding meta, self-reflective winks. The film is propelled by its hyperactive energy and quirky style...and the combustible chemistry between the two leads.
- 75The A.V. ClubIgnatiy VishnevetskyThe A.V. ClubIgnatiy VishnevetskyCaptain Underpants’ charm lies in its lighthearted and lightly scatological silliness, so it’s a shame that the movie sometimes overstuffs itself.
- 75Boston GlobeTom RussoBoston GlobeTom RussoIn short, the film owns its immaturity. And the argument it appealingly offers in defense is that it’s healthy, even vital, to be able to laugh at scatological silliness, adults included.
- 75Movie NationRoger MooreMovie NationRoger MooreAn endlessly inventive and anarchic Dreamworks romp based on the Dav Pilkey children’s books, it thrives on prankster pals, over-matched adults and a hand-drawn comic book hero’s ethos.
- 75Slant MagazineKeith WatsonSlant MagazineKeith WatsonThe film is packed with mirthful pranksterism, a vigorous anti-authoritarian streak, and literal potty humor.
- 75Washington PostWashington PostIn an increasingly mean-spirited world, the spirit of fun and kindness in Captain Underpants is simply a tonic.
- 63St. Louis Post-DispatchSt. Louis Post-DispatchIf you can channel your inner grade-schooler and appreciate a villain named Professor Poopypants, you’ll giggle at the irreverent world of Captain Underpants.
- 60VarietyOwen GleibermanVarietyOwen GleibermanCaptain Underpants isn’t out to be more than a trifle; that’s part of its appeal. It’s not so much potty-mouthed as it is a potty-minded kiddie burlesque, one that finds the supreme innocence in naughtiness.
- 50The Hollywood ReporterMichael RechtshaffenThe Hollywood ReporterMichael RechtshaffenIn the absence of a sturdier storyline and more dimensional characters, the manic, rapid-fire delivery, while yielding some well-deserved laughs, proves more exhausting than inspired.