The Polar Express

Next stop is the North Pole via the Polar Express. I'm not that ambitious to even begin commenting on the CGI. From a layman's point of view, the movie was visually satisfying.

The Plot: Kids are being picked up by the Polar Express bound for the North Pole, where they are going to experience something that will change their lives forever. (Intense).

The Review: When the disillusioned kid was informed that he was going to the North Pole, I immediately had the impression that this was gonna be Willy Wonka-ish, minus Willy Wonka and his chocolate factory, of course. Plus the fact that it's in CGI, so make it Willy Wonka's Final Fantasy. I never did expect that the movie would be mostly about the travel and some about the last-minute gift preparations. I wasn't disappointed anyhow. The train ride was quite exciting, with its exaggerated roller coaster dips and swirls and impressive navigating and maneuvering at the frozen lake. Fast forward to the North Pole, the town was breathtaking. It would have been a treat to see elves scurrying about making extraordinary toys, but then again, the setting was five minutes before Christmas Eve. Surely, the toys would have been finished and packed by then. I was able to see a bit of the town, thanks to those kids who seem to have a knack for getting themselves in sticky situations. The movie ends as it is supposed to end...the kid once again believes in the existence of Santa Claus.
And no, I won't analyze what the hobo on the train was there for.

Quotable Quotes:

Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see. - The Conductor
The thing with trains...it doesn't matter where they're going. What matters is deciding to get on it. - The Conductor

The Rating: 6/10. I'm a sucker for Christmas stories.

Photos courtesy of www.rottentomatoes.com