So this is a film that eluded me, surprisingly, as a kid....and I say surprisingly because like many people Disney was like a second parent to me growing up. Now that I'm actually watching it, I have to say this is quality film making. Some of the imagery here looks like it was inspired by the great photographers of the Great Depression and the film doesn't stray away from doing things like talking about the political attitudes of the era (workers have the right to unionize? GO BACK TO RUSSIA, COMMIE!) and even challenging gender roles with the little girl antagonist. Meredith Sallinger is quite likeable as the girl who travels the rails from Chicago to...well....here (Washington State) and it's always good to see a Cusack. And it's nice to see Scatman Corruthers NOT losing his job due to and/or getting killed by Jack Nicholson (seriously, did Scatman run over Jacks dog or something?)