"The Polar Express" – All Aboard by Homer Yen (c) 2004
There is a time in our young childhood when the biggest internal debate is whether Santa is real or not. To me, it seemed odd that the decorative paper that Santa used to wrap my Christmas gifts were of the exact patterns as the decorative paper that sat in our pantry. And why did Santa, on so many occasions, bring me socks and underwear and sweaters? If Santa was indeed real, I certainly felt that I wasn't getting my just desserts for my previous year of stellar behavior.
This slow realization that perhaps Santa isn't real is what keeps Hero Boy awake on Christmas Eve. He no longer anticipates the arrival of Santa. And on that fateful day when your belief begins to change, presents perhaps don't seem as special; holiday music doesn't seem as cheerful, and sleigh bells fall silent. Seeing is believing, and "The Polar Express" (which is adapted from the popular children's book) not only helps to reinvigorate Hero Boy's lack of belief, but it may reinvigorate yours as well.
"The Polar Express" is more than just a cutting edge presentation in terms of its animation. The breakthrough technique uses a process called "performance capture," in which human actors perform the movements that are subsequently translated into lifelike animation. The resulting look and feel is a surrealistic viewing experience in which the characters look more real than, say, the people in "The Incredibles" while the settings look inspired by Disneyworld's Epcot. Meanwhile, there's an unmistakable, magical feel that reminds you of a Norman Rockwell painting come to life or perhaps "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." And, it's also an accomplishment in camera angles. One notable example was the audience's view from within a book, looking up through the top page and up at the reader. This project is a great example of how one would imagine a successful metamorphosis from page to screen.
The story is an imaginative and thoughtful one as "The Polar Express" and its conductor (voiced by Tom Hanks) picks up various children who suffer the same doubt as Hero Boy. Other prominent characters include Hero Girl, a solemn girl who has never quite stopped believing. And there is also Lonely Boy, who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks and received presents that amounted to socks, underwear, and sweaters. The drama stems from their desire to believe, and if that belief is not retained, they may turn into jaded adults.
Most of the fun occurs during their train ride to the North Pole. There are sequences that are thrilling, such as the threatening ride across a frozen lake that is about to break apart. There are sequences that are poignant, such as the segment that talks about unwanted toys. And there are sequences that are surprisingly creative, such as the Hot Chocolate Swing in which children are served their drinks to a fancy tune and acrobatic waiters. And there's more adventure in store for the kids once they do arrive at their destination.
"The Polar Express" is a sublime presentation. It's fascinating to watch and dramatic in thoughtful in its storytelling ways. When the ride is over, you may not huddle atop the staircase, just out of sight, hoping to catch a glimpse of that jolly fellow on Christmas Eve, but you'll hear the sleigh bells that once fell silent.
Grade: A-
S: 0 out of 3 L: 0 out of 3 V: 0 out of 3
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