Destined to be a classic

Rating: 8/10 (15 November 2004)

My family and I loved this movie. I had heard quite a bit about the animation process and how "unusual" it was, and I was prepared for it to interfere with experiencing the story. I was pleasantly surprised at how little I noticed the new animation style. Every once in a while something about a character (usually the mouth) would jump out as odd. Overall, I thought the animation was well done. As for the story, Yes, it had a few elements that felt somewhat incomplete or slightly slow. But my 6-year old son, my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I found it very touching and full of good messages: "Children can and should be leaders. Greed isn't respected; confidence and compassion are. You get friends by first being one." I believe this movie will be a seasonal classic like the animated Grinch Who Stole Christmas and A Christmas Carol. And I hope that 10 years from now, the critics who disparaged Polar Express will be perceived in the same group as those who panned It's A Wonderful Life when it was first released. I believe those critics "just can't hear the bell". I'm looking forward to making viewing this movie with my family a holiday tradition.