Review and Analysis of a Thomas & Friends Movie

Jul 23, 2024

Review and Analysis of a Thomas & Friends Movie

Key Points Addressed

Introduction

  • The movie is criticized because a similar concept was already explored in a 2015 YouTube series featuring Thomas traveling around the world.
  • The YouTube series is considered more realistic and less nonsensical compared to the movie.

Canon vs. Non-Canon

  • The YouTube series wasn’t canon, making it bearable, unlike this movie which is considered part of the official storyline.

Misrepresentation of the Original Vision

  • The movie misrepresents the original vision of Reverend Wilbert Awdry, the creator of Thomas.
  • The interpretation of Thomas wanting to “see the world” was originally about exploring the island of Sodor, not literally traveling around the globe.

New Character and Writing Issues

  • A new character in the movie nearly runs over the show's representation of Reverend Awdry.
  • The reviewer questions the writing quality, especially attributing it to Andrew Brenner, who was known for better storytelling.

Visuals and Animation

  • The reviewer is visually oriented and heavily critiques the cartoony and unrealistic animation style of the movie.
  • They find it distracting and unfitting for the Thomas series.

Realism and Plot Holes

  • Numerous examples highlight the unrealistic elements: Ace’s driving laws violation, fish carried in open trucks, and Thomas pulling an implausible number of cars.

Race and Geography Issues

  • The unrealistic portrayal of a worldwide journey, including factual errors about transportation and logistics, is heavily criticized.
  • The journey across Africa, traveling from Senegal to Tanzania, is highlighted as particularly absurd.

Musical Elements and Educational Content

  • The reviewer isn’t fond of the musical aspects and educational inserts, finding them inconsistent with the realistic tone of the series.

Unaddressed Consequences

  • Thomas and the Fat Controller’s actions, such as abandoning their duties to travel, have no real-world consequences or believable logistics.
  • This is seen as a poor message for the children watching.

Viewer’s Frustrations and Conclusion

  • The reviewer expresses deep frustration with the movie's faults and inconsistency.
  • They believe the film sends a terrible message to children, showing that there are no punishments for irresponsible actions.
  • Mentions the broader issue of lower standards in children's entertainment and a call for better quality storytelling.