Can You Think LIke A Child?

Rating: 5/10 (5 March 2017)

Are you able to put yourself into the mindset of a young child while watching a movie? Your answer to that question will likely determine your interest level in a film that has (in the ten years since its release) become a popular entry into the "holiday pantheon" of film.
For a basic plot summary, "The Polar Express" follows the adventures of a young boy who is doubting the existence of Santa Claus. When, on Christmas Eve, a mysterious train destined for the North Pole pulls up in front of his house, the boy is taken on a journey that may just change his opinion on the holiday season forever.
"Polar Express" is an odd, quirky movie to be sure (though not necessarily in a bad way). Tom Hanks is the voice of darn near every character, it is done in the same animation style as "Adventures of the Tin-Tin", and it uses a kind of charge-ahead storytelling vibe that calls for some crazy action/adventure at practically every turn.
The main determinant of whether you'll like the movie, though, is how able you will be to completely transforming yourself (while viewing) into the psyche of that young boy. To me, this movie wasn't quite good enough for me to get emotionally invested, so it ended up being just "okay". If you can better mentally regress to that target age, however, than the enjoyment factor will rise tenfold!
Overall, "The Polar Express" is a well-made film that, if all else fails for you, will at least be a unique experience. For me it is no Christmas classic, but it may just touch your emotions a bit more.