Railway Children (2022) User Reviews

You can miss this train

[danchilton-71955 · 5/10 · 24 July 2022]

As you might expect from an attempt to re run a beloved classic there is a certain air of somewhat cynical box checking about The Railway Children Return but some charm does manage to sneak through.

This time round children are sent to the country to escape the blitz rather than just having to slum it with the yokels because daddy has legal problems. This set up allows Jenny Agutter to return as the grown up matriarch of a family taking in the new generation of railway kids. She seems to be enjoying herself but doesn't really have much to do. This is the same for most of the adult characters in the film, thinly drawn but likeable (apart from one insufferable old uncle who turns up purely to spout ra ra nonsense).

This makes sense as it is the railway "children" after all. Some of the child acting is, to be kind, a mixed bag but it never derails proceedings and there is only so much a young actor can do with insightful lines like, "I hate war, I hate it!"

The plot, such as it is, involves a runaway soldier and institutional racism. Fortunately, only the American military are racist (although they still promote black soldiers far up the ranks so i guess we are meant to think they aren't all bad) as the citizens of a quant English village would never indulge in such behaviour. To call the events of the movie a plot is actually a bit of stretch, things happen for a while and then just sort of resovle themselves without much explanation of how everynody came together.

The Railway Children Return isnt a complete waste of time but is likely to be quickly forgotten. Probably as soon as the credits roll.

Sweet but lacklustre

[scottdance-35809 · 5/10 · 20 July 2022]

There is nothing inherently wrong with this film, it is very sweet, quaint and positively intoxicating with its timeless charm of trains in the Yorkshire countryside. But the audience need something more to keep The film from being boring; it is simply not enough to recycle the same locations and the same plot points because from very early on this film just becomes a predictable tribute to the superior 1970s version.

An interesting point to note is how everyone from film critics to members of the public have complained about the secondary theme regarding racial inequality. Nobody was expecting nor wanted this theme in the film and subsequently it is quite jarring and feels out of place according to many people. I for one argue that in order for a period film to be successful nowadays it has to carry social related issues such as racial inequality in order for it to be able to relate to the wider public. After all, we are now so much more aware of racial related issues, ignoring it is hard to do.

In spite of the beautiful shots there was a really terrible continuity errors that were next to unforgivable and the hammy acting. Of the children left much to be desired when it came down to the casting director's choices.

This film will mostly have a fondness towards it, but it's destined to be consigned to TV as a Sunday afternoon filler.

Stop comparing it to the original and take it on its own merits.

[trevorwomble · 6/10 · 24 July 2022]

Part of the negativity here is that some people seem to be reacting like it is blasphemy to make a sequel of sorts to a stone cold classic like the 1970 version is. Yes, its not one of those rare beasts (like Star Trek - The Wrath of Khan, Godfather II, or The Empire Strikes Back) that manages to pull of the impossible and be better than the classic film before it, but its not as terrible as some here would have you believe either. In fact if you can just forget for one second about the huge shadow Lionel Jeffries beloved 1970 film, this is actually quite a watchable and entertaining film. And to those who have been saying this film is ruined by woke politics....well I hate to break it to you but the basic background of black American G. I.s being given a particularly unjustified hard time by their own side during WWII is actually based on fact (look at the Jim Brown character in 1967s The Dirty Dozen to see the same type of thing). In fact I think this is a decent effort to tell a story about an injustice just as the original film did.

The cast are fine with Beau Gadson as Lily being a standout. Sheridan Smith turns in a good performance too as Annie, although Tom Courtenay seems like he's been squeezed into the plot and Jenny Agutter seems to have not a lot to do (which is odd because she was the heart and soul of the original). The impact of war on the children is reasonably well dealt with too in a way that isn't patronising for youngsters.

My only real grumble is a technical one. The overuse of edits and of hand held camerawork in the first half of the film was really annoying, especially as the original had a much more natural flow to the visuals which i'm surprised teh director here didn't try and emulate. Also the colour palette is strangely muted here with greens and browns overwhelming the picture. Admittedly that may have been intentional considering that this is supposed to be wartime, but maybe that was intentional? I also found the language felt out of place. Lionel Jeffries would never let coarse words like 'Fart' into his script and it felt like unnecessary pandering to a young audience.

