The Polar Express is based on the Book by the same name written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg. The same person who was responsible for publishing other classics like Jumanji and Zathura. In 2004, director Robert Zemiches, as well as a bunch of other talented filmmakers, decided to adapt the simple little picture book into a full-length feature film using a new technology called motion capture animation. The film was met with mixed reactions from critics and audiences at the time, but with more and more people watching this film around the holidays, is this movie meaningful in ways that are unexpectedly charming and beautiful.
On Christmas Eve a boy with no name is starting to doubt the existence of Santa Claus. Suddenly, a steam locomotive ends up in his driveway, and when he goes out to inspect it, he finds a conductor outside inviting him to take a ride on the polar express to go to the north pole to see Santa Claus. Even though the boy has doubts, he eventually agrees as he hops aboard the train and comes across some interesting characters both friendly and not so friendly. Can the boy find it in himself to believe in the magic of Christmas once more? Oh, what do you think?
It’s quite interesting to talk about this movie because there are as many flaws as there are many advantages. I could tell the creators at least were really trying their hardest to stay true to the spirit and message of the picture book but that can also be its downfault as they unintentionally create problems in the story’s narrative. There are parts that they added filler to stretch the movie to an hour and a half. Some do work while others really don't. I do like the idea of having a mysterious hobo character who portrays the main character’s doubts and fears as it does add to the message the book was so good at portraying. We also get to see more of the north pole which while it drags for a while, it still feels right when trying to extend the story for an hour and a half. As for the rest of the filler, it isn't bad but sometimes it's kinda confusing. I won't go into too much but let's just say they try maybe a little too hard to make it epic when sometimes it doesn't need to be that way. Some examples may include losing a ticket or the train sliding on the Ice I just think it's a little bit extreme compared to what the book's tone was.
The characters in the movie are kinda half and half. Most of the characters especially the main character have no name which I can understand the fact the writers wanted to be as faithful to the source material because the book characters had no name. However, a short story can get away with making characters simple and straightforward. I’m just saying if you want to take a short story and making it into an hour and a half feature film, you could at least give the characters more to do, and even giving them names wouldn’t be the end all be all of the overall story you’re trying to tell. Now Tom Hanks on the other hand has a lot on his plate as not only he plays the conductor and the hobo but he also does the motion capture for the boy and other characters. I love Tom Hanks, but I admit I don’t think he’s the guy I would pick to play multiple characters at once. Was this clever foreshadowing of how the characters are all part of the boy’s personality? Or was Robert Zemiches too cheap to hire any other actors to play the parts Hanks performs? Either way, Tom Hanks gives 100% even if the quality of writing can differ from the characters he plays.
Alright, let’s talk about the medium this movie tries to push which is none other than capture motion animation. This is the first-ever motion picture to use this new form of animation which has its advantages but mostly has a lot of flaws The background animation no doubt is beautiful and very atmospheric with its wonderful scenery which of course was inspired by the book. At the same time, the capture motion animation on the humans looks kinda creepy. Some characters like the conductor and Santa Claus look passable but most of the characters at times can look sort of weird at certain angles. I don't blame them for using the capture motion technology cause I know the creators were trying to make it look like the book but it is clear that the technology wasn't perfect yet.
One of the biggest saving graces this movie has is the musical score which is scored by none other than Alan Silverstein. The movie didn’t even need to be a musical but I’m just downright impressed with how well-composed some of the songs are. My favorite of all of the songs is "Believe" by Josh Groban. It's the movie's main theme and I love it. It makes you feel cozy and warm, it makes you feel mushy inside and it encourages you to.. Of course "Believe". The other songs in the movie like "When Christmas come to Town" and "Hot Chocolate" are also just as catchy and they are just full of Christmas goodness.
While the book is a million times better, I still can't deny that the people put all their heart and talent into making this movie because they owe it to such a well know classic book. Where some studios feel like they can make a quick buck by slapping a well-known children’s story on the title and making no effort in being faithful to the literary source, The Polar Express is a movie that tried to be faithful in any way possible. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t, but I can at least tell there was actual love being brought to this flawed yet comforting film.
(Final Grade: B-)