Genre: Children’s Movie
Publisher: Phase 4 Films
Release Date: August 2014
Rated: G
Four orphaned siblings run away to avoid being split up. They have a grandfather but have never met him and fear he is cruel because he didn’t like their mother. When they stumble across an abandoned boxcar deep in the woods, the children know they’ve found a safe haven. Relying on lots of creativity and hard work, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden make a beautiful home that they keep hidden from the rest of the world. Along the way, they make unlikely friends and experience many adventures. However, when one of them falls ill and needs help, they risk losing the little utopia they’ve created.
The Boxcar Children delivers a sweet, family-oriented film for people of all ages. Based on the book by Gertrude Chandler Warner, this movie is a rare gem. In this day and age, it’s a breath of fresh air to find a story that imparts the importance of family and values. Through the characters, viewers learn about hard work, kindness, putting the needs of others first, and much more. Parents can comfortably let their children watch this movie, knowing that they will receive positive lessons from it.
The book series was one of my childhood favorites; the tattered pages bespeak to countless hours of enjoyment. I remember making “boxcars” with my brothers and reenacting the Alden’s adventures. Watching the movie felt like traveling back in time and experiencing the tale for the first time all over again. It didn’t matter that I’m many years past its intended audience.
I strongly recommend The Boxcar Children to parents and children alike as well as to anyone who simply enjoys a good, clean story with great values. I, for one, hope to see many more films like this one in the future.
Review copy provided by Entertainment One. Thanks!
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