Movie Review: Pets on a Train

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B

A really fun animated movie. 

In this movie a raccoon helps a badger hijack a train, thinking that they will just stop it long enough for him to take the food inside to his friends for Christmas dinner. However, when the badger has other more sinister plans, the racoon teams up with a group of pets on board to stop the evil badger. 

This film is simply a lot of fun. It first and foremost works as an action flick. Luckily the action scenes are very strong here with a good sense of tension and excitement. There are even many nods to the ultimate action movie, Die Hard (1988). The movie also works because of the main character. He is very much a lovable little rascal. He often times does the wrong thing, but he always has good intentions. He also (even if he isn't always honest with them), he truly cares about others. The villain is also a lot of fun. The support cast, while not complex, are quite likable as well. The movie also benefits from a storyline that (while familiar) moves at a fast and fun place. 

The comedy is charming. However, it is the type of comedy that is more likely to make you smile than laugh out loud. 

This movie does however suffer from very weak human characters, who are simply too bland. The messaging about the selfishness that is promoted with social media and how the news often exploits people's tragedies is also too on the nose and lacks any actual subtlety. 

A really fun and charming animated action films.