Thomas & Friends: Race for the Sodor Cup
Thomas & Friends: Race for the Sodor Cup
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Thomas & Friends: Race for the Sodor Cup is an animated film in the Thomas & Friends franchise with positive messages of friendship and persistence that outweigh some minor scares. In this story, Thomas and his friends meet up with a group of fast engines in town for the race, including a smug pair of electric trains who will seemingly do whatever it takes to win, including teasing and discouraging Kana and even cheating. But even when trying to win, if anyone falls off the tracks, even the bullying trains ask if the derailed character is ok. Older racers encourage the younger engines. Some act as mentors to train them and even go as far as putting themselves in danger to save a young racer who's driving too fast. Throughout the movie teammates and friends frequently encourage each other. Some of the positive messages include looking out for your friends and encouraging others to work together as a team.
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What's the Story?
In THOMAS & FRIENDS: RACE FOR THE SODOR CUP, the story starts out with a cheerful Thomas and his friends excited to greet other engines from around the world coming to Sodor for a race around the island. Thomas is ready to cheer on his friend, a fast young engine named Kana who is excited about her first race. But it's not all ready, set, go. The engines must overcome obstacles that call for them to learn important lessons in patience and working together as a team. Will the help of some new mentors and old friends be enough for Thomas and Kana to win the Sodor Cup, or will their dreams get derailed?
Is It Any Good?
Thomas & Friends: Race for the Sodor Cup is a colorful story with peppy songs and a sweet message the youngest viewers will enjoy. The plot feels familiar, similar to Tortoise and the Hare stories we've seen and heard time and time again. Like real kids, the trains have to learn to resolve problems with help and encouragement from adults. Though the race is a competitive event, even foes are often encouraging of one another and always check to make sure others are ok when they derail. Young fans of Thomas the Train will appreciate the familiar cast of characters and parents watching will likely appreciate the messages of kindness and teamwork, as well as the short run time.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Thomas learned about "being himself." How did Thomas learn that winning a race isn't just about being the fastest?
Thomas and his friends have to learn to work together to reach their goal. Can you think of a time you've worked as a team to accomplish something?
Hiro tells the young racers "being calm helps you do anything." What do you think that means? When might you use deep breaths to help you calm down from a stressful situation?
How do the characters in Thomas and Friends: Race for the Sodor Cup demonstrate perseverance and compassion? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters: September 21, 2021
- On DVD or streaming: March 18, 2022
- Cast: Aaron Barashi, Meesha Contreras, Neil Crone, Bruce Dow
- Directors: Campbell Bryer, Jason Groh
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Adventures, Trains
- Character Strengths: Compassion, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Run time: 60 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: December 13, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Thomas & Friends: The Adventure Begins
Trains' sweet origin story promotes friendship, cooperation.
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Thomas & Friends: Day of the Diesels
The engines learn how to handle hurt feelings.
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Thomas & Friends: Big World! Big Adventures! The Movie
Teamwork, diversity, mild peril greet engine on global trip.
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