For whatever reason this Robert Zemeckis animated film has attracted its share of admirers over the years. Personally, I find the whole motion-capture animation approach disturbing and the film itself downright creepy. At the time of its release, in fact, I termed it “the world’s first Christmas horror movie.” Subsequent exposure has done nothing to change my opinion of this tale of a little boy who climbs aboard the title train and goes to the North Pole to see Santa Claus. Technically, the film is nonetheless something of a marvel, and the train itself is impressively realized—on that level, it’s worth a look. As a charming Christmas tale, well, that’s another matter.
The Polar Express
Movie Information
Movie critic and historian Peter Loewer will present a series of films exploring the movies' love affair with trains in Lord Auditorium at Pack Memorial Library. Each film plays at 6 p.m. The Narrow Margin, Monday, Nov. 5; Silver Streak, Tuesday, Nov. 6; The Fugitive, Wednesday, Nov. 7; Polar Express, Thursday, Nov. 8. Admission is free.
| Score: | |
| Genre: | Christmas Fantasy |
| Director: | Robert Zemeckis |
| Starring: | Tom Hanks, Daryl Sabara, Leslie Zemeckis, Eddie Deezen |
| Rated: | G |
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