“Seeing is believing… but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see.”
synopsis
On Christmas Eve, a skeptical young boy boards a magical train bound for the North Pole. Along the journey he encounters new friends, strange adventures, and a mysterious conductor who seems to know more than he lets on. By the time the train reaches Santa’s workshop, the boy must decide whether he truly believes in the magic of Christmas.
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mini-review
Based on Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved children’s book, The Polar Express was groundbreaking for its motion-capture animation. The film captures a dreamlike sense of wonder as the train races across snowy landscapes toward the North Pole. While the animation sometimes falls into the infamous “uncanny valley,” the story’s message about belief and childhood imagination still resonates.
Hot chocolate piled with marshmallows and watching snow fall outside while the soundtrack quietly plays in the background.
Absurdist's Corner
A train appears outside a child’s house in the middle of the night and invites him to the North Pole with a group of strangers. In any other context, this would trigger several urgent phone calls to the police.
fun facts
Tom Hanks played six different roles, including the conductor and Santa Claus.
It was one of the first major films made almost entirely using performance capture technology.
The film was the first all-digital movie released in IMAX.