Review of Thomas and the Magic Railroad (2000) by Caleb M — 20 Jun 2010

Is this a kids' movie, or some strange combination of adult satire and saturday morning PBS programming? THomas and the Magic Railroad is equal parts charming (for kids at least) and unintentionally funny. It's all an allegory for the need to conserve fossil fuels while finding new means for clean energy. Or maybe its about taking time to enjoy life and the world instead of worrying over trivial things, or maybe it's about letting your imagination run free, or could it be a message about treasuring the past and some of the beautiful traditions we cherish? Whatever. The film's themes are so broad you can pick any number of those and convince someone you're serious. The fossil fuel/clean energy one makes the most sense while still being hilarious.

Alec Baldwin is the only one here who really tries (and succeeds) in selling his character, not only to kids, but to an audience in general. He gives a winking performance that is equal parts knowing smirk and sincere smile. It's not a classic, and it's no one's finest our, but you could do worse than Thomas and the Magic Railroad for a kids' film that an adult will find entertainment value in as well.