Metascore

Overwhelming dislike - based on 23 Critics What's this?

User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 23 Ratings

  • Starring: Alec Baldwin
  • Summary: A magic journey happens when a young girl visitis her grandfather and finds herself on a special train pulled by an engine named Thomas.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 23
  2. Negative: 15 out of 23
  1. Reviewed by: Loren King
    75
    A train worth catching.
  2. The film is inoffensive, and Baldwin is fun and engaging.
  3. Reviewed by: Monica Eng
    38
    Children's films can be thrilling affairs for parents and kids. Unfortunately, this film is not likely to thrill either group.
  4. 30
    Confusing to anyone who's familiar with the word "plot."

See all 23 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 17
  2. Negative: 5 out of 17
  1. 8
    It's good overall, but it has many plot issues, considering the fact that the introduction to the engines is bad, leaving firs-timer Thomas and Friends watchers having to stop and watch the TV show before they can understand what's happening. 8/10 Expand
  2. Thomas The Tank Engine has been known for being the most popular TV show made for children of all ages and it goes on for generations ever since, and for some reason, it was based on the Shining Time Station TV show (the only show that I've haven't watched). I have one question before I start reviewing this movie that was based on the show: Is it fair to make fun of a movie you like from your childhood? Hardly, but I've got no time to waste. Time to review.

    The story focuses on Mr. Conductor as his magic gold dust is running low. Desperate to find it in order to get back to Shining Time, he embarks on a journey to Sodor to find the magic gold dust there. Meanwhile, Thomas the tank engine tries to find off the attacks of the evil Diesel 10 before he finds the lost steam engine and destroys it. Getting all the help from his cousin, his new friend Lily, and her grandfather, Mr. Conductor helps find the engine that has been hidden for years in order to find all of the magic gold dust that has also been hidden.

    What's so bad about this movie? The storyline was inconsistent, in my opinion. It had a lot of flaws and plot holes I don't even know how many they were. The storytelling was very poor, and even the script was so bland.

    What's so good about this movie? The cinematography was creative, the acting wasn't half bad, the pacing was good, the visuals were great the music score was very good, and most of all, it had the potential of the TV show despite the fact that the critics said it got americanized.

    Thomas and the Magic Railroad isn't good nor horrible either. It's a very mediocre family movie, but at least they brought the TV show to life on screen. It's worth a watch on VHS and DVD only.

    5/10
    Expand
  3. this is such a poor attempt at bringing the much-loved TV series to the big screen that it's probably a good thing reverend wilbert awdry isn't around to see it Expand
  4. MikeS
    1
    This is an absolutely terrible movie even by the standards of my 2 year old. It is poorly acted, poorly scripted, poorly shot and doesn't even give much screen time to the steam engines (the main reason my 2 year old wanted to watch it). One big long non-sequitur that makes Teletubbies seem like Shakespeare. There is nothing here for your kid. There is nothing here for you. Don't waste your time or money. Expand

See all 17 User Reviews