The Polar Express Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
Journey Beyond Your Imagination
This Holiday Season... Believe.
Take the journey in IMAX 3D
All Aboard In IMAX 3D this holiday
Don't miss the holiday film of the season.
Santa Claus does not exist. Or does he? For one doubting boy (voice of Daryl Sabara and Tom Hanks), an astonishing event occurs. Late on Christmas Eve night, he lies in bed hoping to hear the sound of reindeer bells from Santa's sleigh. When to his surprise, a steam engine's roar and whistle can be heard outside his window. The conductor (voice of Tom Hanks) invites him on board to take an extraordinary journey to the North Pole with many other pajama-clad children. There, he receives an extraordinary gift only those who still believe in Santa can experience.
| Tom Hanks | Hero Boy/Father/Conductor/Hobo/Scrooge/Santa Claus |
| Michael Jeter | Smokey/Steamer |
| Leslie Harter Zemeckis | Sister Sarah/Mother |
| Eddie Deezen | Know-It-All |
| Nona Gaye | Hero Girl |
| Peter Scolari | Lonely Boy |
| Andy Pellick | Pastry Chef |
| Gordon Hart | Waiter |
| Robert Zemeckis |
6.90 out of 10 (7164 votes)
Visitor Reviews
What an egotistical load of crap
posted on 18 Aug 2009What a disappointment. Couldn't they afford actual actors? This was endlessly noisy, pretentious, boring. The characters are not appealing. This must be Robert Zemeckis's ego trip. Or his Jewish revenge on Christians. This is not a Christmas classic, this is not heart-warming, this is really crummy. No amount of huge orchestration can make up for a good script. It only proves that good actors (Tom Hanks) are not good without a good script. No wonder it made no money. No wonder I got it for free. No one else would buy it or wanted it. Yachhh. I can hardly come up with my ten lines of script to comment on this, because there is nothing to this movie but noise, noise, noise.
I *really* wanted to like this movie
posted on 12 Aug 2009I like Tom Hanks, as an actor, I think he has done some of the best work of this generation. I like CGI - as a techno-nut, I think that it is just totally cool what can be done with computers and I love Christmas - that time of year when it seems like it is "ok" to put other people ahead of ourselves for awhile. But I gave this movie a low rating, why?What is Christmas to you? Getting and giving gifts? Does it stop there? We are asked - nay ordered! to believe but not it seems in the spirit of Christmas, but rather the spirit of giving and perhaps they are the same but, for me, the overwhelming message of the season is JOY and joy is mighty hard to come by in this film.Tom H does all the main characters - interesting but ... interesting. There are some casual "hip" social references that are not needed but included nonetheless.Technically, I have no arguments with the quality - though the effort to create super realistic characters was creepy - was it just me or was the little girl a hunchback? - that much realism, why not just use human actors and use the cgi for effects? IMO, the most interesting characters were the brakeman and engineer - they looked semi-real but unreal enough to add an air of whimsy and other-worldliness to the film - to add a bit of childlike wonder to a pedestrian "message movie".If you are looking for nuance, look elsewhere - the filmmakers determined the message and it is delivered like a pole-ax between the eyes. You know from the beginning how things will turn out and if that is what you seek in a film, this film will not disappoint.So, how do we get to a three?Story - 4 Technical - 5 - less realism in a magic movie is a plus Message - 4 - frequency of delivery does not add depth Magic - 2 too much effort to make the characters look "real" Fun factor -1
Is Tom Hanks ill?
