"The Tale of Train Magic" is easily one of the best episodes of Are You Afraid of the Dark and Nickelodeon in general. It's the sort of tale that's enthusiastic about its subject matter, and that aggressive enthusiasm is super infectious. The episode makes trains feel alive, imbuing them with a magic that is so tangible and real that you have no choice but to believe in it, too. It's a riveting magic, and it's sometimes scary, but it's truly unforgettable.
The sound design is suitably dramatic and full of impact, particularly in the scenes where the ghost train enters our reality or whenever Tim is transported into the haunted locomotive. It's effective, sucking you right into the world of the story.
The episode has strong acting all around, which is rare for this show. Gregory Smith plays his role as Tim so truthfully, it doesn't really come across as acting. Having Colin Fox (the guy who played the shopkeeper in the Haunted Mask episodes of Goosebumps) as the evil conductor elevates the creepiness. Colin doesn't overplay his role. Instead, he portrays Ray Lawson in a controlled, calculated manner. You are definitely scared of Lawson. And yet, you kinda pity him after his final fate is revealed in the end.
The story's pace is just perfect! Many episodes of this show can suffer from too many slow scenes, or just a lot of walking around. Not this one! Everything just gets to the point, with very little empty space to dawdle. The speed of the narrative is refreshingly energetic without feeling rushed.
D. J. MacHale directs "The Tale of Train Magic" with a confidence that easily shows in the finished product. He would have a few characters take up a section of the screen, then have them walk to the side to reveal something creepy or new behind them! The way the last scenes are shot feel atmospheric. When Lawson takes his glowing lantern and begins walking away along the train tracks into the thick night fog, you're left with a haunting image.
A memorable final story from Frank of The Midnight Society! If you're interested in trying Are You Afraid of the Dark to see what all the fuss is about, start with this one. Then you'll be on board!
The sound design is suitably dramatic and full of impact, particularly in the scenes where the ghost train enters our reality or whenever Tim is transported into the haunted locomotive. It's effective, sucking you right into the world of the story.
The episode has strong acting all around, which is rare for this show. Gregory Smith plays his role as Tim so truthfully, it doesn't really come across as acting. Having Colin Fox (the guy who played the shopkeeper in the Haunted Mask episodes of Goosebumps) as the evil conductor elevates the creepiness. Colin doesn't overplay his role. Instead, he portrays Ray Lawson in a controlled, calculated manner. You are definitely scared of Lawson. And yet, you kinda pity him after his final fate is revealed in the end.
The story's pace is just perfect! Many episodes of this show can suffer from too many slow scenes, or just a lot of walking around. Not this one! Everything just gets to the point, with very little empty space to dawdle. The speed of the narrative is refreshingly energetic without feeling rushed.
D. J. MacHale directs "The Tale of Train Magic" with a confidence that easily shows in the finished product. He would have a few characters take up a section of the screen, then have them walk to the side to reveal something creepy or new behind them! The way the last scenes are shot feel atmospheric. When Lawson takes his glowing lantern and begins walking away along the train tracks into the thick night fog, you're left with a haunting image.
A memorable final story from Frank of The Midnight Society! If you're interested in trying Are You Afraid of the Dark to see what all the fuss is about, start with this one. Then you'll be on board!
