'Polar Express' conjures memories of holidays, fantasies as a child

Reel Reflections

If remembering Christmas as a child seems tempting, watching this holiday flick definitely will bring you back to your youth. "The Polar Express," based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg, tells the story of a young boy (Tom Hanks, "Terminal"), whose belief in Santa has ended. One Christmas Eve, he is awakened by a train screeching to a halt in front of his house. The conductor (also played by Hanks) invites him onboard to experience Christmas by taking a quick trip to the North Pole to see Santa off before his big night. Joined by an adventurous girl and a shy boy, the boy is taken on a whirlwind journey to rediscover why seeing is believing and how to recapture the magic of Christmas.

"This bell is a symbol of Christmas, just like I am," Santa explained to the young boy. "But the true spirit of Christmas is found in your heart." The small boy is given a sleigh bell off the reindeers, and only people who believe in Santa can hear its ring. Watching the joy on these characters’ faces takes the audience back to a time when anticipating Santa’s arrival was the only concern on one’s mind. You will leave ready to drink hot chocolate, sit by the fire and open presents.

Hanks and Steven Tyler, with a special appearance from the rest of Aerosmith at the North Pole, are portrayed well in this animation that adds to the charm of this movie. Just like the illustrations in the book, the movie is beautiful with its depictions of the North Pole and the crazy events on the train. A couple of situations — one in particular involving a ghost passenger — may scare younger kids, but they are few and far between. However, the love and compassion shown between the children is contagious and reminds the audience how giving truly is the real meaning of the season.

"The Polar Express"
Starring:
Tom Hanks
Running time:
100 minutes
Rated: G
Given 4 paws