posted on 08 Aug 2009Mother and I have now seen the preview for this movie, and I just have to ask, IS EVERYONE BLIND?!!! TOM HANKS LOOKS AWFUL!!! Dead staring eyes? Skin like a tailor's dummy? Jerky uncoordinated movements? Are these signs of good health where he comes from? They certainly aren't down our way. Gone is the physical and energetic chameleon who won our hearts with Bonfire of the Vanities, where he played Sherman McCoy opposite that blonde woman whose breasts GREW BIGGER as the story progressed (it can happen btw). Now, though, he's but a shadow of his former self. Is this one of those big public secrets - like Michael Jackson or George Bush - that everyone knows about but no one mentions? HE IS OBVIOUSLY VERY, VERY ILL!!! We sensed something was wrong when we heard his attempts at speech in 'The Ladykillers' and thought things had gone from bad to worse when 'The Airport Lounge' came out. Mother said he was on the way out then('obvious irreparable brain damage' were her exact words) but he seemed fine afterwards in interviews - dribbled a bit, but he's at that age - so we thought he was on the mend. Thinking back, though, everyone was always very, very nice to him, as you are with someone who's been ill or is a bit simple, so I suppose that was a bit of a giveaway. So. America. LISTEN UP!!! I realize that he has a lot of friends in Hollywood, but I think the kindest thing to do surely, rather than to cast him in lead parts in multimillion dollar movies, would be to send him home and call the doctor. Surely none of us want to risk losing this brilliant leading actor when all that is needed is a kind word, some bed rest and possibly some sort of enema? I'm tired of watching this great man suffer just so some studio exec can set fire to yet another five dollar bill and shove it down some stripper's g-string. Have some compassion, PLEASE!!!
To counter the Negative
posted on 08 Aug 2009Having just returned from seeing The Polar Express and to answer many who have put this film down, I would have to say, that this is perhaps the Best Feel Good film that I have seen in a long time,one cannot view this and then just walk out without a tear or two in their eyes. Tom Hanks, along with the Children gives an Excellent performance I would have paid twice the amount of money to see this, In fact I cant wait to see this again and Yes the story line does follow along with the great action shots,In these troubled times, We need more of these type of Films, The Imax 3D was an Excellent way in which to view this,Go see this Excellent film, and Judge for yourselves, and Yes do take as many kids as you can When we talk of moral values, we need only to trust in the magic and beauty that this season of giving can bring Yes, go see this Film and let your heart decide, not some jaded Critic
The 3D Experience!!! Wow!!!!!
posted on 04 Aug 2009Seeing the movie in 3D IMAX was simply amazing. It turned an ordinary, probably not very likely to see movie, into a totally new experience. You are constantly moving your head all over the screen to try and take it all in. At one point, you felt the train was going out across the theater and stopping overhead. Audible gasps from the attending crowd were riddled throughout the screening. This is an event worth looking into. The only drawback was wearing the IMAX headgear for the feature length film. It sat fairly well on the head, but would slowly droop down to your nose. Simple paper glasses would have been a much better idea. Still, it's worth the pain. WOW!!
A classic that will endure
posted on 29 Jul 2009Ignore the folks who are paid to review movies and know that this Christmas classic will undoubtedly become an enduring favorite for many years to come.The animation is a wonderful achievement and this is truly a movie where the story comes to life on screen. I was totally unfamiliar with the book, so I read my granddaughter's copy after the movie and realized the movie resonated with me moreso than someone of my granddaughter's age. This movie speaks to those who no longer can hear the sound of the Christmas bell. In many ways, there is something of a peculiar kinship with "It's A Wonderful Life" in the use of the bell for the spirit of Christmas as opposed to the sound of a bell for an angel getting their wings. Kudos to Robert Zemeckis and Tom Hanks for a brilliantly conceived vision. Haven't seen the IMAX version, but I can only imagine how much more harrowing certain parts of this movie might be in that format. The instrumental music is very interesting. Nearly a supernatural theme rather than a wistful one, but it works in this movie wonderfully. The individual songs may not be hummable as you leave the theater, but they work well in the context of the film.
Script - Wonderful, Rest Of The Film - UGH!
posted on 21 Jul 2009I really don't see why everyone thinks this is such a fantastic movie. I mean, I could see why some people might love it, but almost every person who has commented on it gave it an 8, 9, and even a 10!!! This movie was bad. It wasn't terrible, but it WAS bad. The script was really the only breathtaking thing, which yes, I could say it was breathtaking, because it was very well written and would've been a great film, but GOD. The animation, comedy, and DEFINITELY the characters totally butchered what potential this movie had. I didn't care for anyone, the jokes and comical sketches weren't funny at all, though I've seen worse in a kid's movie, and I suppose the animation was just, okay, but by far made the movie less enjoyable. Overall, it was a bad movie, but there were a very few amount of upsides, and I guess I respect it, but I DO NOT recommend it, and I probably won't be watching it again.
