Pets on a Train (Falcon Express) (2025) Review: A Raccoon Hero Races Runaway Rails

This Pets on a Train review starts with a simple promise: a fast, funny animal caper that fits neatly into 86 minutes. Known in France as Falcon Express, the film is a family-friendly animated adventure that keeps its engine running from the first scene. It is not groundbreaking, but it is good-natured and quick.

Pets on a Train Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

Falcon is a wily raccoon who plays a kind of Robin Hood for a community of stray animals. He scavenges what he can and shares it with the hungry, and the group is dreaming of a grand holiday feast. His plan to make that happen involves a partner, a badger named Hans, and a high-speed train.

Then the train starts up on its own, carrying only pets and no humans. Falcon learns that Hans, a badger with a grudge, is behind the chaos, and a crash looks inevitable. The Pets on a Train plot is a familiar variation on a well-worn theme, but the setup is clear and easy for young viewers to follow.

Falcon must work with a group of pampered passengers and Rex, a by-the-book police dog, to set things right. The clash between street smarts and rule-following drives much of the early fun.

What Works in Pets on a Train

The film's best asset is its pace. At 86 minutes, it moves briskly and rarely lingers on a joke or a plot point longer than it should.

• A strong odd-couple pairing: Falcon and Rex bring opposite temperaments, and their bickering gives the action a human, comic core.

• A clear ticking clock: A runaway train is easy to understand, so tension builds without complicated rules.

• A warm streak: Falcon's motives are generous, which gives the heist-style setup more heart than most caper comedies.

The directors, Benoît Daffis and Jean-Christian Tassy, keep the action readable. The train setting gives them tight corridors, dining cars and rooftops to play with, and the film uses them well. Fans of animation movie reviews will recognise the lively, cartoon-physics style.

Pets on a Train Cast and Performances

This is a French production, and the original voice cast is led by Damien Ferrette as Falcon. Ferrette gives the raccoon a cheeky, quick-talking charm that suits a likeable rogue. Hervé Jolly voices Rex, bringing a stiff, dutiful tone that plays nicely against Falcon's improvisation.

The wider Pets on a Train cast includes:

• Kaycie Chase as Maguy

• Frantz Confiac as Hans

• Emmanuel Garijo as Randy and Jimi

• Nicolas Marié as Rico

Confiac gives Hans a bitter edge that works for a younger audience without becoming too scary. The film is rated PG, and the villainy stays mild. The voice work is lively across the board, though some supporting characters are sketched too lightly to leave a mark.

Where Pets on a Train Stumbles

The biggest issue is familiarity. Betrayal, a ragtag team and a vehicle out of control are staples of family adventures, and the script rarely surprises. Adults may see the beats coming well before the children do.

Some of the pampered pets on board also feel like filler. They add comic noise but little personality, so the stakes sometimes feel more mechanical than emotional. The humour is gentle, and a few gags land softly.

The animation, while energetic, does not aim for the polish of the biggest studio releases. It is clear and colourful, but it will not dazzle viewers used to bigger budgets. If you want something more spectacular, our action movie reviews offer louder options.

Is Pets on a Train Worth Watching?

Yes, Pets on a Train is worth watching if you want a short, cheerful animated adventure for a family afternoon. It does not reinvent the genre, but it executes the basics with energy and sincerity. Audience scores have been positive, with a 7.2 out of 10 average on TMDB from a small number of votes.

The film is also brief enough that it never outstays its welcome. For younger children, the mix of slapstick, animal heroes and a clear villain is a safe bet. Parents will find little to object to and a few smiles along the way. For more picks like it, browse our family movie reviews.

Who Will Enjoy Pets on a Train

• Families with younger children who like talking-animal adventures.

• Viewers who enjoy odd-couple buddy comedies with a light heist flavour.

• Fans of European animation looking for a quick, undemanding watch.