553. Thomas And The Magic Railroad (2000)

Starring: Alec Baldwin, Peter Fonda, Edward Glen

Director: Britt Allcroft

Running Time: 85 mins

Thomas And The Magic Railroad is an American/British film, based on the TV series, about a time when the Island of Sodor is threatened by the return of evil Diesel 10, who aims to destroy the magic that allows humans from Shining Time to travel from there to the Island of Sodor.

So, is Thomas And The Magic Railroad just a good film, or perhaps the greatest cinematic masterpiece of all time? Probably not the latter, but despite all of the criticism this has received over the years, I firmly believe that it makes a hugely entertaining kids’ film that’s simple enough to understand, and completely loveable.

This review is a lot more personal, and I admit that I am slightly biased in favour of this film, as it does hold a special nostalgic place in my childhood, being the first film I ever saw at the cinema, and a feature-length adaptation of what was by far my favourite TV show for at least 10 years.

Anyway, let’s start with the fact that this film is so happy and enjoyable that it does everything it says on the tin. Granted, if you’re over the age of 11, and/or never particularly liked Thomas, this may be a bit of a struggle for you to watch, but in my opinion, it’s a hugely positive film that will delight all kids that watch it.

The story is great fun too. Taking a weird move away from the original series, this film moves into the realms of fantasy, and a completely bizarre, but imaginative story. This allows it to bring in new characters and other stories (including Diesel 10, who I was always petrified of when I was younger), that makes it even more enjoyable.

The only problem I would have with this is how American the whole thing is. I’m honestly surprised by the amount of Americans on an island next to the Isle of Man, and the fact that even a whole heap of the trains have American voices, in comparison to the voice of narrators of old like Ringo Starr and Michael Angelis, is a little disappointing to see.

Overall, though, I’ll give this a 7.8, because although I understand some of the criticisms this film receives, I think it’s so much fun that I just love it to bits.