Movie magic in the snow.

Rating: Null/10 (20 December 2018)

With the Polar Express Robert Zemeckis has managed to transport me to a land of wonder. The Polar Express is cinematic magic - a delightful tale guaranteed to enthrall viewers of all ages. Does that sound like advertising hype, or the words of a publicist? Perhaps, but it's a reflection of how strongly this film pulled me under its spell. For children, this is a glorious adventure, full of excitement, splendor, and plenty of holiday good cheer. For adults, there are deeper meanings to be found, not to mention the bittersweet nostalgia of gazing back through the years to the point where innocence gave way to the curse of maturity. As I watched The Polar Express, I was immersed in the experience. On one level, I was a thirty-something critic taking notes, but part of me was a seven-year old boy having trouble getting to sleep on Christmas Eve. That's one of The Polar Express' great strengths: for many viewers, it will seem like the movie is plundering their memories. Who knew how universal some things are?