A youngster from Grand Rapids, Michigan, finds himself at an age when the idea of Santa Claus, his helpers, and reindeer in flight has lost its appeal. However, on Christmas Eve, a fantastical train materializes before his house and carries him and other children off to the North Pole for an unusual journey. “The Polar Express,” released in 2004, was adapted from the 1985 Christmas story and marked the initial major motion picture that employed motion capture animation throughout its entirety—a technique similar to what was used for Gollum in “The Lord of the Rings.” While some find the animation lacking, I believe it establishes a unique atmosphere and possesses a certain appeal. The film remains enjoyable as long as you can get past the unsettling look in the characters’ eyes. Opinions on this movie are divided; some adore it while others consider it strange, almost like a Christmas episode of “The Twilight Zone.” Roger Ebert was among those who enjoyed it, awarding it an ideal rating. My feelings fall somewhere in between. I recognize its merits and appreciate aspects such as the evocative winter atmosphere, certain moments during their journey to the North Pole—like that near-rollercoaster experience—and the children’s exploration of the Christmas production facility. However, there are also sections that feel underwhelming or questionable, including the final act involving numerous elves and Santa Claus, who seemed designed to resemble 6’5” Christopher Lee with padding around his waist. The film has an odd charm, but it's also a bit cheesy and peculiar, lacking in vitality. Its running time is 1 hour and 40 minutes. GRADE: C

Source on TMDB