THOMAS AND THE MAGIC RAILROAD (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì

Thomas and the Magic Railroad—animation and live action—caters to young children with its beautiful animation. The storyline, however, cannot easily be followed. The film cannot find its audience, almost as if it can not decide between appealing to the child or to the adult. Both Alec Baldwin and Peter Fonda seem poorly cast for this film. Even if one reads a plotline before going, it seems convoluted without reason for the introduction of some of the characters and their personalities, almost as if someone believes it is necessary to have a mean character to make a good movie and someone needs to ensure there is a female engine as well as male engines to be politically correct rather than relying on inborn story-telling to just tell a simple, good story. The backstory to this movie needs more unfolding.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A train engine and its conductor go in search of gold dust. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Britt Alcroft for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Britt Allcroft and Phil Fehrle for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mr. Conductor (Alec Baldwin), Burnett Stone (Peter Fonda), Lily Stone (Mara Wilson), Mr. Junior (Michael Rodgers), Patch (Cody McMains), Stacy Jones (Didi Conn),Billy Twofeathers (Russell Means), Mrs. Stone (Lori Hallier), Tasha Stone (Laura Bower), Thomas (Voice of Eddie Glen), Lady (Voice of Britt Allcroft), Four of the Engines (Voice of Neil Crone), Two Engines, Red Bus, Helicopter (Voice of Kevin Frank), Percy (Voice of Linda Ballantyne), James (Voice of Susan Roman), Toby (Voice of Colm Feore), and Two coaches (Voice of Shelley Skinner).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. Children may appreciate the colors, the familiar presence of Thomas, engines running up and down tracks, and the magical little persons; but, other than that, a Disney classic such as a Mickey Mouse cartoon serves as a better entertainment choice. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

 

Ben Meyers