Reel Jolly series: “The Polar Express” A Magical Holiday Staple for the Entire Family

While I was looking at the list of films that the Dietrich would be featuring during the 12 Movies of Christmas, there were quite a few that I have watched every holiday season that I have always enjoyed, such as “Christmas Vacation,” “Elf” and “A Christmas Story” just to name a few. Then, I found one that I initially thought was just an OK watch. But, over time, it has grown on me - the 2004 animated film “The Polar Express.”

A young boy who has grown skeptical of Santa Claus is shocked to see a train stop outside his window on Christmas Eve, destined for the North Pole.

When he accepts an invitation from the conductor to climb on board, he embarks on a ride to Santa’s headquarters, where he makes fast friends and learns an invaluable lesson about the true spirit of Christmas.

“The Polar Express” is a modern holiday classic that the whole family should enjoy every holiday season. While most of the visuals are incredibly breathtaking, this animated film delivers us heartwarming themes of belief and a touch of magic.

At the time of its initial release, “The Polar Express” was ground-breaking as the first feature length film created using motion-capture technology. The outdoor visuals, especially the snowy mountains, some of the night scenes and the North Pole sequences are incredibly beautiful to look at. While a bit of the visuals can be a little off, such as a few moments with the characters, it definitely won’t affect you enjoying this film at all!

The core theme of belief in the magic of Christmas can easily resonate with just about anyone. The film’s central message is incredible as it’s about having faith in things that can’t be seen, symbolized by the magical silver bell that only “those who truly believe" can hear. The film’s story can also be interpreted as a metaphor for faith, hope, and connection, where deciding to go on the train can symbolize embracing a hopeful outlook on life.

One of my favorite sequences in this film is the Glacier Gulch/Ice Lake scene. During this scene, the train speeds down a very steep track and onto a frozen lake. This whole entire scene can be quite exciting and visually astounding. The “hot chocolate” musical number is another great highlight that’s a vibrant, energetic sequence that’s praised for

its rhythm and festive spirit.

Robert Zemeckis’ “The Polar Express” is a technologically ground-breaking yet highly polarizing animated film that explores themes of belief and imagination. It has become a modern holiday staple, despite ongoing debate about its animation style.

MPA: Rated G   (runtime 100 minutes)

“The Polar Express” is also available to stream on Hulu, Disney Plus and HBO Max.

• The film is listed in the 2006 Guinness Book of World Records as the "first all-digital capture" film, where all acted parts were done in digital capture.

• Three different actors play the role of Hero Boy. Tom Hanks does the motion capturing and adult voice, Daryl Sabara does the voice acting, and Josh Hutcherson does additional motion capturing.

• The film used 3D motion capture techniques to digitally record the actors' physical performances before "skinning" them with their animated forms. The children's roles were acted by adults, using oversized props to get the movement right.

• The locomotive in the movie is based on the Pere Marquette 1225, a restored steam locomotive located in Owosso, MI. Many of the film's train sound effects are recordings of the actual train. The train runs between Owosso and nearby Ashley during the holiday season.

• The premiere was held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, author Chris Van Allsburg's hometown.

• The first feature-length film to be released in both 35 mm and IMAX 3D.

• In the North Pole City communications room, an elf describes a bad little boy in New Jersey named Steven, who is terrorizing his two little sisters. This line is a nod to Robert Zemeckis' friend and mentor, Steven Spielberg. Spielberg grew up in New Jersey and has admitted many times that he frequently terrorized his two younger sisters.