The Polar Express (2004)


The Polar Express (2004)

The Polar Express (2004)

The Polar Express (2004)

The Polar Express (2004)

The Polar Express (2004)

The Polar Express (2004)

The Polar Express (2004)

The Polar Express (2004)


The Polar Express (2004)


Director: Robert Zemeckis


Cast: Tom Hanks as Hero Boy / Father / Conductor / Hobo / Scrooge / Santa Claus, Leslie Zemeckis as Sister Sarah / Mother, Eddie Deezen as Know-It-All, Nona Gaye as Hero Girl, Peter Scolari as Lonely Boy, Andy Pellick as Pastry Chef, Josh Eli as Waiter, Mark Mendonca as Waiter, Rolandas Hendricks as Waiter, Mark Goodman as Waiter, Jon Scott as Waiter, Gregory Gast as Waiter, Sean Scott as Waiter, Gordon Hart as Waiter, Michael Jeter as Smokey / Steamer



On the one hand there are many delightful moments in THE POLAR EXPRESS,
not the least of which is the entire look of the film--appealing in a
way that great illustrations of children's books always are to young
and old. Tom Hanks and the others enter into the spirit of the whole
thing with gusto--and all the performances are right on target.

On the other hand, much of the film is an excuse to dazzle with
roller-coaster-like rides on the express train that roars across
various landscapes making wild leaps and turns, all the while thrilling
us with a sense of adventure and excitement. For the very young, the
ride might be a scary one, especially when the daring young hero rides
atop the train during a blustery snowstorm.

Things barely quiet down once the destination is reached at the North
Pole. Still there are dangers lurking and the thrills continue with
some amazing photographic tricks that can only be done in this new
process of computer generated animation.

And to add a cozier touch to the proceedings, certain famous Christmas
songs are interjected at intervals to give the North Pole--and the
film--a warmer glow.

All in all, quite an imaginative and innovative achievement--impressive
enough to assure its place among future Christmas favorites with
unlimited appeal for the young in heart. The message of Christmas is
lightly hinted at but when Tom Hanks as the train conductor tells the
little boy, "The true meaning of Christmas is in your heart," we can be
assured that children everywhere will definitely "get it".

Visually, it's a stunner. I didn't see it on the IMAX screen where I
imagine it really knocks your socks off, but at a multiplex where
picture and sound were impressive enough to convey just how advanced
special effects technology has become. There is much artistry involved
here, especially when the night scenes of the train's fast-moving
travel through a blustery snowstorm capture some rich winter
landscapes, including a frozen lake that threatens to demolish train
and passengers before danger has passed. The camera-work is continually
fascinating as is the artwork involved.

A pity there couldn't have been more of a story in the children's book
which is the source--but the artistic visuals are the main source of
entertainment here and they are superb. The busy background score by
Alan Silvestri is reminiscent of works by John Williams. Although none
of the sprightly song tunes are particularly memorable, there is a
wistful quality to one of the new Christmas ballads sung by the
children.

P.S. - I have just watched it on DVD, a year after writing the above
review--and it's definitely a keeper--just as wonderful as you could
want, an amazing technological achievement that should delight all ages
who can still hear that bell! Tom Hanks, as the conductor, is my
favorite character--brilliant job.

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