I’ve invited a mom friend of mine, Courtney, to review Thomas & Friends newest DVD Thomas & The Runaway Kite. This film is not something my household is into but Courtney has two boys who adore Thomas so I figured she’d be the better expert on this one.

Courtney is not only a mom of two boys, her husband is hearing impared, she takes care of two little ones during the week and is a huge animal lover. Hopefully this will not be her only review for MommyB Knows Best. Thanks again Courtney and I hope you all enjoy her review.

Thomas and his friends have done it again! Thomas & the Runaway Kite is packed full of attention grabbing adventures, teaching valuable lessons to children of all ages.

Thomas was given the exciting duty of carrying the Winners Cup, to be given to the lucky winner at the Kite Festival. When Sir Topham Hatt’s grandchildren lose their kite the adventure begins. Thomas thinks he is just the train to catch the kite before it flies out of Sodor. When he gets so wrapped up in thinking he’s the fastest train and he can catch the kite all by himself he hurts his friends’ feelings by telling them he doesn’t need their help. After many failed attempts he begins to realize that maybe a little extra help is just what he needed after all. If Thomas plans to get the Winners Cup back in time he will have to ask his friends to help him. Luckily Thomas’s friends are quick to forgive and help him get the kite so he can still deliver the Winners Cup in time.

This movie continues on with many other lessons for Thomas and his friends. One such lesson is when Toby is sent out to pick up Lady Hatt, but before leaving he has to have his whistle replaced while his old one can be fixed. His original, quiet whistle was what he was used to, and he wanted to keep it that way. Instead, he got a brand new three-chime steam whistle. It’s the loudest one on the market! Just the thought of having such a loud, booming whistle made Toby anxious and uncomfortable. Toby struggles with his new whistle, but after being stopped on the rail road tracks by cows grazing, and already being late to pick up Lady Hatt, he finally finds the courage to use his new, louder whistle.

Once he finally made it to pick up Lady Hatt, Sir Topham Hatt was waiting angrily. He already asked Gordon to complete the job that Toby was unable to do. It was just then that they saw Gordon headed straight for trouble- Toby knew there was only one thing to do. He blew his three-chime steam whistle loudly to warn Gordon, and he saved the day. After that, Sir Topham Hatt can’t possibly be upset with him. In the end, he is proud of himself and his friends are proud too. He learns that he really shouldn’t be so worried and afraid to try new things.

Over all, this movie was exactly the kind of thing I want my kids to watch and learn from. The length of the movie was perfect for keeping my 3 year olds attention, at approximately 46 minutes. It touches on some very important lessons of problem solving, bravery, and friendships.

On an additional note that may not apply in most families but is important in our home, because my husband is hearing impared, this movie has closed captioning. Many cartoons and children’s movies unfortunately, do not have that feature. Once again, I am impressed by another entertaining and fun Thomas & Friends movie.

Who’s your favorite Thomas & Friends character?? Have you seen Thomas & The Runaway Kite yet and if so what did you think of it?