"I think I can, I think I can..." I love the picture book by Watty Piper and illustrated by Loren Long, and today, the timeless story of The Little Engine That Could comes to life in brilliant CG color in this animated version from Universal Studios. The animation in the new movie is similar, though not exactly like the illustrations in the beloved picture book. Colorful patchwork hillsides provide a whimsical backdrop for the sweet train characters. Of course, the little picture book doesn't have enough story to fill a full length feature, so there's a little more to the little blue engine's journey in the film version, and that's where it gets...interesting.
The Little Engine (voiced by Alyson Stoner) is a shunter train in Dreamland. She doesn't get to go to the real world like the bigger trains who take dreams to real world children. But, when a boy named Richard accidentally ends up in Dreamland (which disrupts the "dream reality continuum"), the Little Engine embarks on a perilous journey to take the boy over the mountain and back to the real world. They meet many challenges, but The Little Engine always remembers the sound advice she got from a wise old friend, "If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you can't. Either way, you're right."
Reading the picture book, you might expect the movie to be geared toward preschoolers. But, it seems the creators tried to incorporate material for older kids (6-9) as well. This decision may make the movie a little dicey for very young kids. I watched the movie with all of my kids, and I was entertained wondering exactly where they were going to go with the story next. A few scenes scared my younger girls, but they were so interested in the story that they did not want to stop the movie. Also, the main character was too mature for them, as evidenced by his frequent use of sarcasm and his unfortunate encounter with some schoolyard bullies. Overall, though the story was a little strange and scary in parts, I have to say that we were entertained. But I have to warn parents that some scenes could be very frightening for that preschooler age set who so love the book.
If you get the chance to see The Little Engine That Could, tell us your thoughts about it using the "comments" link below. Also, I found some great links from around the web with fun lessons and activities related to the book/movie. You can find those links and read more about the movie in The Little Engine That Could - Review for Parents.
Related links:
- Kids' Movies About Trains
- Kids' Movies Based on Books
(Photo © Universal Studios)
Family Films
No comments:
Post a Comment