The 1970 Railway Children was a staple on TV when I was a kid and it is still one that regularly crops up in the schedule today, so it is obviously much loved. This sequel moves the action forward from 1905 to 1944 though it is based in the same Yorkshire village where Bobbie Waterbury (Jenny Agutter) still lives, with her daughter Annie (Sheridan Smith) and grandson Thomas (Austin Haynes). They take in three siblings evacuated from Salford. Lily, the eldest (Beau Gadsdon), Ted (Zac Cudby) and Patti (Eden Hamilton). They soon discover a young black American soldier, Abe (KJ Aikens) who has deserted because of the abuse he received from the MPs. They hide him, and then hatch a plan for his escape.
I don’t think this will become a classic like the original. The mouth breathers online are already in a fury because the film’s “wokeness” has somehow ruined their enjoyment of the first film! It does not have quite the same timeless feel and the script is a touch anachronistic at times. However, it does have a lot going for it, primarily rising star Gadsdon’s spirited performance. Smith is also good though Agutter is given too little to do, and most other chances for call backs to the original are not taken.
Ultimately, it is good to have a live action family film that is not about superheroes. It is pretty charming, even moving at times, and has a message that hopefully only racists will disapprove of.
Rating: 6.5 out of 10