My Movie Review on The Polar Express · 4:18pm Dec 19th, 2019
Merry Christmas, my friends.
This is your friendly film, TV show, and episode reporter here with another review.
And...AAALLL ABOOOAAARRD!!! Because today, I'm gonna be giving you guys the eleventh installment of my "Christmas Craze" by reviewing "The Polar Express".
Here's the summary of it:
On Christmas Eve, a doubtful young boy is having trouble deciding whether he believes in Santa Claus or not. In a surprising turn of events, though, a magical train called the Polar Express arrives in front of his house. Believing that this could be how his questions can be answered, he hops aboard the train, the destination of it being the North Pole. On it, he also sees that other kids were picked up by the train too.
Will the boy understand Christmas? Or will he forever remain in doubt?
Having grown up with this film and pretty much watched it every Christmas season, I definitely couldn't resist reviewing it this year. Especially after being requested last year by tyrannosaurianrex9 on FiMFiction.net to review it.
Wanna know what I think of this movie?
IT'S FANTASTIC!!!
The direction by Robert Zemeckis, and the screenplay by him and William Boyles Jr., were marvelously accomplished. A big thing I've personally admired about Zemeckis is that he makes astounding use of surrounding sounds and visualization, and in this movie...he took his style of direction to an entirely new level, and the results were amazing! Similar to the later adaption he did of "A Christmas Carol", I also admired how passionately faithful Zemeckis was to the original story and how he extended himself creatively as a filmmaker. The film's themes about faith, believing, and trust were wonderfully done too.
The digital motion-capture effects were magnificent as well. Having read the original book a few times as a child, I can honestly say that the look of the film was like seeing the pictures from the actual story come to life right before my very eyes. It's something that I don't think a live-action adaption of the film could ever accomplish, even if technology for live-action films advanced so much.
The music by Alan Silvestri was fun too. Of all the films I've watched that Silvestri composed for, this one is what I believe to be his very best by far. I love how emotionally-engaging he made the music to reflect the story and characters, and the way he once again captured a spirit that was perfect for a Christmas film. My favorite musical moment was the "Hot Chocolate" moment, and the song itself was fun enough for me to download to my Music app.
Finally, the performances of the cast and their characters were brilliant as well. Tom Hanks's ability to play more than one character in this film was incredible. His performances as the Conductor, Santa Claus, and the Hobo were particularly powerful. Plus, despite how recognizable Hanks was in the roles he played, he was able to make each of his roles unique and distinguished from one another. Not only that, but the characters of Smoky and Steamers, who were motion-capture played by Michael Jeter and voiced by Andre Sogliuzzo, were quite the scene-stealers despite being relatively minor. The vocal performance of Daryl Sabara as the 'Hero Boy' was worthy of an Annie Award, might I add.
The character development in articulation was likewise phenomenal, especially that of the 'Hero Boy'. I loved that he eventually learned that sometimes...seeing something isn't necessarily believing, but truly believing is what helps you to see. It's a lot like with man and his relationship with Jesus. In the case of this, having faith in Jesus is what helps us to know he's real.
In conclusion, "The Polar Express" is an instant Christmas classic that's forever worthy of being a part of our lives, as well as a truly revolutionary film. It's a rollercoaster of a film that one won't want to stop riding whenever Christmas is around the corner.
So, I rate "The Polar Express" five out of five stars.
This. ALL OF THIS.
They say Tom Hanks has a way of disappearing in whatever role he plays. I had NO idea that he also played Santa and the hobo.
I'm about to make a review The Polar Express for my Christmas Special. BTW, I love this movie!
The hot chocolate song, but with an awful voiceover.
5171836
He also did Walt Disney himself in Saving Mr. Banks.
Polar Express is indeed a Christmas masterpiece.
Makes me cry every time.
5171902
Ooookaaaayyy. In all seriousness, that is terrible.
But, what do you think of the movie?
5171902
How DARE you ruin art like this you...you...ART RUINER!!!
5171967
The animation is a little dated, but I still enjoy its creativity and adventurous elements. It's one of my favorites. Which is why I have no problem poking fun at it.
5171968
I have E L E V A T E D art as you know it!
5171907
And Recently Fred Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.