The Polar Express
A Film Review By Clyde Ayles
YOU WILL BELIEVE
When you believe things can happen, like the old man in "Ghost World" waiting on the corner, believing the bus would come along to take him to a better place. He believed so hard, that one day that bus did come. On the other hand, if you don't believe, something may come along to change your mind. Something magical like the angel in "One Magic Christmas" who made a young mother believe there is a Christmas. In POLAR EXPRESS we meet a young boy who we call Hero Boy. As Hero Boy lies in bed, dismissing Santa Claus as a made up fairy tale, content he spoiled Christmas for his little sister by telling her the same, he hears a rumble outside as a train appears in front of his house. The conductor invites the young man to get on board. As he does, he soon finds that the train has several other children on board. We are introduced to a young Afro American girl, a know it all bespecled boy, and a little boy we call lonely boy. We learn that this train is a magical train that takes us to the North Pole and the land of Santa Claus. The film takes us on many adventures. There's a ride down a steep mountain that reminds us of a roller coaster ride. There's the slide that takes the presents to the giant tree shaped bag for Santa to take with him on Christmas Eve. There's the wild ride as the train slips and slides on the ice covered tracks. On this trip we also meet a hobo who lives on top of the train. The whole visual concept of Santa land is breath taking. The wide view of the village and the millions of elf's is one of the greatest post card like shots I have ever seen. The film tells us that it is not a bad thing to believe in Santa and other dreams. The whole wonderful computer generated movie is directed by ROBERT ZEMECKIS and stars the Academy Award winning TOM HANKS doing the voices of many of the characters. If you remember, Robert Zemeckis and Tom Hanks worked together on Forrest Gump and Cast Away. The other voices include Mr. Hanks former Bosom Buddies costar PETER SCOLARI as lonely boy and EDDIE DEEZEN as know it all kid. The concept is a great idea, putting the actors in special suits outlined with lights and converting them to the computer, but there are times when the human images look emotionless in the eyes, looking more like dolls than people. But that is a minor problem that can be overlooked as the rest of the film is a masterpiece of photography, character study, and good old fashioned Holiday music. This movie should fall into the the list of Holiday films that deserve a year after year showing. I t is based on a children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. Take yourself and your children to see this amazing trip through wonderland, and I assure you that you will leave the theatre believing and listening for the jingle of Santa's sleigh bells. SEE YA AT THE MOVIES CLYDE.
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© 2004 Clyde Ayles