The Little Engine That Could

"The Little Engine That Could" is a popular animated film that came out in 2011. Marcela Citterio is the brain behind the screenplay, with Elliot M. Bour taking up the powerful role of directing. The film sees a star-studded list of voices attributed to each character, including the likes of the ever-energetic Jodi Benson, engaging Corbin Bleu, and the iconic Jamie Lee Curtis.

The film's name is a throwback to the 1930 classic children's book by Watty Piper, which showcased the theme that "you can do anything if you put your mind to it", and the film delivers on this endearing and enduring theme in leaps and bounds. It takes viewers on a delightful journey of hope, courage, and determination, as well-stamped by the fact that the film is seen as offering meaningfully educational content for children, while also providing adequate entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.

The Little Engine (voice by Alyson Stoner), otherwise known as Tillie in the movie, is the story's protagonist. She is a youthful, charming, and ambitious little blue engine in the movie, with dreams that are big enough to match her gloriously astronomical spirit. Then, there is Rusty, (voice by Corbin Bleu), who is an older, much larger red engine. Rusty is seen as the first to exhibit doubt in the protagonist, believing the tasks ahead to be quite difficult for the much smaller Tillie.

Throughout the movie, you're introduced to a myriad of other colourful characters. A star-studded cast brings these characters to life. You'll hear the vocal talents of Whoopi Goldberg, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Patrick Warburton to name few. Each character offers its unique element, contributing to the overarching theme of the film. Through interaction with these characters, the film embellishes themes focussing on positive values like helpfulness, friendship, courage, belief in oneself, and persistence.

The protagonist, the Little Engine, has a significant dream to pull the birthday train charged with carrying toys and goodies for the children on the other side of the mountain. As it turns out, within the narrative, all the big engines have refused to pull the birthday train for various reasons. Faced with this reality, the Little Engine expresses her desire to take on the task despite her size. It is in this proclamation that the film tips its hat to the timeless adage: "I think I can, I think I can."

Throughout the film, we get to see the Little Engine grappling with her thoughts and doubts, yet still refusing to give up. She is urged forward by her friends among the toys. She shows an undying commitment to achieve the seemingly gargantuan task, embodying her "I think I can" spirit. It is her determination and plucky spirit, in spite of the challenges, that sets a great example for young viewers about optimism and self-motivation.

The film's animation graphics are crisp and meticulous, delivering visual pleasure to its viewers. The train characters, well-designed landscapes, and striking colors all combined to provide an aesthetic appeal that grabs and retains the viewer's attention. The director has ensured that the characters, dialogue, humour, and visual storytelling are in excellent harmony to the narrative.

In terms of soundtrack and audio, the film hits all the right notes. An excellent score accompanies the distinguishing vocal performances in the film, enhancing the viewing experience.

In conclusion, the 2011 "The Little Engine That Could" embodies a delightful concoction of storytelling and animation. It serves as a loving homage to the old kids’ tale that many remember and cherish while extending its principles into the modern era. The voice acting is top-notch, and the animation is colorful and engaging. Most importantly, it reiterates the values of self-believe, persistence, and courage. It offers a valuable lesson to both children and adults that no matter how big the task or how small one is, one can achieve anything if they set their mind to it and adopt the attitude of "I think I can".