I just didn't get it - in 3-D! - SPOILERS

Rating: 2/10 (12 December 2004)

I had never read or even heard of the book before I saw the first preview a few months ago so I went into this movie with an open mind, not really any expectations.
I saw it today in IMAX 3-D and just watched and watched and watched, looked at my watch, and then watched the movie some more. I just didn't get it. The movie wasn't really boring, I just didn't understand the premise (or the potential that anyone saw in the premise). I had less problem with the execution of the story than with the story itself.
{SPOILER WARNING}
A train picks up some kids and then proceeds to the North Pole. Is the train real or is it imaginary? How can a train go down the street where there are no tracks? What tracks are it traveling on during the entire trip? If the train is imaginary, why does it seem subject to physical laws and why is it manned by such incompetents?
The main kid character doesn't believe in Santa Claus and by the end he does. I didn't feel the moment of revelation. At no time did I feel anything for anyone in this movie, not even the lonely little boy. I didn't understand who the hobo on the roof of the train was supposed to be.
To convert what is supposed to be a 15 page book into a 90 minute movie, one would think that you would have ample time to explain everything in the book and have time to spare.
(12/18/04) - I read the book in the bookstore today (took me a minute) and I have to say that it is v-e-r-y slight source material for a movie (however most of what irritated me about the movie isn't in the book. It's okay that I don't know who the hobo is; the author doesn't either). I just don't understand what the hulla-balloo is all about.