Polar Express movie...help me understand why everyone raves about it.

[roscoepc1]

I detest it.

 

[wdwtweets]

I love it for the same reason I love WDW - it shows you what magic can happen if only you dare to believe. I also think it provides some of the best animation I've ever seen. Everything looks and feels so real. And, unlike typical kids' movies, it's not dumbed down and really has a good deal of character development. I would encourage you to sit and watch it from start to finish. Most of your questions will be answered then.

My son says I read the book to him when he was little (he is 20 now) but I don't remember it.

The book came out in 1985 so it is possible that you read it to your son.

 

[C.Ann]

Not going to read the responses, because when I saw the title I realized that I have it sitting right here and have never watched it!! Might be something fun to do this holiday season.. Thanks for the reminder - LOL..

 

[MichelleVW]

I'm with you. I don't like that movie at all.

I love the book, but my girls and I hate the movie.

 

[poegirl30]

I LOVE the movie! It's a favorite in our house at Christmas.

 

[ThreeAngels]

I LOVE the movie! It's a favorite in our house at Christmas.

Same here. We all just adore it!

 

[carrie1626]

I doubt The Christmas Story and It's a Wonderful life were blockbusters from the get-go either. But after you see these movies 10/15 times they either appeal to you greatly, OR NOT! I loved Polar Express, still don't know why It's a Wonderful Life is so hyped

 

[Pixie Princess]

The book is so, so much better, with no freaky hobo or marionettes or unionized elves.

I agree.. the book is much better. Wonderful story. The movie just throws a bunch of stuff in to fill time. I'm with the OP, love the hot chocolate part, but after that could really care less about the rest of it.

 

[art010606]

love the movie, but i think Steven Tyler makes for a creepy elf.

 

[kymshadey]

I love the movie. It feels magical to me. The book was one of my faves growing up maybe thats why I enjoy the movie so much. Plus I am a huge Tom Hanks fan. Love anything he is in!

 

[jodifla]

I love it for the same reason I love WDW - it shows you what magic can happen if only you dare to believe. I also think it provides some of the best animation I've ever seen. Everything looks and feels so real. And, unlike typical kids' movies, it's not dumbed down and really has a good deal of character development. I would encourage you to sit and watch it from start to finish. Most of your questions will be answered then.

ITA! And the scenes with the littlest boy are so touching!!! It transports me back to that age, and believing that a magic train just MIGHT pull up to my house and take me to Santa.

 

[jenseib]

I doubt The Christmas Story and It's a Wonderful life were blockbusters from the get-go either. But after you see these movies 10/15 times they either appeal to you greatly, OR NOT! I loved Polar Express, still don't know why It's a Wonderful Life is so hyped

Actually I think It's a wonderful life was a blockbuster when it came out. Not sure on Christmas story. I remember seeing it when it came out. It was just ok, but my grandfather took us and he laughed so hard thru it all and loved it. I still feel it's just OK, but my DH has to watch it at least once each year.

 

[preschoolmom]

I don't like that movie at all. I've watched it more than once - and I find it creepy.

I'd like to try the book - now that a few of you have mentioned it is better.

It is definitely not a favorite here. We like the Charlie Brown Christmas Special, Elf (Love this!), and A Christmas Story (more me than my DH and the kids - I grew up watching this one every year ). Oh, we also like Frosty, Rudolph, and the Heat Miser/Cold Miser

 

[Ephany]

I agree, I really didn't like it (especially the hobo!) the first time I saw it. But it really grew on me and now I never miss it each year and my kids LOVE it. Our first grade class even has a day they watch it in class and the kids get to wear pajamas to school and drink hot cocoa...Magical!

I had to look to see where you're from. DD's 1st grade class is doing this on Friday. They even have golden train tickets for admission. She's really excited about it. I'm meh about the movie, but I can suffer through it once a year for her sake.

 

[dawminatrix]

I didn't like it at first....but then my DS saw it in TV last year and luckily I DVR'd it....he watched it over and over again. So I sat down one night and watched it all the way through...and LOVED it! I even printed out "tickets" for the kids to put in their stockings. It was a neat surprise gift that got a lot of use in pretend play.

We also got a chance to see it in IMAX 3D - phenomenal experience! I'm hoping to do it again this year.

My DS is now 3 1/2 - and it's so sweet to hear him sing the slow song - brings a sweet tear to my eye

 

[exnortherner]

I have watched the movie several times accompanied by the grandkids. They seem to like it but I find the whole thing very creepy. The animation leaves me very uncomfortable. Not just the characters, but the backgrounds. Having grown up with an image of the north pole being a happy, bright, fun place, I have a hard time with the north pole depicted as a city of dark buildings and moody people. Even Santa is portrayed as stern and forbidding. I get the sentiment of the story and can appreciate the point it makes about believing, but the whole thing is too dark and moody for my taste. I guess I need to see it through the eyes of a kid.

 

[lucyem]

Totally creepy. Hate it. Other then a couple of sweet parts like the bell I cannot stand it. The kids were freaked out by the movie and thought the elves were scary.

 

[wmharley]

I hated it at 1st, but like it now. the animation takes getting used to.

I say the Hobo is the spirit in the kid that still has doubts. its manifesting itself as a person to reinforce his doubts, while HINTING that the doubts are actually false, and thus actually helps him.

 

[bumbershoot]

I loved Polar Express, still don't know why It's a Wonderful Life is so hyped

I'm with you! I almost never bring it up b/c of the looks I get, but I absolutely despise Wonderful Life. He's mean, rude, abusive to his family...WHY do these people love him so much???? Why does he get another chance????

My mom felt the same. Of course, since she was abused by my dad and I was old enough to remember it, and b/c my dad used to wind me up then smash me down by not following through with whatever he'd promised, we were a tad sensitive.

 

[jacksmomma]

I doubt The Christmas Story and It's a Wonderful life were blockbusters from the get-go either. But after you see these movies 10/15 times they either appeal to you greatly, OR NOT! I loved Polar Express, still don't know why It's a Wonderful Life is so hyped

I guess that is my issue...I LOVE The Christmas Story. For me, that was my family...all the drama and stress over this holiday and the standards that "society" sets. I guess I am just a pessimist. I do not get the warm and fuzzies over Polar Express that everyone is talking about.