One of the Best family movies I have ever seen
posted on 19 Jul 2009I am in my 40s and I loved this movie. It is a definite movie to see with your children or grandchildren and create new holiday memories. It is a wonderful movie for anytime of the year and especially at Christmas time. For those people who believe in the magic of Christmas, it is a must see and for those who don't believe anymore, this might change your mind. The music was wonderful and when you hear the music again, you can almost picture the movie in your mind. It could truly make you Believe in the magic of Christmas. The Animation is unique. I had never before seen anything like it. As the movie went on, I forgot that I was watching an animated film and I felt like I was there. Don't miss it.
does the book justice
posted on 13 Jul 2009this is a feature film made about the book The Polar Express. this is one of the best films that i have seen in lately. The animation is exactly the way you see it in the book. To see the different objects in the boys room shake when the train comes by for the first time is amazing. All of the animation was very tight. there were times when i thought i was actually watching a live action movie. the storyline is right on with the book and also has a few surprises in it. My parents read this story to me many times as a child and it was great to see such a great film made out of it. Tom Hanks does a great job as the conductor and all of his other characters. Aerosmith also has a bit part in the movie which i thought was really cool. 10 out of 10
A definite two thumbs up
posted on 07 Jul 2009As a firm believer in movies being able to ruin a perfectly good book, I worried about what might happen to my love of Polar Express after seeing the film. I was pleasantly surprised. Not only did the film recreate the feeling and overall emotion of the children's story, it captured the entire aura of Christmas and created an almost completely believable world. I absolutely loved it. I recommend that everyone go see Polar Express this holiday season. I don't think you'll be disappointed. The imagery gave me chills and the characters completely drew me in. The music was both classic and inspiring and I think 3D animation is the only way in which the magic of the tale could possibly be portrayed. Take the family and get into the spirit of Christmas early this year.
Better than expected
posted on 07 Jul 2009*removes sunglasses and takes cool guy tooth pick out of mouth*Have you ever wondered what a midnight trip to the North Pole would look like? No? Neither have I. But that doesn't stop The Polar Express from attempting to capture that journey through the eyes of a young boy. As cool as I try to act, I have to admit that it is a pretty impressive journey. I know I'll catch heat from my friends for praising a G-rated animated Christmas movie starring Tom Hanks, but I'm man enough to give credit where it's warranted.The Polar Express is definitely geared more towards children. After all, the entire story is told from a young boy's perspective. The viewer is witnessing a dream inside his head; a dream that explores that pivotal moment in a child's life where he must choose to either close the door on part of his childhood, or to keep pretending that he believes in Santa Claus just so he can force his parents to continue to give him gifts from "Santa Claus." I'll never forget the fateful day when my parents closed that door of my childhood themselves, resulting in half the number of Christmas gifts in the years to come. It was a sad time, one that certainly put a damper on my 18th birthday, which was less than two months away.So unlike Johnny Betts, the kids on the polar express still have a choice. Each is on his or her own personal journey, and each has a lesson to learn.The first hour of the movie is great and moves at a very fast pace as we witness the adventures that occur as the train makes its way to the North Pole. Everything on screen is just impressive to look at - the scenery, the animation, the action, the characters. I especially liked the first-person view of the train barreling down a roller coaster-esque track. Robert Zemeckis wanted to make the movie feel like an oil painting come alive, and he succeeded. Not that I'm an expert on oil paintings and what they would look like if they were given life, but I digress.The movie does slow down for the last 20-25 minutes. Once the train trip has ended and the destination is reached, the movie starts to *ahem* lose steam. Bwahaha! But hey, prior to that, it was chugging along *snicker* at a great pace. I'm sorry. I was just trying to think of some lame puns that I'm sure plenty of movie critics are using in their reviews. I'm pretty sure I succeeded.Anyway, I could have done without the little sentimental musical number where three of the kids join together to sing about "when Christmas comes to town." And macho guys might start to lose interest once the children begin to learn their individual lesson. Yeah yeah, it's all sweet and