Maybe not right away but future generations will see this as a classic....

Rating: 10/10 (19 August 2008)

Upon it's release, the film was given some great reviews. Some were put off by it's so called "creepy" animation and it's too cheery message. From the first time I saw it(opening day), I knew this film was going to be a classic. At the time, I didn't think it would become an instant classic. I figured it was going to be one of those films that you cherish as the years go on. The story is pretty simple but for a holiday movie it's to be expected. The film starts out with a boy who doesn't believe in Santa and the magic behind Christmas. As he lays his head down, only heard by him, a huge, magical locomotive comes down his street. He decides to climb onto the train(for if he didn't there'd be no movie, it's like in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, if Brad and Janet hadn't gone through those gates, there would have been no movie) and we are sure glad he does. It is on the train he befriends an optimistic little girl and Billy(a kid who comes from the lower class side of town) who help our hero on his journey. When they finally reach the North Pole, our hero is determined to see if Santa Claus is real. When he finally does meet Santa, it is at that point does he truly believe in Christmas. The film has a great message: in order to believe in something, you don't need proof, you just have to look inside your heart . As the years pass, I know this film will become a classic. What's a plus is that ever since it's release, IMAX has been showing the film in different cities. Here's hoping they will continue the tradition. Either way, I always make a point to watch this movie every year and every year I am reminded that the holiday is magical and that there are people like Hero Boy. Do you believe....?