The Polar Express

Jstas

I saw this on Saturday. It was and wasn't a kid's movie. I could see kids getting upset by it. However, it was a great little story and I can see where the basis for many other modern Christmas movies with the "little kid loses the "magic" of Christmas" theme got thier inspiration.

My wife was read this book as a child and it made for a great story! The CGI was excellent and at times, if it wasn't for some of the cartoonish colors, the animation looked like live action. Tom Hanks was the conductor's voice and while a couple of kids looked freaky, it was tremendously entertaining and touching. Tom Hanks, as usual, put in a remarkable performance. I just find it insulting that so many people view Santa and gift giving as the "magic" behind Christmas. Personal thoughts and beliefs aside though, this was a rare find in today's world. It was pure, unabashed and fun. There are no heavy undertones, it's not preachy and the movie plot doesn't try to teach a lesson. It's just a story about a kid who "lost the magic" and how he goes about finding it. So the characters get a little preachy to each other but you don't get the feeling that the director is scolding the audience for some sort of steretypical behavior.

Overall, a great holiday movie to go see and defintly a 'must own' for the DVD collection! I enjoyed it immensely and from the sound of it, so did everyone else in the theater!

Oh, it's REALLY cool in the sound effects department if you like trains! Especially steam engines!

Frank Z

The book has been a tradition in our family for quite a few years and we are all looking forward to seein the movie. Might just have to invade the local gigaplex this weekend.

mhardy6647

I remember reading the book to our kids (getting to be a long time ago!) and I thought it was poignant as hell.

Ron-P

I may rent the DVD but it does not look entertaining at all. Boring sums up my thoughts from the trailers.

It had a fairly poor opening weekend at the box office as well.

Demiurge

This was a really good movie, picked it up last week. It captures the magic of Christmas, IMO.

steveinaz

I'm gonna buy this on my mom's recommendation, she loved it.

reeltrouble1

I rented this movie not really expecting alot. Wow, a very neat sound track nice PQ, nice story, music, no cussing, moral messages and a great way to depict how "Santa" is real. My three year old grandson enjoyed it with me, although he did jump in my lap a few times with the bass hits from the train.

We added it to the collection.

RT1

faster100

Jstas wrote:

I just find it insulting that so many people view Santa and gift giving as the "magic" behind Christmas.

People? Not many adults think that way i wouldn't think,
Its a Holiday for Kids for the most part, and they see the "magic" as Santa and surprises on Christmas morning that they may have not gotten throughout the year..
being little kids believe in santa and all.. mine do

Adults with any heart, feel the magic for many other reasons...

mldennison

i loved this book when i was a kid, definately the best illistrations that i have ever seen in a book.

saw the movie in the theater last year and thought it was really good! the plot is simple, definately a good kid movie (for those not too young) and the special effects are really good. the train sequences had my stomach rolling as if i was in a roller coaster! i hope they did a good job with the DVD as i will definately be picking this one up.

Jstas

faster100 wrote:

People? Not many adults think that way i wouldn't think,
Its a Holiday for Kids for the most part, and they see the "magic" as Santa and surprises on Christmas morning that they may have not gotten throughout the year..
being little kids believe in santa and all.. mine do

Adults with any heart, feel the magic for many other reasons...

You're an ****.


The holiday is not "for kids for the most part". The Holiday is a Christian holiday that was defined and agreed on by the various churches to be the celebrated birthday of the basis of Christianity, thier Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That is the "magic" of Christmas. No preachy religion lectures, no other motives behind it. It's the simple fact that Christmas is a Christian holiday. Anything else beyond that either has pagan roots (proven through historical reference, you can look it up yourself) or is an adaptation of modern culture and business from past cultural references to exploit the idea of the "gift of Christmas". It's a shame that the "gift of Christmas" was meant as Christ, the son God, His gift to mankind and not the gifts of the wise men.

Honestly, most PEOPLE, adults included, forget this. You are a perfect example of what I'm talking about. "Kids Holiday"...sure, whatever. May God have mercy on your arrogant and ignorant soul.


