The Polar Express (2004)

Blending excellent reporting and strong storytelling, this is a disturbing film truly stranger than fiction

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

Blistering performances.

What is this movie about? Not much. A happens, then B happens, then C happens, and so on. Their on a train, then there's a ticket, then a guy on the top of the train, then caribou, then the carriage comes off, then they're in a factory, then this, then that. The message: Believe BELIEVE BEEELLLLIIIEEEVVVE! In what? Santa? He's been on a magic train that skates on ice, with a weird disappearing man who doesn't do anything but sit there and disappear seemingly at will, and we're supposed to think that he doesn't believe in SANTA?! What?! I'd believe in anything at that point. Then there's a bell. Then they go home.But it's a kid's movie. Why complain? Of the tiresome sequence of events, none of them are fun; they are mostly about going really fast. (This movie is really about people going fast, because that looks good in 3D, apparently). There is one scene where they have chocolate, but the kids spend most scenes in mortal peril, falling or hanging off things. None of that innocent joy thing you might expect. Just fear for their lives.

The Polar Express really brings the holiday season magic to life. Just the visuals alone are fantastic enough to make anyone feel in the Christmas mood. I love the story, it's every child's ultimate dream on Christmas Eve. The writing is good enough, I will say that it's not quite as good as some better animated movies, but it does the job. The songs are very festive and enjoyable too, almost all being sung by children aboard the train. The characters are interesting and each one different and unique in their own way. And Tom Hanks was a great pick to voice the conductor, Santa, Dad, and the homeless man. If that isn't the most roles ever given to one before..... lol. I will say that some of the middle part of the film does tend to drag a bit, but overall it is a good well constructed movie surrounding the holiday season dreams of millions of children across the globe. If you have younger children in your family then I definitely suggest watching around Christmas time. It comes on television a good bit around then anyways. It's fun, magical, and visually breathtaking. 7/10 for The Polar Express.

It is about time to stop telling kids lies about the tradition of Coca Cola consumerism Christmas/Santa Claus. This is NO lie that needs to be told to children. Take away the gifts and that Coca Cola Red Monstrosity. Do a movie about that, Hollywood... But it would be harder to sell. I have no problems with giving presents to each others on that particular day but you can give a present to anybody at any day. But THIS is not the purpose of Christmastime. This is not the story why people celebrate. Thus making the movie a really really blant animated fantasy flick. It is just wrong. The interpretation of this time of the year needs to be told for what it actually is - daylight/sun. The movie got nothing going for itself. The voice talent of tom hanks is bothersome. This movie is a stinker all over. A big fat lie told to kids and grown ups too. Jaaaayzus.

The Polar Express is a 2004 motion capture film directed by Robert Zurkenkis who is over Back To The Future franchise and tells the tale of a young boy who comes across a mysterious train ran by a conductor voiced by Tom Hanks and the little boy goes off on a magical journey to see Santa Clause in the North Pole. So will the little boy go back home?Overall I thought the film was very good,the motion capture was very good as I liked how the conductor was like Tom Hanks and the animation is very similar to the Jim Carrey film A Christmas Carol that was made in 2009. The story is good but the animation is definitely the show stealer in this film.If you love motion capture films and you are a fan of Tom Hanks then check it out. I really liked it,and its perfect to watch this holiday season.