good, but it's nothing original. I won't fault the filmmakers for that. A good "moral of the story" in a kid's movie never hurt anybody. So if you start to zone out then just pay close attention to all the fine detail, and you'll be impressed.One of the things that I found most impressive is the characterizations of the humans. The human characters benefit greatly due to a brand new system called Performance Capture. Performance Capture is a process in which the actors wear form-fitting motion capture suits, but unlike regular motion capture, Performance Capture is able to capture genuine emotions and natural expressions. Every single movement by the actor is captured, down to the flutter of an eyelid. The result is the best CG humans I've seen. The mouth movements actually look pretty good! Most CG humans look like they've got peanut butter stuck on the roof of their mouth when they talk, so this is an excellent advancement. I'm eager to watch this system develop.One of the main points in the movie, as the conductor tells the little boy, is "it doesn't matter where the train is going. What matters is deciding to get on." I don't know that I agree with that. What if the train is going to Detroit's inner-city? Or even worse, what if the train is actually on its way to Hell? What small child is gonna want to take that trip? If you decide to get on then you're in trouble, and you've got the conductor to thank. Quite the disturbing message, don't you think, Mr. Zemeckis? Oh well, it's all right to look past this and enjoy this visually stunning film.*puts sunglasses back on and places toothpick back in mouth*THE GISTIf you're looking for a movie you can take the entire family to, then go see The Incredibles. If you've already seen it, then The Polar Express is a very good second option. It's a little more child-oriented than The Incredibles, and the sappy moments might slightly grate the coolest of cats, but it's an entertaining movie, and at the very least you'll enjoy the visual experience. Rating: 3.5 (out of 5)
A very weird movie
posted on 03 Jul 2009This movie is beautiful on the surface, but it has a very large subtext that is totally ignored by the characters. For example: why are the elves Jewish? They all have New York City accents and they use Yiddish words, and they all have trade mark noses. (I am a Jew). Why are two of the children on the train the very children who would have the biggest doubts about Christmas: the Jerry Lewis clone (another stereotypical Jew) and the poverty-stricken little boy who had never had a Christmas -- completely ignored and only the WASP kid from Minnesota got a Lesson of some very vague kind? Why was the Black girl there, except to heap more unhappiness on the poor kid by burbling about how Christmas is about parties, gifts, decorations and, in fact, commercialism -- and why does she remain clueless when clearly the poor child is made more unhappy by her burbling? Is she the PC version of the vacuous little rich girl?And why does the North Pole look like North Philly, with Muzak on a 45 rpm record thrown in? Who would relate to that?I enjoyed this movie for the visuals, but I would not take a child over the age of 8 to see it. They will ask way too many questions and you wn't be able to give them any answers.
WANT TO BE DAZZLED?
posted on 29 Jun 2009For those whose communities are fortunate enough to have an IMAX/3-D IMAX theater in their community, there's a holiday super-treat that should not be missed by you, your family and your friends. I'm referring to the 3-D IMAX version of THE POLAR EXPRESS that is showing right now in many of the IMAX theaters across the country.The stunning technical achievement of the 3-D IMAX version of THE POLAR EXPRESS is beyond anything that you could even imagine for a computer-animated film ... you will definitely be blown away! ... particularly if you are also into technical DETAILS. You literally will not believe the stunning beauty of the audio-visual treats that await you in this 3-D IMAX version of the film. Words are totally inadequate to describe the visual intimacy of a 3-D IMAX production of a computer-animated story such as this.It is recommended that you arrive early in order to obtain seats as high in the center of the IMAX theater as possible since the film's 3-D projection places the center of the image directly in front of those seats; i.e., looking straight-ahead instead of up. If possible, it is recommended that you experience this film during the week when the crowds of are smaller. Purchasing tickets in advance is also highly recommended where possible.This film of the popular children's illustrated book, and particularly this 3-D IMAX version, are visions of filmmaker Robert Zemeckis. He must be a genius of a most special sort because it is hard to believe that a single human-being could guide the production of such a mind-bogglingly complex and delightful enterprise. Every aspect of the 3-D IMAX version of THE POLAR EXPRESS is infused with consistent and breathtaking QUALITY.