Now, back to this thread, it's about a movie that is far from boring and very well produced. I don't care what nationality or religion you are, it is enjoyable for all ages. If you haven't given it a chance, go rent it at least.

faster100

edited for content
I wasn't talking about the religious portion of what Christmas is about!!

Cause as we all know, politics and religion arent allowed on the polk forum.

Grow up and get older then you can learn me on some things, until then stop being a **** who knows it all


edit: Ya know what i have about had it with your long winded "info stuffed" Threads and posts that go on for ever, you open yourself up to **** because your so full of hot air it sickens me.. I get tired of the game you play with these threads you start, why not just comment on the movie and be done, NOPE john has to mention his personal political views on everything. your one of the single most reasons i wanna leave this forum.. among other reasons.. you get all bent out of shape if someone challenges you, and heaven for bid don't act like you know more about cars/trucks or any other given subject more then john, you will have hell to pay with a 10 paragraph rant

geez get over yourself, its like when you ask for opinions for a "friend" and then get all bent six ways from sunday out of shape when you don't get the answer you want..

I have kids, its a kids Holiday!! I don't hassle them with all the religion at 3 and 7 years old.. I'm not a religious person... But i don't need some twit learning me on what its about.. Get lost jack ****!! I hope this thread gets shut down..

Jstas

faster100 wrote:

John you **** putz!!

I wasn't talking about the religious portion of what Christmas is about!!

Cause as we all know, politics and religion arent allowed on the polk forum.

Grow up and get older then you can learn me on some things, until then stop peing a **** who knows it all


edit: Ya know what i have about had it with your long winded "info stuffed" Threads and posts that go on for ever, you open yourself up to **** because your so full of hot air it sickens me.. I get tired of the game you play with these threads you start, why not just comment on the movie and be done, NOPE john has to mention his personal political views on everything. your one of the single most reasons i wanna leave this forum.. among other reasons.. you get all bent out of shape if someone challenges you, and don't act like you know more about cars/trucks or any other given subject you think your a pro at...

geez get over yourself, its like when you ask for opinions for a "friend" and then get all bent six ways from sunday out of shape when you don't get the answer you want..

I have kids, its a kids Holiday!! I don't hassle them with all the religion at 3 and 7 years old.. I'm not a religious person... But i don't need some twit learning me on what its about.. Get lost jack ****!! I hope this thread gets shut down..

Dude...

HOP


...seriously.

faster100

Oh what!! NO 10 paragraph rant!! Get lost john, i'm gonna make it a point to be on you till you either leave or i get banned!! put that in your pipe and smoke it

Jstas

Yay! Hollow threats and male posturing!

Merry Christmas everybody! :rolleyes:

Airplay355

Christmas is what you make it regardless of where it's origins may lie. It doesn't matter if you choose to make it about gift giving, religion or some combination of the two.

My girlfriend forced me to watch this movie and it really wasn't as bad as I had expected. I thought it was going to be a kiddy movie about Santa and elves. Though it did involve Santa and his army of toy making elves, there was alot more to the movie then that. I especially liked the first person point of view from the front of the train on the roller coaster like portion of the tracks. I bet that scene is awesome with a big projector.

woodyjacobs

Yep, Polar Express is a nice story and enjoyable for just about all ages (my 3 year old, whom I bought it for (love trains) got the willies scared out of him a couple times). Terrific PQ and some whopping bass in a couple of scenes. Really reminded me that I need to upgrade my sub.

ohskigod

Kids, you better behave or so help me I'll turn this car around!!!!......LOL

ohskigod

funny enough though, I just sae this movie at home last night, the first time your hear the train, christ my house was shaking!!!

bobman1235

I really liked it. Good old-time feel good kids Christmas movie. Made me want to hang sleigh bells on my door Visuals were fantastic.

My only complaint - the Uncanny Valley effect. The people were just realistic enough to be creepy. The little girl especially really igged me out.