Worth a Look At

Rating: 7/10 (8 December 2007)

Somewhat predictable modern Chrismas fantasy with forgettable songs and rather pat characterizations, but the CGI effects really shine.A good understanding about railroads and train travel is clearly demonstrated. . The Polar Express itself is a fantastically detailed(and completely believable}example of late 1920s-early 1930s American railroading. The steam locomotive is absolutely majestic as are the pre streamline era"heavyweight" coaches in its consist.It even has the open platform rear observation car. No wonder toy train manufactures went gaga over it. The journey is fun, even though the design of the North Pole resembles downtown Lancaster Pennsylvania-really. A somewhat predictable wrong turn is taken by the kids, but you know it will be OK at the end. Also, the use of non CGI shots in black and white in the monitoring center of the station is unique in its own right. Film does manage to capture the wonder of what this holiday is supposed to be about. On this level alone, it cannot be faulted.Good wholesome entertainment, especially when compared to all the negative "entertainment" of todays movies that we are too often "treated" to. Tom Hanks as the {cgi} conductor gives one of his best performances, and the multi-racial kids are cute too.Fine family entertainment-especially for model railroad and train buffs.