Thomas & Friends: Misty Island Rescue
Latest train adventures are suspenseful but not too scary.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this film is best for very young children. There are a few moderately suspenseful moments in which Thomas or his friends are in danger: a diesel engine almost falls from a bridge; Thomas is adrift at sea; Thomas gets lost on an island; and Thomas and friends become trapped in a tunnel. Everything is resolved in a simple, timely fashion. Other than one character's overly ambitious desire to win, there are no villains.
Community Reviews
Have
Report this review
Complete Garbage
Report this review
What's the Story?
The construction of a Search and Rescue Center is underway on Sodor Island. Thomas and his friends are excited and working hard to help. When a mishap sends all of the precious Jobi wood needed for the building to the bottom of the sea, Thomas sets out to replace it. But Thomas, too, has a mishap and gets lost at sea. He washes ashore on a mysterious island where he meets three new friends: Bash, Dash, and Ferdinand, some very old, abandoned locomotives. Together they have an exciting adventure in an underground tunnel, and Thomas finds just what he was looking for.
Is It Any Good?
For fans of Thomas & Friends, this is standard fare and follows the formula that is well established. Thomas, the sturdy, likable steam engine, encounters a problem, and aided by his friends (both human and "transportational"), resolves it. There's just enough danger and suspense in this episode to make it interesting, and just enough warm-hearted familiarity to make it feel safe and not too scary. Life lessons are clearly stated and restated. In this case, the fact that "you can't always be right" is a valuable message for even the youngest viewer. The narrator (Michael Brandon) and the other voice artists succeed in energizing these well-known characters and making the story seem fresh despite its rather routine plotting. Check out the Misty Island Rescue phone app too.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Thomas makes some very good decisions in this movie. What are some good decisions you've made?
Thomas admits to making some bad decisions, too. Have you ever made a bad decision? What did you learn from it?
How do the humans and trains work together? What are some things that are more fun or easier to do when you work with other people?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: September 7, 2010
- Cast: Michael Brandon
- Director: Greg Tiernan
- Studio: Lionsgate
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Run time: 58 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: July 16, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
The Polar Express
Book-based treat is full of adventure and positive messages.
-
10 Years of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends
Collection of fave episodes has positive messages for kids.
-
Bolt
Super-dog adventure is fun, age-appropriate for kids.
-
Thomas and the Magic Railroad
Will please its many fans, but plot might confuse kids.
-
Thomas & Friends: Hero of the Rails
Typical Thomas tale with mild peril; fun for fans.
For kids who love animation
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate