I had a blast seeing this Saturday!



I've loved the book by Chris Van Allsburg since I was little:



It's all about the magic of Christmas-a feeling I think the world could use more of, keeping that sense of wonder as you grow older.

It's a feel good holiday movie, and if you can-see it in IMAX 3D, like I did.
You feel like you're in the movie. Snow falling in your lap, the train stopping close to you-it's an incredible experience.

I felt like a little kid, it was incredible. The kids in the theater were all transfixed by it too.

A major department store here in Oz has "Christmas Windows" everyyear all done up with music n a storyline..Melbourne tradition, and this year it's based on the Polar Express

Just thought i'd share dat!!

Does it contain gratuitous violence and/or nudity?

lilmissmissy said:

Very cool.

doctormcmeekle said:

No violence-but I did see two naked wolves in the woods (a la the scene in the book).

It will be interesting to see how this film fares down here, since the book is virtually unheard of and does not have the same celebrated connection with Christmas as it does in the States. We have seen Tom Hanks on our TVs promoting this film, explaining again and again how special and magical it is because it takes you back to when you were a kid.
You know, our Christmas Day is usually hot and sunny and is spent playing a game of cricket in the backyard at nanna's house Quite different childhood Christmas memories, really!

Natisse said:

It really is-I'm telling ya-I hope you guys get the IMAX 3D stuff in Australia somehow-cause that experience is just amazing.

I'm still buzzing off it.

charlottegelin said:

It takes you into that world really well, so I think you lose a little bit of that.

Here it rarely snows if ever and the weather is sometimes warmer during Christmas even at times (it's gotten colder now though) but there's a real sense of magic and wonder to it all that I think is captured really well.

I think regardless of childhood memories everyone remembers what it was like to still believe in that, to still be restless on Christmas morning.

I actually to this day, still have a hard time sleeping Christmas Eve because I'm excited.



(It's true.)

subhuman09 said:

So cute!
I was thinking that might be the case, has it EVER snowed where you live?
My kids haven't seen snow yet except on TV. I will get the movie for them when it is released on DVD, they are a bit small for cinema. I wonder if our IMAX will screen Polar Express? (they usually have underwater or animal docos on there).
I'm a big fan of CG movies, so I wouldn't miss this one anyway:-D

charlottegelin said:

It has but it was years ago-when it does, it rarely sticks. I know in 2000/01 it snowed and stuck but in recent years it never really stays, usually turns to slush.

I hope it does-it really is incredible. The IMAX/3D thing adds so much to the experience. The snow falls in your lap-you're in the movie, basically.

I'd keep your eyes out-it definitely is a great CG movie, but more a great movie period. The story and heart of it all sucks you in to at least me you're caught up in the magic of it all that the animation is just an added element.

I'm still buzzing off the IMAX/3D thing though.



(Since I was little I've loved this book, like I said-definitely a dream come true type feeling-and that's rare to me I think nowadays.)

subhuman09 said:

cool! yes we have IMAX here in Sydney so hopefully we will get it

I can't wait to see this!!!

Is there a sex scene?

I loved every second of this film! I saw it this weekend, and the theatre was packed full of kids and grown kids like me, who were delighted at everything that came on screen. As I'd heard before seeing the film, some of the imagery was a little on the creepy side (like the train car full of "dead" toys), but it fit the tone of the film. I think it's a great holiday film. It didn't do great this weekend, but I'm guessing it's going to do better as the holiday draws near. Now, I want to see it in 3-D!

applekisses said:

althom said:

Other than a possible train/tunnel metaphor, sorry althom.

subhuman09 said:

Booooo!!!!!

RipHer2Shreds said:

Glad to hear that! I'm kinda wishing The Incredibles (I saw it, enjoyed it, but Polar Express is more personal to me) opened in the summer so this one could have a wider audience. It deserves the attention.

I felt like a little kid the whole time-really tapped into that, felt like I did when I read the book years ago. I was just awestruck.

Some of the imagery is definitely a little creepy, like the hobo character and the train full of dead toys like you said-but it's true, it does fit it the tone. I'm glad it didn't veer off too much.

I'm hoping that too-maybe it's just early and as the holidays get closer it'll get a wider audience.

You've gotta see it in 3D-check and see if there's an IMAX theater near you-buy your tickets early and get there early, and it really adds another level to it all.

You feel like you're in it-everyone was just transfixed by it-it's too beautiful to describe almost.

That magic is definitely there-I felt that even more with the 3D and the great sound system.

althom said:

well, anything with tom hanks in it has got to be a winner, that man is truely one of the very best actors out there.... he can make you laugh, cry, think, feel, and change the way you think about yourself in general... i adore him

nakedpianoplayer said:

I grew up watching Bosom Buddies so I know what ya mean-Tom does great work in this-through Performance Capture technology Tom acts as 5 characters.

He voices 4, with elements of another being him, but the technological aspect if you look into it is really cool-but the main thing is-it makes ya feel.

Tom's always been and will always be one of my favorites.

subhuman09 said:

Just to let all you Aussies know - it IS playing at the IMAX in OZ. I'll be off to see it ASAP.

applekisses said:

I want a DVD set with extras!

C'mon, they people loved this show.

mrdespues said:

Let me know what you think!

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Really?

I mean, really?

I've seen previews for this and I thought it looked awful! Seriously awful. Every Xmas cliche in the world and Tom Hanks to boot.


But then, I'm a bit of a grinch and I'm not much for Tom Hanks and I've never read the book...

CarrieMpls said:

I've loved the book since I was little so that's a big part of it-I have a soft spot for Christmas and the IMAX 3D thing was a great touch.

Read the book first maybe-but it's definitely worth checking it out, maybe it'll melt the Grinch away some.

I dunno. The CGI little kids looked kinda creepy to me.
But I can be a sucker for 3D Imax stuff (I love that it's right in front of me thing), so it's a big maybe.

CarrieMpls said:

The IMAX 3D adds a lot to it-but the animation, I lost myself in the story.

Then I found myself and we both had a great time.