Adventures in Odyssey: Go West, Young Man! is a 1995 animated film that forms part of the series of Adventures in Odyssey videos. The movie is directed by Stephen Stiles and takes the viewers on a thrilling journey with the Odyssey gang as they seek to save the West from the clutches of a ruthless land baron. Set in the late 1800s, the movie follows the story of the young radio dispatcher Tom and his friend, Eugene. The duo are fascinated with the Wild West and can't wait to explore the legendary land of cowboys and sheriffs. Their excitement heightens when they learn that the Odyssey mayor has won a government grant to build a new western-themed amusement park in the town. However, the prospect of the mayor's dream coming true is threatened when a greedy land baron who wants to control the West appears.
The land baron hires thugs to intimidate the townspeople so that he can buy their land at low prices. To save the town from the baron's greed and keep the mayor's project alive, Tom and Eugene team up with the rest of the Odyssey gang to outsmart the land baron and his enforcers. With the help of Whit, Connie, and Rodney, the gang engages in a western-style battle that will stop at nothing until justice is served.
One of the most appealing aspects of the movie is the character development that happens throughout the story. As they encounter new challenges and obstacles, each of the characters evolves, becoming more confident and courageous. The main character, Tom, for example, starts off as a naive young boy with an unrealistic expectation of the west. He quickly learns that the west is not as romantic as he imagined and has dangerous elements that can be deadly if not managed well. Through the rest of the Odyssey team, Tom learns what it is like to work together to achieve a common goal.
Overall, Adventures in Odyssey: Go West, Young Man! is an enjoyable animation for anyone who loves the Wild West. It is not only entertaining, but it also sends valuable messages about teamwork, bravery, and standing up for what is right. The diverse cast of characters, including an African-American and a wheelchair-bound boy, also makes the movie inclusive and relatable. While the movie may not be historically accurate, it is still a great way to introduce young kids to the culture of the old west and to appreciate the beauty of working together to overcome challenges.