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Kelly & Cal (2014)
Maybe too real for some?
This is a refreshingly realistic look at what usually happens when people make poor decisions and then slowly come to grips with the choices they've made and the consequences of those decisions. What I found most refreshing was the messy, complicated, unresolved ending. And for once - spoiler alert - the married couple actually stays together and decides to try harder and not give up on the relationship. My only quibble is that after a lot of heartache they do seem to own up to their mistakes fully and completely after only one brief conversation. In that sense I suppose the ending, while not wrapped neatly into a bow, is a bit Pollyanna-ish. Still, this movie is about the journey, which you fully experience with rich, real characters bought to life by a strong cast from top to bottom, including a strong showing by Cybil Shepherd in a supporting role. The three leads are superb as well, esp. Juliette Lewis. 9/10
Thomas and the Magic Railroad (2000)
Great for kids, but still a bad movie
Both my 8 year-old daughter and 2 year-old son, esp. the latter, absolutely love this movie. I enjoy the TV shows, but I really thought this movie was very poorly done. The acting by the kid who plays Patch, and by Peter Fonda, is particularly poor. I know Fonda's character was supposed to be depressed, but his subdued monotone delivery was just horrible. And I agree with the comment that someone posted on the message board that the continuity between scenes is just terrible. It seems as though the movie had the scenes made individually, then cut them up and pasted them almost in random order. This movie has the worst flow to it of any that I can remember. Much of the dialogue and sequencing of the action simply makes no sense. A pitifully bad movie.
Fortunately, the plot and acting don't seem nearly as important to kids. They just like that there are tank engines in it, and they like the colorful set pieces and the music. So despite its many flaws, I still must reluctantly recommend it for younger children, who clearly love it - just be forewarned that as an adult you may have a very difficult time sitting through it over and over again, even if you are a kid at heart like myself.