This is not a bad film. Actually it's quite a decent one (even if it lacks an ending as powerful and tear-jerking as the original). A film about people for a family audience that offers the viewer something more traditional than yet another comic book adaptation or another CGI animation film. After seeing yet another soulless American multinational corporate feature film last week, to me it was nice to see this as it wasn't trying to sell me a toy, a happy meal or hook me into a franchise. For that I was thankful. Sure, films with Minions have their place but its nice that there is a humanity to a film like this. However the film never quite escapes the massive shadow of it's 52 year old forebearer (which people forget did have some cheesy moments). This film shouldn't be criticised just because it exists, I am just acknowledging its flaws. We should be happy that this is at least something different as opposed to the filmmakers not being silly enough to attempt to remake the original.

To sum up then, this is an inferior if watchable sequel to one of the most beloved films ever to come out of the UK. It is not great but nor is it terrible, it's just not going to be as memorable and celebrated 52 years after it was released (unlike the original which was lightning in a bottle).

Shameful Hack

[hilary_mae-912-80561 · 3/10 · 25 July 2022]

Who is the audience supposed to be? I thought this would be a family movie, and expected a weak version of the original, but the writers have ruined a wonderful original tale and filled the film with unpleasant characters, racism, bigotry and bad mannered children.

Yes, the issues of racism do need to be told and historically remembered, but this is not the film for it. The Railways Children was a lovely, charming and heartfelt story of a family in crisis and how loving children helped their mother and each other. This is not the platform for a socially conscience lesson.

Write a new movie if you want that; don't leach off a gentle story.

Really enjoyed it.

[uum-30420 · 7/10 · 25 August 2022]

First off I will admit that I haven't seen the older adaptions, but I found this movie to be really watchable and heartwarming.

The acting was amazing, and for a movie about war there were many funny moments that made me connect with the characters. I enjoyed the fact that there was one actress who was in two former adaptions of this story, she really seemed to love her role and gave a great performance.

There are many reviews here that decry this movie as 'woke', but I thought the inclusion of the issues facing black soldiers fighting on the side of the Allies added a facet that I haven't seen before.

A solid 7/10, thoroughly enjoyed it.

Ruined a classic with woke racism

[proberts-31623 · 1/10 · 27 July 2022]

Weak script, with poor acting and brainwashing the audience with woke rewriting of history. It has no business using the name of a classic film. Avoid at all cost.

Shocking

[sparkey1967 · 19 February 2023]

I gave up half way through & I rarely do that, some part of me has faith that things will improve, they really didn't!!!

I can't remain PC & give this my honest opinion, but do anything with your time rather than spend it watching this!!

It does of course have Jenny Agutter, but she should not have lowered herself to be involved!!! Lionel Jeffries would be turning in his grave.

I'd watch the original any time, but not this ridiculous pile of ****!

Didn't even see much in the way of actual trains or railways to be honest, just some carriages in a siding!

I wanted it to relight the childhood feelings that the original did, I wanted it to be at least watchable & ideally good, alas no!!!!

Do yourselves a favour and don't bother!!

An interesting story but..

[hillww · 6/10 · 19 July 2022]

This was a really interesting story based on a true but relatively forgotten part of WW2 history.

I could cope (just) with the 2022 wokeness and the extremely dodgy CGI but the film was completely overwhelmed by the mediocre, loud and intrusive music that was everywhere.

Have the Producers not heard of the phrase 'less is more' or considered allowing the audience to decide its own reaction to the events on screen.

Doubt I shall want see it again, even for free.

Truly Awful

[malcolmgsw · 2/10 · 21 July 2022]

Trading on the goodwill generated by the original,this quickly dispels any such feeling. A plot which has little of the warmth and charm of the original. It then tries to copy the climax of the original. The music is overbearing.

Interesting to see Tom Courtney,other than that a total non event.

Family favourite returns

[Shawsshank · 8/10 · 9 October 2022]

Carrying on the ethos of the original film "The Railway Children" this is a wholesome family film. Great cast, especially the children actors.

A feel good film with a believe-able story line about the trials of youth and the pain of war.

The viewer is spared the gore pain and heartache, but the references are realistic and relevant to the plot.

With references to black persecution and involvement in WW2 that is not normally raised in this type of genres.

No sex, swearing or violence. Well worth the rental fee. Nice feel good Sunday afternoon film that you can watch with a bottle of wine and block of chocolate.

Ignore the right wing trolls

[dellis-71445 · 7/10 · 17 August 2022]

This is a solid family film and not a superhero in sight. Sure, the ending is a little unbelievable but overall I enjoyed it and there are some good young actors here too.

The "usual" tripe.

