The Polar Express [HD DVD]

Yes, yes people. Since I have some time while the elves are wrapping all the gifts and feeding the reindeer, I decided to write this worthy review for you. You say you didn't know I was filling in for Santa this year? Well. I had to. This is what happens when Santa donates big bucks to your ill-fated election campaign. Or is it doe? Ah well, you get the gist.

Because the season is right, I decided for an excellent holiday movie for your consideration: The Polar Express. I saw this seasons ago when it first came out and I was so impressed with it that I had to have it on DVD. I suggest you all get a copy quickly before Father Time arrives on New Year's Eve. He can be very cruel to those who don't listen to the wisdom of Metamorpho. Heck, he's cruel to everyone. Last time I looked, no one was getting any younger.

Anyway, let's climb aboard The Polar Express awhile and discuss the movie. It centers around a young boy who's losing the magic of his childhood dreams. Everywhere he looks, there are signs that point to the non-existence of Santa Claus. How preposterous. That's like saying Seers don't exist, which, of course they do, if you'll just ignore those catcalls you hear.

So, on Christmas Eve, the boy hears this train rumble and stop in front of his house. Do keep in mind he tears his robe pocket in his excitement to see the train up close. That action is a major factor throughout the movie and is the main motivator towards a lot of what happens. Reluctantly, the boy climbs aboard and is soon treated to a variey of children. One kid is so nerdy and annoying that I'm sure part of the audience prays for him to be thrown from the train. But the other characters he meets are fine; the tender-hearted girl and the lonely and sad boy.

As we learn, the train is heading towards the North Pole with Tom Hanks as the constantly checking stopwatch Conductor. The journey is amazing. Zemeckis uses CG Technology (a digital process) to convey an outerworldly and mystikal feel to the movie. The whole train ride is a cause and effect freefall of many ideas. Whether it be surreal acrobatic waiters serving hot chocolate, the excursion of the girl's lost train ticket (a journey that makes Forrest Gump's feather pale in comparison), or the roller coaster train ride as it double times across breaking ice, you will certainly be treated to eye-popping special effects throughout the whole movie.

The theme of the movie is belief, without which, Santa nor Christmas could truly exist. But, more than that, it is a retraining for people who have lost the magic of Christmas. In a way, the movie beckons us to learn to grow young. As Tom Hanks says to the child, "Seeing is believing. But, most real things we can't see".

They reach the North Pole and more mayhem ensues as our major children get lost and wind up in Santa's toysack. The awe and magic of the North Pole town is yet another wonder. Add into that, the townsquare scene with more elves than there were people at Woodstock cheering as Santa makes an appearance. All these scenes create light hearted pomp and joy to this movie.

I will not reveal all the surprises here. But, do see it. It will be a marvel to you forever. In the end, when the boy exits the train, the Conductor tells him, "the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart". And Zemeckis drives this point home with an enchanting movie such as this.
True, when this movie first came out he was criticized for the digitalization of the characters. The critics brayed that it was not a success. Let me tell you, the critics lied. Everytime I have seen the movie I think my imagination has taken over and I see more into it. It is a magikal cinematic method for a magikal movie. Very appropriate. And, ironically, the movie's motif was belief, which those critics obviously missed.

I consider this movie a heart-warming Christmas classic which all people can enjoy. It is about the spirit within all of us. It is universal. I urge all of you to get a copy quick, or else, you might find coal in your stocking this year. And to answer your question, yes, I might reconsider. But many accolades and serious fawning are required.

Anyway, a fine, fine movie to add to your collection.

Happy Hollidaze------ Metamorpho

I too really wanted to like this movie. I know the "true meaning of Christmas" and so does my daughter, and yet "Christmas-y" or what I would call "winter gift-giving festival" movies are fine. Truth is beautiful no matter what package it comes in...

That being said, I thought at first it was just me, but after reading reviews I do have to concur and add my own word...it seems "soul-less." Whether it is animation technique, or the like, the characters come off soul-less, creepy, even evil when it comes to the elves. While that is certainly not the intent, and I will admit the eye candy, especially the northern lights, snow, beautiful depictions of ice...all that are breath-taking to behold...the movie's message and the characters through which it is delivered left me feeling cold, and I have seen it three times to make sure. While others might be able to get past it, I would say I don't even see this movie as truly one for children...it seems to be a hesitant way for us to say as adults "we believe" and yet the question that is begged is, in what? Santa comes off cold, the elves scary, the children soul-less, and the scene in which the Hero boy gets caught up with the puppets and the toys bound for refurbishment...quite disturbing. For movies that do not compromise the spirit of the season (see the middle of the word "Christmas" for the origin of that spirit), I would suggest the Albert Finney version of Scrooge, the musical, or perhaps the Tim Allen Santa Clause franchise, in that even though they are not Sunday school lessons, they are in keeping with the theme of unconditional love for humanity, and that comes closer to the spirit of Christmas than anything else. The idea of a bell going silent when belief ends...poignant, but again in opposite to the spirit of Christmas in that it is stating that a blind belief, devoid of a loving relationship is the answer. Unfortunately, it is not, and it is the lack of human relationship, and the warmth generated from that, that the CGI Polar Express cannot achieve...making it soul-less and unfortunately as cold as the landscape that it depicts.

I just bought the 3-D version of The Polar Express today because my whole family loves this movie, especially my 5-year-old. As it turns out, it was a total waste of money since we already have a copy of the original movie. The 3-D simply did not work. When we put the glasses on the picture was still almost as fuzzy as it is without the glasses. It is still better to watch it WITH the glasses than without...IF you press them really tight up against your face, but that's about as good as it gets! My husband wears glasses and it was even worse for him. We gave up and watched the regular version. What a dissapointment! The box cover is really cool though. Sadly, it was more fun to watch than the movie!

Interesting, surrealistic animation. Lots of loud noise, screaming, etc. This is yet another plotless, pointless "holiday" movie. It is not a Christmas movie. Save your money (and you time) - watch something else.

Wasn't too keen on watching it when it first came out. Last year it came out on tv and I happened to catch some of it. Bought a copy this year to add to my Christmas movie day collection. Some of it is sappy but some of it is down right fun. Tom Hanks is an amazing talent. His ability to wear many hats in this production was quite interesting, and a pleasure, to see. Enjoyed the musical chocolate drink scene, the rollercoaster train ride through mountains and over ice was fun, and the bit right before santa comes out was tense nd magical at the same time. A good movie. I recommend it for any age but most especially for people with kids below the age of 10.