Children’s favorite Thomas the Tank Engine hit the big screen 20 years ago in this sometimes lugubrious tale overstuffed with storylines competing for one’s attention and understanding. First, Thomas and his other steam engine pals are being threatened by a bullying, near-homicidal diesel engine car intent on blowing everyone off the railroad tracks. Second, Mr. Conductor (Alec Baldwin), who usually travels between the train and human worlds, has lost the gold dust sparkle that gives him his powers. Third, a lonely, former conductor (Peter Fonda) spends all his time alone, mourning the long-ago disaster that befell his beloved engine car when a diesel engine overcame her. So there are a lot of problems going on at once, and the film is not always particularly graceful in how it goes between these things. Fortunately, Thomas looks good in this enlarged edition of the popular television series, and the cast also includes Russell Means, Mara Wilson, and Didi Conn. There are some exciting moments, such as a collapsing trestle bridge and a race against the diesel monster who seems abnormally aggressive. Lightly recommended.