[michaeljameshughes · 1/10 · 28 July 2022]

The original, released in 1970, is still remembered, over 50 years later, with affection. A great little story about childhood innocence. This latest effort will be remembered for 50 minutes!!!. An absolute travesty that they linked it to the original in an effort to get " bums on seats". Why, oh why, do these film-makers think it is fine to turn a well-loved classic into a "woke-infested" pile of doo-doo?. Well at least it will lose money, let's hope the money men take notice, but they never seem to learn.

Railway Children

[elainehowell · 22 November 2022]

I have just watched this as a TV movie. Thank goodness I didn't pay cinema prices for myself and family. Absolutely dreadful. Seems to have been totally rewritten and so many deviations from the lovely original story. It's a party political broadcast in so many parts . I certainly don't recall so much violence and rude children . Plus Americans written into the story line. A lot of these film re writes should just be left as they are rarely anywhere near the original. The scenery is of course beautiful, the old trains amazing, some of the actors just about OK but in general very poor. Very surprised Jenny reprised a role. In all very disappointing.

pseudo-sequel

[ferguson-6 · 6/10 · 27 September 2022]

Greetings again from the darkness. We probably need more family-style movies covering serious topics and worldly events in a style that makes it amenable for kids to watch and learn. I tried to keep that in mind while watching this film from director Morgan Matthews (A BRILLIANT YOUNG MIND, 2014) and co-writers Daniel Brocklehurst and Jemma Rodgers. It should be noted that it also serves as a pseudo-sequel to the classic 1970 film directed by Lionel Jeffries, which was adapted from the beloved novel by British author Edith Nesbit.

An opening at the Train depot in 1944 finds many mothers tearfully hugging their kids goodbye as they help them board. It's war time and parents will do anything they can to protect their offspring - even if it means an unknown future and the chance they will never see them again. We follow three particular siblings: Lily (Beau Gadsdon), the eldest; Pattie (Eden Hamilton), clever but not as old as she wishes; and Ted (Zac Cudby), the youngest. The three are from Salford and headed towards the safer countryside, where bombs aren't as likely to rain down.

Upon arrival, the kids are taken in by Roberta "Bobbie" Waterbury (Jenny Agutter) and her daughter Annie (Sheridan Smith). Ms. Agutter reprises her role as "Bobbie", which she played in the original film some 52 years ago. She's now grandmother to Annie's son Thomas (Austin Haynes), who quickly bonds with the new arrivals. Annie is also the local schoolmistress charged with making sure the kids keep up with their studies.

Lily carries the weight of being the oldest child, and the others look to her for direction when they stumble upon Abe (KJ Aikens), an injured young American soldier gone AWOL. He's hiding out in a disabled train car, and no one knows what to make of him, other than they want to help. This is the "serious" side of the story, and it's balanced with often silly-type sequences. As an example, the new kids are out of their element with farm life, and of course, we get the pratfall of slipping in the mud, followed by the giggles.

Tom Courtenay appears as the mysterious Uncle Walter, while John Bradley is the station master. Homages to the original include Lily dreaming of seeing her military dad through the steam of the locomotive, and we see the local kids banning together to create signs and noise to stop a passing train. The aspects of racism are a bit heavy-handed, but not to the extreme of the overly dramatic, and at times, overbearing music (meant to generate viewer reaction). It's easy to dismiss the film as fluff due to it's "after school programming" feel, but again, that is purposeful, and through young eyes, it should work.

The first review on IMDB for "The Railway Children Return"

[Metal_Robots · 7/10 · 15 July 2022]

"The Railway Children Return" is a new film. It features a Railway, a train, various children, and a few adults.

I first became aware of The Railway Children when I was a child myself, but I was not involved with railways in any way at the time. It was often shown on TV at the time and I also used to watch something called Black Beauty, which was tonally similar but set at an earlier time, as far as I recall. Thanks for reading my contribution to IMDB.

Truly awful film

[Sky4021 · 1/10 · 29 August 2022]

Ruined a classic film bringing racism into it why was that needed!!??why change a film which had a feel good family feel to it!! No need what's so ever.miserable fail in my eyes and others reviews I can see,stop trying to rewrite classic films leave them alone,not sure what they were thinking another one ruined by wokeism and drivel, a charming family feel good film ruined......appalled to be honest how on earth did they think this would work!!

Stop trying to rewrite classic films for rubbish like this,some terrible acting too may I add,the original railway child actress Jenny Agutter must have been crazy to join this film.

What have they done.

[majorebanez · 1/10 · 19 July 2022]

Another movie ruined by race again. If they can't make a good movie they decide, hey let's make a movie about race as that's all we know how to do. They ruined a classic English movie by injecting race into it. We all have had enough now of this, just stop.........

