We knew that Thomas and the Runaway Kite was headed to our mailbox and everyday we checked in hopeful anticipation. As luck would have it, mommy had a girl’s night out the day that Thomas finally arrived so my three and a half year old got to watch it the first time with Daddy. When I arrived home that night I asked what he thought of Thomas’ new movie. “It was really fun!” he said, and told me about some of the new-to-him characters. I scheduled a popcorn date with my son for the following day and I finally got to sit down and watch this much anticipated new Thomas film with my boy.
I don’t even want to tell you how many times we’ve watched Thomas and the Runaway Kite. I just really don’t want to say. I think it’s enough to be able to tell you, without reservation, that we liked it.
There are Thomas fans and there are Thomas fans as I’m sure you all know. I wouldn’t say that Bookworm1 is a super, duper huge Thomas fan. He loves the stories, the characters, knows who they all are, etc., (but octopuses and sealife being his Main Thing, Thomas lags a bit). We have the wooden train set and I have no idea how many Thomas books lay scattered around our house. Thomas the Tank engine is a (in my humble opinion) unobjectionable character and fun entertainment.
In this particular new story, there is to be a kite flying contest on the Island of Sodor. Sir Topham Hatt’s grandchildren are hoping to enter the contest, but their kite gets away from them. Thomas offers to help catch their kite, declaring he is the fastest little engine that ever was and, by golly, if anyone can get that kite for them – he can! He declines the offers of help from other engines and quickly discovers that a little team work would be very useful to him. As it is with all of the Thomas stories, there are little lessons to be learned about teamwork, perseverance, kindness, and learning to be useful. These stories are no different. However, this particular new Thomas story is “In Full Steam CGI Animation!” We’ve only seen the “old” Thomas videos where you see the little model trains being used and a narrator tells the story. In Thomas and the Runaway Kite the trains each have their own voice and their mouths move. It’s not a cartoon. It’s CGI animation. (And no. I cannot explain it any other way.)
Personally, I prefer the old narrated version of Thomas but my son would disagree. He enthuastically informed me, “Mommy! Did you know THOMAS can TALK!?!?!” So he can, son! So he can!
It’s different, but it’s still Thomas. Therefore we still thoroughly enjoy him.
Would you like a chance to see Thomas and the Runaway Kite? (Oh. Wait. Perhaps I should have asked, “Would your CHILDREN like a chance to see this?”) Well, just leave a comment below! We have one copy of the new Thomas DVD, Thomas and the Runaway Kite to give away to one of you really useful readers engines.
With two toots from my steam whistle, I wish you the best! We’ll announce the winner in our March 24 giveaway review column.
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Carrie comes by her book obsession honestly, having descended from a long line of bibliophiles. She blogs about books regularly at Reading to Know and Reading My Library.
Jennifer M says
My daughter likes watching the ‘choo-choos’.
Melissa B. says
This looks like fun for the whole family.
Marc says
I’m all for bringing back Ringo Starr but times change I suppose and I know my daughter would love to see Thomas speaking.
Jason Nickolay says
My son would love this. He loves Thomas
jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com
Ed Nemmers says
Happy Spring!
Angela Winesburg says
I would love to win this for my daughter, thanks!
Molly K says
My son is a huge Thomas fan and would really love this movie.
Michelle B says
My son would live to see this he is a big fan
REBECCA says
My grandson would love this
Dddiva says
We actually love the cgi, and Ian is Thomas obsessed, thanks for the chance to win.
Janette says
My nephew is a huge Thomas fan, and he really loves the new CGI!
kristy says
This would be a fun treat for an Easter basket.
Kerrie Mayans says
My son loves Thomas and would love this dvd.
Barbara Hunt says
Thanks for the great contest!
[email protected]
Winning Readings says
My daughter would love this!
janemaritz at yahoo dot com
We posted about this giveaway at Winning Readings: http://winningreadings.blogspot.com/2010/03/thomas-runaway-kite-dvd.html
Gianna says
Please enter me 🙂
Deborah Wellenstein says
My grandchildren are rooting for me to win. Thanks!
Susan Smith says
My son would love this.
Karin says
Who doesn’t love Thomas?!
Sandy M says
Next month I’m heading up north to babysit an almost 2- and almost 4-year old … this would be so loved!!
Maja Meza says
my son would love it
DanV says
My kids would love this
Kim Benton says
My grandbabies watch Thomas in the morning while getting ready for daycare. They would love this movie. Thanks for the offer.
Kat Emerick says
Great for the grandkids! Thanks
kathy pease says
Thank you for the Great giveaway please count me in 🙂
Lily Kwan says
Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!
Melissa Painter says
I’d like to win this for my nephew who loves trains.
Amy Delong says
both my kids are huge fans,would be well used in our house!
ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com
Melanie says
We love Thomas and Friends!
Sand says
My nephew would love this as he’s a huge Thomas fan!