Collecting Movie Reviews

Any vestiges of a coherent story line vanish as this second set of television episodes based on the 1991 feature film concludes. The revelation that Katsumi is half alien--which shattered her emotionally in the previous episodes--doesn't seem to be a problem anymore. She's back on the job with the AMP or Attacked Mystification Police (sic), fighting aliens. Love enables the long-suffering Roy to overcome the evil Ganossa, and his presence magnifies Katsumi's powers enormously. When Ganossa kills Roy, Katsumi disappears for another six months but returns as Ganossa's disciple. What began as a story about an all-female police unit fighting the Lucifer Hawk, a race of flesh-eating aliens, suddenly becomes a tale of witchcraft. New characters and plot elements proliferate. Ganossa "sold his soul" to the unseen King of the planet Nemesis; a Lucifer Hawk merges with the AMP building until the satellite Donald zaps the structure. An enormous, badly animated CG serpent appears in the middle of Tokyo; Katsumi is imprisoned by the Demon Sword Medium but is rescued (offscreen) by Avalanche Wong. AMP chief Rally Cheyenne sells her soul to rescue her sister from the clutches of Nemesis--apparently with no lasting ill effects, and by episode 25, Ganossa has been identified as "an incarnation of the Devil." Silent Mobius ends on a cliffhanger, with none of its story elements resolved: the filmmakers must have planned another season that was never made. (Rated 13 and older: violence, profanity, nudity, implied sexual situations, alcohol use) --Charles Solomon

Best of Thomas
Thomas fans have spoken and this Best of Thomas represents eight, viewer-selected favorite episodes. An insecure Thomas learns just how much he's valued in "Thomas Gets Bumped" while Percy learns an important lesson about fears and bravery in "Thomas, Percy, and the Dragon." Jealousy threatens to eliminate any chance of friendship between Thomas and Stepney in "Thomas and Stepney" and Thomas comes to embrace diversity in "A New Friend for Thomas." Thomas learns the virtues of hard work and patience in "Thomas Saves the Day," "A Big Day for Thomas," and "Trouble for Thomas." Finally, cooperation and pride culminate in a visit from the queen that Edward, Thomas, and Gordon will never forget in "Thomas Meets the Queen." This entertaining, 46-minute tape concludes with the sing-a-long tune "Really Useful Engine." --Tami Horiuchi
Best of Percy
Children love stories told by engaging storytellers, the winning formula of Thomas and Friends tales about a group of toy trains on the island of Sodor, based on the "Railway Series" by Reverend W. Awdry. This "best of" compilation of favorite Percy episodes was selected by preschool fans from around the world, a loyal bunch who can identify with the spunky and mischievous tank engine bearing a green #6. There are nine short stories here, narrated by George Carlin and Ringo Starr, which focus on a dilemma and end with a gentle moral message. Percy is usually in a predicament because of cheeky behavior, such as in "Percy Takes a Plunge," where he finds himself in a water hole, or worse still, covered in sticky goop in "A Scarf for Percy." And who can forget "Percy's Ghostly Trick" when, after telling some chilling ghost stories, Percy hits a cart of limestone and the dust turns him ghostly white, giving his friends a fright. Though Percy delivers mail, transports children, and helps other engines, he always finds time for practical jokes and ensuing misadventures. There are moments of bravery and bravado, heroism and humiliation tucked between plenty of mishaps. Preschool kids can relate to Percy's predicaments and his earnest desire to be useful and appreciated. They'll walk away with valuable lessons on friendship, resourcefulness and forgiveness. And train fanatics, young and old, will find plenty to enjoy with a bounty of railway terms and realistic train miniatures.
Best of James
A reliable line-up of commemorative stories comprises this notable best-of collection featuring James, the impish red engine famous among Sir Topham's Railway gang. George Carlin narrates the eight lively episodes where James is alternately hero and hellion, and gentle moral messages are sprinkled amid the mishaps. Preschool fans will recognize most of their favorite stories like "James Goes Buzz Buzz," where our namesake transports a mob of angry bees and learns a stinging lesson in the process; or "James and the Fruitful Day," a humorous reminder that humility is a virtue whereas pride can lead an engine down the wrong track. Kids relate to James' predicaments, misplaced bravado, and earnest desire to be useful as they tuck away pint-sized proverbs on kindness, forgiveness, and friendship. (Ages 2 to 7) --Lynn Gibson