Hammerman Ikon

Hammerman Ikon Film Guide

Polar Express
2004
***
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Cast: Tom Hanks, Daryl Sabara, Nona Gaye, Jimmy Bennett, Eddie Deezen, Michael Jeter

Just when he is about to stop believing in Santa Claus, a young boy is swept away on a magical train ride to the North Pole. Robert Zemeckis used motion capture technology to create this unusual and uneven animation. The resulting visual style is an acquired taste. While the trip on the Polar Express is exciting and full of imagination, the short stay in the North Pole is sugary and sentimental. Tom Hanks plays about as many roles as he did in Cloud Atlas. Adapted from Chris Van Allsburg's children's book.