I believe
posted on 29 Jun 2009The rain is pelting down here in New England and I am happy to be nice and dry. I just returned from seeing this movie at the IMAX Theater in 3D. I knew of "The Polar Express" story from my childhood. I honestly couldn't remember the plot. I do however remember the great illustrations from the book. So when I heard my nieces were going to see this, I said I would be happy to attend. The expectation wasn't too high because the word around was the reviews were poor. Once the movie began, even before the story started to unfold, I was already completely drawn in. The animation was absolutely beautiful and so much great detail; I didn't care if the movie wasn't going to be great. On top of that the 3D just added an element that an average movie wouldn't have and I loved it. They should make more movies in 3D. After all that talk the movie's story turned out just fine. I liked the story allot and I would recommend this movie to anyone. I don't know if this movie is strictly shown in 3D, but if it is not I would absolutely recommend that's how you see it.Enjoy.
Possibly the most joyless holiday movie ever made
posted on 23 Jun 2009I saw this movie about an hour ago at the local IMAX theater. This is the first feature film that they have shown there, and on the positive side, things can only go up. The first thing that totally creeped me out was the animation. The characters looked like corpses. The mouths were always dark. The eyes were lifeless. In trying to render them correctly, the eyes looked sunken. I was reminded of the scene from Anatomy when the nerves of a headless cadaver are stimulated to produce movement. I couldn't get off this macabre track. The train and passengers also reminded me of Clive Barker's Midnight Meat Train. The second creepy thing was the scene that sets the plot in motion. A complete stranger approaches a small boy and entices him into his conveyance. I think we try to impress kids not to do this. A bag of candy or a souped ride should all be turned down flatly and kid should flee in the opposite direction, screaming if need be. Yet off he goes in the middle of the night with the strange conductor. A while later the train stops and he witness the conductor pick up another boy with the same patter that suckered him in. The boy who expresses doubt whether the whole train ride is on the level should have suspected mendacity on the part of the old conductor or, at least, manipulation. I was pulling for the kid to jump off the train rescue the kid who is about to be duped as well. They don't. They board the train and their fate is in the hands of others. The train ride puts them at risk till they reach the North Pole. The interior of a bee hive would look more comfortable. All the elves in their identical uniforms pack into the square for the arrival of Santa Clause and to the theme of "O Christmas Tree." This song was also a theme song for eighteenth century socialist movements as well as the now defunct soviet union. This creeped me out, but I am not now and never have been a communist. Santa Clause looked not so much like a jolly old elf but as harried executive who has to kick this thing in the ass every year to make it happen.The protagonist of the movie has the plot hijacked from him by the hero girl. This might be a story-telling flaw. If it is her story, why not develop her background and begin the story with her. Her close-ups seem as important as the story itself. If some sleazeball producer put his girl friend in the movie as intrusively as the hero girl the critics would tear him a new one. If there is what they consider a noble social motive, they either remain silent or laud the effort. I call it for what it is gratuitous negritude. I long for the day when film-makers can separate art from white guilt. There are other ways we can help the Negro, like contributing to Katrina relief or the United Negro Fund. I won't go into what happens to straight lines on an IMAX screen but with the other flaws with this movie it didn't help.
It hasn't got it
posted on 19 Jun 2009Nor is it amazing. Not even the animation. You'll see better 3D animation on computer games several years old and better acting by the South Park characters.The same goes for the soundtrack. It rarely fits, and when it does, it isn't original.As to the acting, the part you'd think they'd correct and supplement with the animation, it is the worst part. Hanks must have felt he could just wake up and show up. As for the kids, they are no hope. About the only bright spots are the train helpers and elves.As to the story in general, it is unbelievable. This isn't a problem for fantasy in general, but given that this is an animation trying to replicate and recreate reality, it completely ruins the film, making it boring and more difficult to watch than a grade-school play.
