THE POLAR EXPRESS REVIEW!!! (12 Movies of Christmas)

‘The Polar Express’ will be revisiting Tunkhannock at the Dietrich at these times during the ‘12 Days of Christmas:’ Tue, Dec. 5 - 1:00P Fri, Dec. 8 - 4:00P Wed, Dec. 13 - 4:00P

‘The Polar Express’ is a beloved children’s book written and illustrated by ‘Jumanji’ author Chris Van Allsburg. Published in 1985, the book was heavily praised for its detailed illustrations and relaxing storyline. Van Allsburg won the annual Caldecott Medal for illustration of an American children’s picture book in 1986.

In 2004, the acclaimed book was turned into a feature animated film. Now, the film adaptation can be enjoyed by everyone once again on the big screen in this year’s ‘12 Movies of Christmas’ festival at the Dietrich, which begins Dec. 2.

When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

‘The Polar Express’ is a beautifully animated, magical film that over the years has become a modern holiday classic.

The 2004 film delivers quite a few likable characters and a very unique story. Quite a few of the characters were voiced by acclaimed actor Tom Hanks (who also served as the film’s executive producer) and he did a phenomenal job, as always. There are also a few catchy songs scattered throughout that audiences will really enjoy. The Josh Groban song, ‘Believe,’ is simply one of the best songs featured in the film and that particular song has been nominated for quite a few awards.

This magical film also features some incredible animation and is the first film to fully use motion-capture technology. Granted, there are a couple of animated segments that needed some work. But, with it being the first to use this technology fully, Robert Zemeckis and the rest of the filmmakers and animators really pulled it off.

One sequence that really stands out is when the train briefly becomes out of control and almost turns into a roller coaster. The animation in that sequence is incredible and the whole scene itself is really energetic.

The journey of self-discovery that the boy goes through during the course of the film is really amazing and makes you believe in the Christmas magic all over again. ‘The Polar Express’ also has wonderful messages about the value of friendship and the importance of believing.

So, during the ‘12 Movies of Christmas’ festival, make sure to check out this beloved, magical modern holiday classic on the big screen once again and learn to believe once more

The cast: Tom Hanks as Hero Boy (adult voice)/Hero Boy’s Father/Conductor/Hobo/Santa Claus; Josh Hutcherson (additional motion capture for Hero Boy); Daryl Sabara as Hero Boy (child voice); Nona Gaye as Hero Girl; Eddie Deezen as Know-It-All (Garrison); Jimmy Bennett as Billy the Lonely Boy and Michael Jeter as Smokey and Steamer.

The film is written by Robert Zemeckis (Disney Plus’ Pinocchio) and William Broyles Jr. (Flags of Our Fathers; Jarhead; Cast Away) and also directed by Zemeckis.

Hanks optioned the book in 1999 with the hopes of playing the conductor and Santa Claus. One of the conditions of the sale was that the resulting film not be animated. Zemeckis felt that a live-action version would rob the audience of the art style of the book which he felt was “so much a part of the emotion of the story.”

‘The Polar Express’ is rated G and has a running time of 100 minutes.

https://youtu.be/TQhRqtt-Fpo