With three boys who have grown up watching Thomas, this is the one movie that no one wants to watch. This is a shame because the animation is great and there are some fun and catchy songs in here that the little ones really enjoy.
However, this soon becomes a story in which Thomas stumbles into various characters "beyond sodor" most of whom are either confusing or downright sinister.
What are we telling children here? That people and places beyond your back yard are scary and to be avoided?
This eventually becomes a story in which Thomas is held against his will to work for some other trains. The echoes of bullying and trafficking really are too much for a film aimed at young and very young children. At least Legends of the Lost Treasure (which also features a sinister character) sees Thomas largely in control and confident to challenge the "heel" of the movie.
I'd recommend looking to some of the other Thomas films for kinder stories, better role models and fewer threatening situations.
However, this soon becomes a story in which Thomas stumbles into various characters "beyond sodor" most of whom are either confusing or downright sinister.
What are we telling children here? That people and places beyond your back yard are scary and to be avoided?
This eventually becomes a story in which Thomas is held against his will to work for some other trains. The echoes of bullying and trafficking really are too much for a film aimed at young and very young children. At least Legends of the Lost Treasure (which also features a sinister character) sees Thomas largely in control and confident to challenge the "heel" of the movie.
I'd recommend looking to some of the other Thomas films for kinder stories, better role models and fewer threatening situations.