Kid at heart
posted on 15 Jun 2009Being almost halfway through my senior year of high school and seeing this movie i was certain i would be completely bored. Boy was i in for the shock of my life not only did the movie stay true to the book but it went beyond it and took you on a magical journey into what children view Christmas as. it made me believe again and no matter what many of you "adults" may say you loved it because it made you feel 10 again. I am planning on seeing it again this year and someday when I have kids I will show them exactly what helped me to realize how wonderful Christmas is! If you are reading my comment to help you decide whether or not to see the movie, I hope you see not only because of my comment but because you want to feel the true happiness and joy of Christmas!
Children might like it
posted on 13 Jun 2009I am 50 yrs old, my fiancé is 48. We settled in on Christmas night to watch Polar Express. Her first words was that the animation was kind of eery and spooky. I commented that it was like watching a movie with animation that had the same look and feel of photo's from children's books. Maybe we were too used to the amazing animation from studio's such as Disney's Pixar? We loved CARS, Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc etc. The bottom line was that the animation for Polar Express was just too odd to keep us interested and we turned it off after 20 minutes and switched over to watching "Cars" from Pixar. Polar Express may very well be a wonderful movie, and kids might enjoy it. But it just didn't do it for us. This was the Blu-Ray version, so perhaps my expectations were too high.
I Almost Forgot How to Believe
posted on 09 Jun 2009Thanks to this warm, genuine movie, I remember how it feels to be a child again. I remember the anticipation, the happy feeling of Christmases in my younger days. Adults get so caught up in the dollars, the stresses, and the gifting, and we all need to just pause to sit back, reflect, and believe. I love to "hear the bells" of Santa's sleigh through my children. If you have young ones, they can sit through it. My 3 and 4-and-a-half year old loved it. I'm a softy who is a sucker for a feel-good movie. This one is a pure confection. I read the book every year as a Christmas tradition. Normally I would say the literature should be unadulterated by having a film version, so that the imagination can design its own pictures, but this isn't the case. The movie is that good.
Beautiful and incredible
posted on 24 Aug 2009Many people seem to have missed so much in this movie.I took my two grandchildren, ages 6 and 3, and they were rapt throughout. Neither was afraid, both wanted to see it again. So we went again with their parents. I have it on DVD. I suspect that, as is so often the case, kids are scared because they pick up from their parents or adults with them who "think" kids will be scared. But then, my grandchildren have sat through the "Lord of the Rings" and "Star Wars", and we're off next week to "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe".The movie wasn't intended to be "real" - so scenes with trains flying down roller-coasters, caribou on tracks, a wild ride on a frozen lake, all are believable in the overall story. This is a story from a child's point of view, where anything is possible. Never once were those children in real danger - it wasn't intended that way. It *was* intended to be a spiritual journey.Note to those who say Tom Hanks "changed" things and added to the story - Chris van Allsburg, the book's author, also was part of the team which wrote and created this. The sound of the train was really the sound of the real train upon which it was modeled and which still runs in Michigan. The homes were modeled after Robert Zemeckis' childhood homes.The whole look of the movie, and its use of light and warmth was amazing, not to mention the performance-capture technique. Look closely - eyelids move, eyebrows move, faces frown or smile. There is an African-American child, but there are also Asian children on the train - and the recreation of life in those days (I remember it well) was pretty accurate, which makes sense given that it was modeled on Zemeckis' own childhood.The scenes with the elves are a hoot - the main elf obviously comes from New Jersey, and caricatures of real people abound in a light and humorous way. The town at the North Pole was reminiscent of some of the old buildings in Helsinki and Tampere, in Finland.For me, the best part of the movie was Santa. He combines the aura (he glows) of a not-human, probably angelic being, but somewhat Nordic looking. Tales of Santa and elves abound in Finland, and I'm betting the creators drew on that history and look - even to some of the detailing in his costume. He isn't the jolly fat old elf (although a few ho-ho's are 'de rigueur'), but is tall and imposing, sturdy and strong, capable of being firm without anger, wise, compassionate, and with a sense of humour.This is not a movie about reality - it's a movie about faith and belief in the unseen. As a theologian, I've recommended this movie to my congregation as way of indulging in a little childhood fantasy, and grappling with issues of faith and disbelief in the things we can't see. Tom Hanks, Chris van Allsburg, and Robert Zemeckis, and the whole team in this movie have done a wonderful job of creating a beautiful movie with a message not only for children but for adults as well.