jacob-41675 Before I review it, what matters most are my kids' reaction to it: they LOVE this movie! Other than Hero of the Rails, this is the only other Thomas movie they've ever requested again and again, back-to-back. My sons are (currently) 2.5 and 5. And as for the music? Well, it's the first true "musical" Thomas movie: Six different songs, with the first and last based upon one another in order to start and finish the story arch. My kids can now sing all six songs by heart, in the car, in the bath, at daycare, at the dinner table. And if it wasn't enjoyable enough, it's PERCY who delivers the funniest, grown-up humored joke in the entire movie!There are two significant, questionable (adult-upsetting) plot choices made by the production company in terms of how the story unravels. 1) Thomas outright STEALS a job from James, and as a result, Sir Toppemhat is complacent, and James is stuck unfairly pulling Thomas' branch line in his place. Thomas is never truly punished, scolded, or even given a talking to for his selfish actions. 2) Two trains working in what can only be referred to "train hell" - a molten steelworks factory - lure other unsuspecting trains into the factory and essentially entrap them because they, themselves, are overworked in their highly-dangerous professions and would rather be doing nothing except telling their "captives" what to do. Ultimately, they become friends with Thomas and the other new friends Thomas has made along his journey on the mainland... essentially rewarding the former captors for their misdeeds.It's not a perfect story. Again, I've highlighted larger, adult-noticeable flaws. Otherwise, the movie itself is actually quite enjoyable as an adult to watch! The pacing is very good for keeping my kids attention; the songs are far from Grammy- or Oscar-worthy, but plenty fun enough for my sons to have memorized. I believe "catchy" is the correct word. I feel like modern toddler TV shows have moved towards the "act poorly and be rewarded" model - look at great shows like Curious George and Caiou (well, Caiou maybe not so great) as perfect examples.And, perhaps most importantly, my kids didn't see the two plot issues I've had, but instead gleaned the positive messages: Even if you don't think you can do anything right, you should still always try; Friendship is more important than selfish pride.So, after all this... I do so want to give it only 8 stars, but cannot! Because it's not really about what I think in this case, but what my sons think. And to them? This is perhaps the BEST movie yet. Musical Thomas movies are hopefully the way of the future! Combine the musical idea with better stories (like Hero of the Rails or The Great Race) and they'd have a superb toddler masterpiece.

sonnyle This Thomas and Friends movie is highly one of the best so far for the franchise, however, it is underrated. Many people do not see the effort put into the animation, which has now slightly evolved, and the lessons learned. Remember! This is a kid's show and not for adults who will focus too much on unnecessary details. Many children, and adults including me, have found this movie memorable and its songs were catchy.

olivertherobot STOP LOWING THE RATING!!!!!!! on his branch line, Thomas is feeling bright and sunny, whistling hello to everyone he meets. As he pulls into Knapford station, he is complimenting how wonderful the day is, and feels like bursting into song. He is then promptly interrupted by James, who is boastfully singing about how he believes he is the best engine on Sodor. As James pulls up to the platform, Thomas rolls up, telling him that he isn't the favourite engine and that he was going to sing a song. James calls out to everyone at the station that Thomas is going to sing, and everyone listens. Hesitant at first, Thomas is just about to sing, but James interrupts him and starts singing again about how he's the favourite engine.Thomas meets up with James at Knapford station yard, once again insisting he's not Sir Topham Hatt's favourite engine. James begs to differ, boasting how he always gets the best jobs and teasing him for collecting pigs from Farmer Trotter.That evening, Edward arrives at Vicarstown with the Judy and Jerome to help lift Henry back to safety, and Harvey handles the derailed trucks. At his office, Sir Topham Hatt is talking on his telephone and using a map and wooden trains to monitor the situation. Thomas overhears Sir Topham Hatt making plans for James to take Henry's trucks to a goods yard in Bridlington, where the trucks were meant to go. Thomas plans to tease James back over pulling a goods train, but James takes Thomas by surprise, as for the importance of the goods train, James is not bothered. Later that night, Thomas is upset. He complains to Percy about James' show-off attitude. Percy doesn't listen and leaves to collect the mail train. Frustrated with James, Thomas then has an idea to pay him out. I Love This Movie. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! STOP LOWERING THE RATING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! STOP NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No More Lowering The Rating!!!! Stop Lowering It! If you Lower It 1 More Time, You Will Regret It! No Lowering The Rating Allowed!

judged-49511 Do you think those with special needs should get a job and stop using it as an excuse to get out of exhausting and dangerous work? Then you'll love 'Journey Beyond Sodor'!Watch along as Thomas and James escape being trafficked by talking their new, 'experimental' friends into taking their place. Discover that traffickers aren't that bad; they're just understaffed. Marvel as Thomas avoids talking with a clingy Jamaican who has the audacity to try to start a conversation with him.This film has it all!