Is Love Those Trains Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1984)

📖 The Core Premise

Love Those Trains returns to the screen in 1984, bringing a fresh narrative to the Documentary genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Enjoy the romance of railroads as you ride on the Orient Express, climb the Andes, cross the U.S. on the Salad Bowl Express, and meet the Hobo King, who calls himself "Steamboat." From steam engines to sleek diesels, experience the majesty and adventure of trains past and present. Remember the days when thundering trains bridged the world's continents, nourished the pioneer spirit, ferried our troops to war, and provided politicians with mobile campaign platforms. Then settle into a first-class seat aboard the luxurious Orient Express, and glide through storybook cities from Paris to Istanbul. Celebrate a slice of history and ride the rails of the world. A National Geographic Production."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Love Those Trains, James Whitmore delivers a performance that anchors the emotional weight of the film. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Love Those Trains worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 1984, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Love Those Trains is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 58 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.