Genre: Childrens educational
Age Range: 2-5 years
Runtime: Approx. 60 minutes
Thomas & Friends: Hero of the Rails - Overview
Thomas and his friends star in their first ever computer animated film in this feature-length Thomas & Friends adventure. Hear Thomas' real voice for the first time as he puffs around the Island of Sodor, desperately trying to help a new friend.
The story begins when Thomas has a race with the snooty engine Speedy Spencer. Thomas nearly has an accident and finds himself off his usual tracks. He is amazed to discover an old engine named Hiro hiding out on the island. Hiro's story fascinates Thomas, and Thomas vows to help the old timer become like new again. Despite many obstacles and constant mocking from Spencer, Thomas does his best to keep Hiro secret and help his new friend.
Thomas & Friends: Hero of the Rails - Guide Review
The new, computer-animated Thomas adventure presents a completely different viewing experience for Thomas fans, but the new Thomas experience is now unremarkable compared to every other CG animated children's movie. The movie actually looks better than I expected, though (some of the popular computer-animated DVD series of today are unimpressive to say the least). The fairly clean animation recalls the familiar characters and scenery from past Thomas episodes and The Great Discovery movie wonderfully, and now the characters can actually movie their mouths and speak for themselves. Kids will love the new, more animated Thomas, but one can't help but miss the charm of the previous Thomas episodes.
Other things haven't changed, though -- the simple and pointed story is told right at preschoolers' level, as always, and will delight young children as they watch their familiar friends in this brand new adventure. Kids will learn about helping others and the importance of asking for help as they watch Thomas fight to save a fellow engine he perceives to be in danger.
Characters in the movie do portray a few mildly impolite behaviors that kids might decide to imitate. Speedy Spencer acts rudely to other trains. He mocks them and calls them names like "slow poke," while the other trains talk behind Spencer's back, calling him names such as "bossy boiler." Although Spencer can be impolite, competitive and arrogant, he does learn his lesson in the end.
Thomas & Friends: Hero of the Rails - DVD Bonus Features
- "Thomas & Spencer" Racing Game
- "Who's Pulling into the Station?" Game
- "Go, Go Thomas" Karaoke Music Video
- Thomas & Friends Bedroom Makeover: Featuring a bedroom makeover using Thomas & Friends merchandise and decor.
Thomas & Friends: Hero of the Rails - Topics to Talk About with Preschoolers
- Why is Thomas afraid to tell Sir Topham Hatt about Hiro? Was it a good decision for Thomas to keep the secret? What might have happened if he had explained his situation to Sir Topham Hatt and asked for help?
- Why does Speedy Spencer act so rudely to the other trains? How should we react when someone is unkind toward us?
