The Polar Express Review
by Steve Rhodes (Steve DOT Rhodes AT InternetReviews DOT com)November 9th, 2004
THE POLAR EXPRESS
A film review by Steve Rhodes
Copyright 2004 Steve Rhodes
RATING (0 TO ****): ** 1/2
THE POLAR EXPRESS is a stunning visual achievement. But looks aren't everything. Even if the movie is based on a beloved, classic children's book of the same name, the movie itself feels like a series of great special effects lost in search of a story. A series of small incidents does not a movie make. I suspect many fans of the book will be disappointed by this picture, but for little kids who just need visual stimulation the movie may be able to enchant them. Adults and school age kids will likely be bored. Frankly, I had trouble even staying awake.
Done with computer generated animation, the human characters were created by putting wires all over real actors' bodies, which is the same technique they used in THE LORD OF THE RINGS for the character of Smeagol. The story is about a boy who has lost his belief in Santa Claus. One Christmas Eve, a train called The Polar Express pulls up right in front of his house to escort him and a bunch of other kids to the North Pole. The journey proves perilous with several disasters for him to cope with. Tom Hanks provides the voice for most of the character including the Conductor and Santa Claus. He is excellent as always.
As much as I admire the movie's images and respect the book, this movie version just isn't compelling enough for anyone older than, I suspect, around six. Finally, why oh why do the studios keep releasing the Christmas movies so early that they'll be long gone before the season they celebrate arrives. And speaking of celebrating, isn't Christmas supposed to be about commemorating something other than Santa Claus and his gifts? The last time I checked my calendar it wasn't called Clausmas.
THE POLAR EXPRESS runs a long 1:33. It is rated G and would be acceptable for all ages.
The film opens nationwide in the United States on Wednesday, November 10, 2004. In the Silicon Valley, it will be showing at the AMC theaters, the Century theaters and the Camera Cinemas.
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