Thomas & Friends: Hero of the Rails

Name: Thomas & Friends: Hero of the Rails
Item: Thomas & Friends: Hero of the Rails
Rating: 3
Author: Angela Tiene

Movie review by

Angela Tiene, Common Sense Media

Thomas & Friends: Hero of the Rails Movie Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 3+

(i)

Typical Thomas tale with mild peril; fun for fans.

NR
2009
60 minutes

Save

Rate movie

Watch or buy

Parents say

age 6+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 6+

Based on 4 reviews

Get it now

Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...

A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

Educational Value

Kids learn about the value of honesty and compassion.

Positive Messages

The movie is all about helping those in need, cooperating with friends, and dealing with bullies.

Positive Role Models & Representations

The characters are all basically well-intentioned, with the exception of Spencer, who comes around by the end. Thomas and his friends don't always make the right behavior choice initially -- Thomas tries to keep Hiro a secret at first -- but they learn to help and support each other.

Violence & Scariness

Thomas gets lost on an abandoned train track after his brakes fail during a race with Spencer. He’s frightened when he first encounters Hiro.

Consumerism

Thomas the Tank Engine has a wide range of books, toys, clothes, and other merchandise. This film introduces three new characters, which will no doubt be available in stores soon.

Set limits for violence and more with Plus

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the latest Thomas & Friends movie will not disappoint aficionados of the industrious tank engine. The franchise mostly sticks to its formula of good-natured yet sometimes squabbling engines performing their daily tasks. But action and intrigue figure prominently, also, resulting in some mildly intense scenes; for example, Thomas careens onto the wrong track and gets lost in the woods. Another engine gets in trouble when he helps Thomas keep a secret from the others. In typical Thomas fashion, though, the action is pretty tame, and by the end, the engines learn important messages about honesty, compassion, and friendship. This movie introduces several new characters to the Island of Sodor -- Hiro, Kevin, and Victor -- so don’t be surprised when your kids want to add to their toy collection.

Wondering if Thomas & Friends: Hero of the Rails is OK for your kids?

Set preferences and get age-appropriate recommendations with Common Sense Media Plus. Join now

User Reviews

Parents say
Kids say

Parent Written byEl M. October 13, 2017

age 4+

Enjoyable with not too much scary or suspense

My 3.5 and 5.5 year olds enjoyed this movie, although the 3.5 year old was a little bored towards the end. There is a part where Thomas goes 'off the rail... Continue reading

Report this review

Parent of a 3-year-old Written byPoppayo December 27, 2010

age 3+

Just as good the 328th time...

My son loves this movie, it's his first cult favorite.

Report this review

Kid, 11 years old May 21, 2020

age 5+

Epic

Amazing

Report this review

Teen, 13 years old Written byChristianSoldier May 2, 2020

age 6+

Not a great intro to CGI for Thomas

It was simply, a fine movie. Nothing more, nothing less.
A few conversations about Hiro not wanting to be scrapped, and a few scary moments relating to that. Sp... Continue reading

Report this review

What's the story?

After high-tech private engine Spencer bullies him into a contest, Thomas’ brakes fail and he winds up lost on an unfamiliar track in the woods. He’s shocked to discover an old, strange engine named Hiro, who’s been rusting in the forest, afraid to come out for fear of being scrapped. Thomas vows to restore Hiro to his former glory as “Master of the Railway,” but he’s foiled at each turn by Spencer, who’s determined to figure out what he’s up to. Only when Thomas asks for help and support from his friends can he accomplish his task, and get Hiro back on the rails.

Is it any good?

Thomas’ relationship with Hiro, the aging engine who was once a superstar, is touching, and demonstrates how younger children admire their older heroes. The movie follows the classic Thomas format: Thomas and his engine buddies have a problem to solve, and they go about it much as kids themselves would -- with a few mistakes, misunderstandings, and confrontations along the way.

The action sequences are fun to watch; when Thomas’ brakes fail while he’s racing Spencer, kids will be on the edge of their seats. The movie broaches subjects that will resonate with young kids: Thomas and his friends all feel intimidated by bigger, faster Spencer, but by the movie’s end they realize that each of them has their own special talents. By working together to rescue Hiro, they all become heroes.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about how telling the truth is almost always better than keeping a secret.
Spencer is pretty mean to the other engines. How does it feel to be bullied, and why do people (or engines) bully others? What should you do if someone is mean to you?
Why is it important to help someone in need?
How do Thomas & Friends movies help to sell other products?