The Polar Express came out 20 years ago last month. It’s hard to believe that two decades have passed since it hit theaters. I remember watching at the time, not particularly interested in it. More than that, there was a bit of an eerie quality to the whole thing.
In the decades since, I’ve become a mother. And now, my two young boys absolutely love it. Seeing it through their eyes has changed my opinion: The Polar Express is a classic.
In 1985, Chris Van Allsburg published The Polar Express. It was awarded the Caldecott Medal and remains a beloved children’s book. Like all adaptations, the film can’t perfectly capture the feeling of the book, but it does try.
Robert Zemeckis chose motion capture technology to animate the characters. As opposed to cartoon animation, motion capture can be an uncomfortable mix of realistic and imaginary that viewers can’t quite wrap their heads around. The term uncanny valley is properly applied to the movie. But any failures in production or presentation aside, the story, even the unsettling parts, provides a perfectly magical Christmas experience.
Yes, it’s odd that a train would show up right outside a child’s home in the middle of the night and whisk him away. Even more odd is the fact that this train is packed with children heading to the North Pole and back again all in the span of a few hours. Add to that terrifying and dangerous moments such as when the train barrels down the track and the conductor, played by Tom Hanks, says that “the train appears to be accelerating uncontrollably, and we are rapidly approaching Glacier Gulch, which just happens to be the steepest downhill grade in the world!”
The train also slides onto a lake. During the trip, children traverse the length of the train, jump between cars, steer the train themselves, meet a ghost hobo on the top of the ice- and snow-covered locomotive, have unnerving adventures once they arrive at the North Pole, explore the city and workshops, and more. It may have fewer heartwarming moments than your usual cartoon Christmas show, but the adventure and wonder overflow.
Between the sometimes slightly scary bits and odd characters is the idea that the formidable unknown is worth exploring. The main character, whose name we don’t learn, not only faces his fears associated with the journey but also works to help other children along the way. His timidity is rewarded with emotional connection, friendship, and a physical reward from Santa Claus himself. His experience leaves him with a sense of wonder that, according to him, stays with him well into adulthood when others have given up on the unique magic of Christmas. The movie score and the songs also add to the excitement and joy. They are well-suited to the feel of the film.
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For children and adults alike, new situations can be terrifying. We feel better when we know what to expect or if we can explain everything away while or soon after it occurs. But routinely, real life is not like that. We’re faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Not everyone we meet is friendly. More often than not, it matters more how we react. We can’t control things or people. And that is a bit unnerving.
There is definitely room for the feel-good, everything-is-perfect Christmas stories. I also appreciate films such as The Polar Express. In my opinion, it’s the right mix of heart, thrills, a few chills, and curiosity. Criticisms of the technology used — it was 2004! — shouldn’t dissuade any parent from introducing it to their children as part of a holiday tradition. In our home, we’ve already watched it several times this season. My 4-year-old and 8-year-old stay transfixed. It is truly an adventure for them. And, despite my very first impressions, I can’t help but smile and hum along to it as well.
Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog and a contributing freelance columnist at the Freemen News-Letter.
This article was originally published at www.washingtonexaminer.com
