‘Buffalo Kids’ is full of heart
Category: Movies
Buffalo Kids is a fun and heartening animated story filled with sweet characters and a memorable theme. Set in the 19th century, it is the story of two orphans from Ireland who come to America to live with their uncle, but things don’t exactly go according to plan.
When Mary and Tom reach New York City, having traveled from Ireland on a ship, they are supposed to be met by their uncle Niall, however he is a no-show. So these two siblings decide to travel to California where Niall lives.
Without enough money for the train, they sneak aboard with a group of other orphans who are traveling to meet their new families. Eleanor, the head of the group, discovers the siblings and vows to keep them safe and see them to their uncle.
America is filled with wonder for Mary and Tom. She is an optimistic and energetic little girl, and he is a smart little boy who knows he must look after his little sister, and the dog she found on the dock. Little Sparky could be a hindrance but Mary knows he is worth keeping.
The group of orphans includes a paraplegic little boy named Nick. Nick is hopeful he will be adopted, however when his prospective parents meet him, they decide he would be too much trouble, so Nick returns to the group downhearted and dejected. But Mary manages to cheer him up. She knows there is a family out there for him, and her effervescence rubs off on little Nick, who has lived his entire life in a wheelchair.
When the train stops to refuel, Mary talks Tom into getting off to pet the buffalos that are roaming the land. They take Nick and Sparky with them. Unfortunately, the train departs without them and they must find a way to reunite with the others.
The threesome, along with Sparky, encounter some dangerous as well as some fortunate situations as they travel across America. First they are taken in by a group of Cheyennes who care for them and keep them safe while Tom’s leg heals. Did I forget to mention he was bitten by a coyote?
After their good experience with the Cheyenne, Tom, Mary, Nick, and Sparky then encounter the bandits who had attacked the train and taken the passengers as slaves in their mine. It is there where everyone is reunited.
Throughout all this time, Mary remains optimistic that things will turn out for them all. She is a great character that audiences will take to their hearts, along with Tom and especially Nick. Nick’s courage is unbeatable. And, as they are told, they may be little but their hearts are as big as buffalos.
While there are plenty of dangerous situations throughout the film, the theme is courage, helpfulness, camaraderie, friendship, and love as the three little kids (along with Sparky) use their intellect to save the others. And in the end, they find their forever family and a loving home.
This is a good story that is filled with, yes, heart, and characters that audiences will enjoy watching as they take on whatever comes their way, with confidence and caring hearts. There is no doubt Tom, Mary, and Nick are kind and loving souls, not to mention inspirational.
Buffalo Kids opens in theaters February 6, 2026. It is an enjoyable film for almost all ages as it is rated PG for action, violence, some language, rude humor, and thematic elements.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.
Images supplied courtesy Kids VIVA