Not quite worthy follow up.

[mick-meyers · 8/10 · 27 July 2022]

The film as a stand alone,is a good effort,but it will be derided by many as with all sequels as a failure.nit to be missed especially for those that miss the innocent days of childhood.shame there wasn't a nod to Bernard Cribbens who's was down to appear but due to health reasons couldn't.there could be a worse way to spend an afternoon.

Woke tripe, avoid at all costs!

[zzzmallon · 1/10 · 20 July 2022]

Why can't they just leave skin colour out of things for a couple of hours?

I was really looking forward to watching this to get away from all the rubbish going on on the world right now!

A classic ruined - thanks very much, 1/10!

Pretty poor sequel

[coombsstephen · 4/10 · 18 July 2022]

This whole film is a quite weak. The story is really unbelievable, the acting isn't great and it all gets ludicrous.

It's hard to know who this film is aimed at, who will see it and even why it was made.

Absolutely appalled by this film!

[lucytipler · 1/10 · 5 August 2022]

I took friend's children to see this for a bit of lovely comforting escapism after a family passing only to find it was nothing like the original! Shockingly upsetting, traumatising, and then racism with beatings by the police on coloured soldiers and children!? What the hell did the producers think they were doing naming it under this classic and beautiful boo and film? Why is Jenny Agater in it? She was my endorsement so I knew it would be fabulous- only to find I had three children (a 12 year old and two 9 year olds) cowering under my wings in terror and asked to leave half way through! Absolutely furious and totally embarrassed.

Get on Board

[talentgirl · 8/10 · 15 July 2022]

A lovely nostalgic film. A simple story but well executed. It was lovely to see Jenny Agutter in it and took me back to a simpler time of my own childhood. Well worth seeing and your kids would like it if you could persuade them to come along. Recommended.

Disappointing sequel riddled with woke ideas and historical inaccuracies

[john-3422 · 4/10 · 1 August 2022]

Having seen the original Railway Children numerous times since it was first released in 1970, I had high hopes for this film, on the basis that Jenny Agutter had agreed to appear in it. However, I was sorely disappointed, as historical inaccuracies and retrospective applied politically correct ideas totally ruined the film for me. To give just a few examples:

The film is based on children being evacuated from Manchester in 1944 in response to a renewed German bombing offensive. While such an offensive did occur (and was known as the Baby Blitz) it was largely concentrated on London and the south east of England.

Bobbie's grandson, Thomas, had a far too broad Yorkshire accent for someone from a middle-class family.

Lily would not have been detained for a prolonged period by the American MPs, but would have been handed over to the British police at the earliest opportunity.

The British policemen would have been wearing helmets and not flat caps.

Lily seeking to hide Abe's army uniform by giving him civilian clothes is completely ludicrous, as he would have been immediately identifiable by his skin colour (or perhaps color).

A young man with Down's syndrome would not have been employed as a telegraph boy at that time.

The American general at the end of the film would not have been black.

Most likely film to be soon forgotten

[Surreptitious_Vin · 3/10 · 30 August 2022]

Every time I come across films of children being packed off to the countryside during WWII, 2 films invariably come to mind - Narnia, and Hope and Glory. Unfortunately, this neither has the fantastical element of Narnia, nor the magical perspective and childlike thrill of H&G.

For an adult director to recreate the world through the eyes of a child, requires huge amounts of perception and skill, both in direction as well as acting. This falters on both as neither is convincing enough to sustain the interest of the viewer throughout the duration of the film.

There are films where racial injustices are not only integral, but indispensable. But to force racial themes into every film film that could so easily be done without, is not only trivializing the issue but rather making a mockery of it as the audience would easily spot the digression and this is exactly what happens here.

Lastly as an aside, this period piece deals with racial justice in an era were there was little to none, compelling an unlikely amalgamation.

A good idea but...

[debbiemathers · 3/10 · 1 August 2022]

It was a good idea to update the railway children story of the Second World War but an absolutely dumb idea to put modern ideas of racism - presumably to please the woke crowd - into it. Come on this is a children's film. We know that racism existed in the American army but the enemy was not the Americans but the Nazis. Even the murderous Joe Stalin was on our side! The idiots who rewrite history like this give our children the wrong idea, that somehow the brave lads who went to war against one of the most murderous regimes ever were the bad guys. These things are just totally annoying and totally out of place in children's films. Another example of woke virtue signalling. The movie could've been made a lot more entertaining with a lot better and more imaginative screenplay. Hopeless!