Falcon Express

I was pleasantly surprised by this little gem. Probably because it is a French movie, and didn't get any press in the US, I hadn't heard about until right before we went to see it. The movie was quite enjoyable for adults and definitely for kids.

For adults, there are a ton of references to Die Hard (the trivia page lists a few), although the plot was closer to Speed. The movie mocks influencers, social media and even the actual media. Overall the plot is a smattering of action tropes, played in a lighthearted way.

Even though it is basically an action movie, I really don't think there were frightening scenes for the kids. The tension was always dialed down a couple of notches, so it never got intense. The characters are also an appeal to kids. They are plucky, but have fears to overcome and other problems that would be relatable to kids. Even the villian isn't super scary and has his own problems.

If you get a chance, I would recommend this one, especially for kids in the 5-10 age range.

Definitely a kids-only ride. As an adult who actually loves animation, I found little joy in it, though there were a few funny moments here and there. Watching it in a cinema full of kids made it clear they had a blast, so for families it works as a lighthearted outing. For me, the characters felt flat and the story ordinary, but it's still harmless fun for children.

I took my 8 year old son to see this today as it's half term holidays, as we fancied the cinema and there was nothing else he wanted to see.

This French produced animated film (known internationally apart from the UK and US as "Falcon Express") was excellently made, kept me amused for 87 minutes with even a few laugh out loud moments.

My son thoroughly enjoyed it.

I've got to say the animation was up to modern standards but the animation of the train was superb.

"Falcon" is a wily little raccoon that serves a community of stray animals a bit like Robin Hood. He scavenges what he can and distributes it to the hungry , all of whom are eagerly awaiting his grand plan to provide them with a sumptuous Christmas lunch. For that, he is working with "Hans" and plans to relieve an high-speed train of most of the contents of it's buffet car! Having tapped into it's security systems, though, "Falcon" discovers that he has been betrayed and that it is going to be down to him, a collection of largely pampered pets and a police dog "Rex" to put things right before a catastrophe occurs. The plot is a familiar variation on a well-used theme, but there are plenty of adventures to be had as he has to galvanise his new team which includes a rather cowardly hound, a goldfish in it's hermetically sealed bowl and a tortoise that doubles up as a bouncing weapon on more than once occasion as they have to work their way along this train to reach the cabin. The animation is nicely detailed and imaginatively presented and the narrative takes a fun poke at the banality of local television - and it's self-obsessed onscreen "talent" too as they sensationalise events to enhance both ratings and career prospects. It features the usual elements of teamwork, inter-reliance and there's even an hint of a romance (though quite how that could ever pan out is anyone's guess) and it passes an hour and forty minutes effortlessly.

I loved the plot. Reminded me of action movies, where we have a classic villain terrorist, random stranger who became hostages and a hero to save them all. A hero with a questionable background but a golden heart. And this all happening on a train on Christmas Eve. Sounds a lot like Die hard for example.

So actually we have a racoon with a plan, who tries to steal some food for his friends for a Christmas dinner. It is happening on a train, with lots of animals, who travel with their owners, only owners are not with them, because all of the people are tricked to leave train. And then, led by a vengeful villain, train departs, running too fast towards its demise. A group of random pets and a wild racoon who's name is Falcon (that's an interesting story, why) are on their own to stop the train and rescue themselves. But the villain will not stand and watch them succeed. So, the fight begins.

Totally recommend to watch. Not a big budget, so a picture is not top-notch, but beautiful script makes up to it perfectly.