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Rating: 9/10 (16 December 2013)

I thought I'd seen most of the major Hollywood Christmas films down the years but somehow missed out on this gem, at least up until now.
Like the questioning children on the train to the North Pole, I found myself thoroughly transported by an engaging story, exciting sequence of events and of course an all-tied- up-in-a-bow happy ending. The unusual nature of the super-realistic animation technique employed took a little getting used to for me but once we get on board the train, it's full steam ahead for thrills and heart-warming sentiment.
Tom Hanks is just right in his main role as the genial train conductor while the late Michael Jeter in his last filmed role is effectively, if sadly ironically, cast as a helpful ghost. The detail and vivacity in the animation compensated for the too-real appearance of the characters and there's a pleasing selection of older-style Christmas songs, that is until Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler makes an unnecessary and unhelpful cameo appearance.
While not the most original Christmas story ever, the time-worn tale of a growing child's wavering belief in Santa Claus eroded by maturity with even the device of a magic train transporting children to a magical land having echoes of "Harry Potter", nevertheless I have no hesitation in naming this amongst the best Christmas movies I've yet seen.
In fact my only major regret watching it was that it wasn't the 3D version which I'll make a point of donning when I watch it again as one my Yuletide perennials next year!