(rated G)
This year’s safest and sweetest movie has arrived! For almost two decades, a lively little train named Thomas the Tank Engine has starred in two television series – the internationally acclaimed “Thomas The Tank Engine” and the award-winning “Shining Time Station.” Now, as a feature film,Thomas is a slow-moving-time-to-absorb story that allow a child’s mind to expand the imagination while watching these trains (each with specific faces and personalities) share their attitudes and well — train track philosophies. However, even the meanest Diesel 10 train is menacing (wants to hurt “Lady”) but non-threatening. Mom and dad will bask in the homespun tale with gentle soundtrack. The simple storyline (a dose of young at heart) prompts memories of our own childhood shows with happy endings that sell. Thomas however, isn’t just a world of sunny blue sky backdrops. Amazingly there is a balance of the optical delights of animation with everyday challenges of real people. Alec Baldwin (now a parent himself) played the concerned conductor because he felt the story transcended to typical genre definition. It’s not just a kid’s movie, it’s a people movie. Peter Fonda perfectly portrays the grandfather who is reminded of the importance of life through a rekindled romance with his grand-daughter (Mara Wilson) who comes to visit. With three generations spanned, the help of a hip surfer-dude named “Junior” and a little magic, they attempt a mission to revive a train named “Lady” who requires special coal to make her steam again. The movie, like comfort food of meatloaf and mashed potatoes, validates children’s need for a place to call home just like Shining Time Station, where you can safely let your mind wander into a world of imagination. This one is definitely off the charts – er, tracks! Chug right over to your nearest theatre.
