I think this will become a Christmas Classic.

Rating: 8/10 (1 December 2005)

I saw this film during it's original release in the theater. I had mixed feelings about the film. I recently saw it again on DVD and have come to the conclusion that this was a fine piece of work and is much better than I first thought. I'll comment of the film from various aspects.
1. Story/Plot: I have never read the book, although I recently ordered a copy and hope to read it shortly, and so I had no idea what the story was about prior to viewing the film. The story focuses on a young boy and Christmas Eve adventure that he becomes involved in. This young boy takes a train to the North Pole and along the way meets several other kids that he befriends. In one form or another, they all help each other learn more about themselves and each other as they overcome obstacles and face unexpected challenges and dangers. The main character, the original young boy, who is beginning to loose faith in Santa Claus finally comes to terms with what he believes in and reaches a conclusion on the matter.
2. Animation/CGI: Personally I didn't think it was all that great. The non-human animation was pretty good. The train, outdoor scenery, snow, and the village at the North Pole were all well done. However, the animated humans, elves and Santa Claus all seemed a little outdated. Not bad, but something that may have been more in line with the CGI animation of films made 6 or 7 year ago. There movements were a little to jerky and their clothing didn't have the right kind of texture. Actually, the human CGI animation seemed more like the kind you might find in a video game. One thing that changed for me when I watched the DVD was the look the human eyes had. In the theater they seemed large and devoid of life, as many others have stated. At home they seemed much more life like. Now this may be because the screen at my home is much smaller or it could be that the eyes were touched up for the DVD release after so many people commented on the "dead eyes" during the films original release. Whatever the reason they eyes no longer seem dead and lifeless.
3. Music: I've always appreciated the score. It's nothing special but it does fit the film perfectly and is pleasing to the ear. The soundtrack is okay. While I don't really care for films that through in musical numbers, I'll have to admit that I catch myself singing the "Hot Chocolate" song. Overall the songs are pretty good and don't slow the film down.
All in all it's a good story. The story focuses on just a few of the kids on a train loaded with kids. We grow to car for these kids and actually feel their pain as they say good-bye at the end of the joiner. Tom Hanks takes on so many roles it seems as though he's narrating the film. Personally I would have rather had him portray the Conductor and narrate the rest of the film. Other actors could have supplied the voices for Santa, Scrooge, and the other characters Hanks provided voices for. In some ways this movie reminds me of MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET, the story is about charting one characters struggle to believe in Santa.
Lastly, I think dark setting may frighten some kids but for most it will help add suspense, fear and beauty to the various scenes. The darkness was necessary as the story takes place late at night. If the story took place during daylight I doubt the film would have the emotional impact that it does by taking place at night.