Got to see the Polar Express today

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by FJ and G

But WE know, Tony, that the story is incidental to the train. After all, who in their right minds believe in Santa. But the train, now that is Christmas!

You go right on believing that, Dave [:D]

I for one, do indeed believe in Santa, or at least, the idea of Santa. The world would be a much better place if more of us would try to be like him. Of course, we should really try to be like Santa's inspiration. (That would be the reason he does his rounds on Christmas Eve).

Tony

[FJ and G]

But WE know, Tony, that the story is incidental to the train. After all, who in their right minds believe in Santa. But the train, now that is Christmas!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jimgrimm

Somehow, I managed to hold out until Saturday (Nov. 13), despite an almost overwhelming desire to catch the first showing last Wednesday. Here's my take.

The movie is bound is be loved by almost all of us train guys. I mean, first there was the incredibly realistic train sounds, especially the slow creaking sounds that you can only hear as a steam locomotive crawls to a stop a few feet from your nose. Then there's the close-up detail of the ice-encrusted, underside details of the Berkshire and passenger cars as they pass over the "camera" and onto the big screen. Even the thought of a kid passing from one moving car to the next in the icy wind (unbroken by diaphragms) provided us with a heart-stopping thrill few of us have actually experienced firsthand. In short, we, the initiated train crowd, got information and images we'd never expect to see in a storybook children's movie, a holiday movie, or, certainly, a holiday children's storybook movie. How could any train guy not love this movie?

The question then becomes: Will children love it?

I'd like to say yes, definitely, but I'm biased. Remember, I'm a train guy. I hope the movie will open the eyes of kids to the thrill of a train ride or even the magic of steam locomotion, but more realistically kids will be trying to focus on the story itself. As I try to be objective, I think I can say that the movie truly presented a good story in a fun way.

My only complaint is that it may be a long wait until the DVD is released. Remember, this is a seasonal movie, meaning Warner Brothers could elect to begin marketing it a year from now instead of the more-common four- to six-month time frame between theatrical and DVD release dates.

What choice do I have? I can't wait that long. I gotta go see it again.

Jim Riccioli

I hate to break this to all of the train guys on this forum, but all that anyone who is a non-train guy is going to focus on is the story in this movie. The fact that there's a train in it is just incidental. It's about the kids, the journey, and believing. Believing in Santa, believing in anything.

In any event, it was a good film in its own right. I believe it was No. 2 behind The Incredibles this weekend. We'll see if it plays into December.

Tony

[Anonymous]

Somehow, I managed to hold out until Saturday (Nov. 13), despite an almost overwhelming desire to catch the first showing last Wednesday. Here's my take.

The movie is bound is be loved by almost all of us train guys. I mean, first there was the incredibly realistic train sounds, especially the slow creaking sounds that you can only hear as a steam locomotive crawls to a stop a few feet from your nose. Then there's the close-up detail of the ice-encrusted, underside details of the Berkshire and passenger cars as they pass over the "camera" and onto the big screen. Even the thought of a kid passing from one moving car to the next in the icy wind (unbroken by diaphragms) provided us with a heart-stopping thrill few of us have actually experienced firsthand. In short, we, the initiated train crowd, got information and images we'd never expect to see in a storybook children's movie, a holiday movie, or, certainly, a holiday children's storybook movie. How could any train guy not love this movie?

The question then becomes: Will children love it?

I'd like to say yes, definitely, but I'm biased. Remember, I'm a train guy. I hope the movie will open the eyes of kids to the thrill of a train ride or even the magic of steam locomotion, but more realistically kids will be trying to focus on the story itself. As I try to be objective, I think I can say that the movie truly presented a good story in a fun way.

My only complaint is that it may be a long wait until the DVD is released. Remember, this is a seasonal movie, meaning Warner Brothers could elect to begin marketing it a year from now instead of the more-common four- to six-month time frame between theatrical and DVD release dates.

What choice do I have? I can't wait that long. I gotta go see it again.

Jim Riccioli

[FJ and G]

Nick,

As a kid I rode the NYC els up in the front (early 60s) and got a real cool Polar Express type view--esp w/snow; but not the roller coaster and lake ride unfortunately. The front window was very large and offered a view unequal.

[Anonymous]

Hey Ya'll

I loved the movie and I have seen it 2 times already and I am going again next sunday (note i posted on 11-15-04).

It was thrilling to see the 3 rail setup on the big sreen. It looked like a scout to me more than an atlantic though.

I would love for that to happen to me, I'd love to be on the front of the locomotive when they were going down that hill to. I would love to do every thing that boy did on that train.

I have gotten a few things for my great report card as well as recieving my Polar Express set well before christmas and one of the things was a replica Hot Chocolate cup and saucer from Hallmark just like the ones in the movie.

Aother was a postwar Scout set like my Aunt Denises, and the other was 3 boxcars.

But you have got to see this movie for those of you who haven't seen.

When I went last Saturday with my Grandma, she leaned over when the train was picking up the boy and said, "You would have had a heart attack if that would have happened to you".

Earlier that day, a low flying plane flew over my house and sounded like a big train and I almost did have a hear attack. Sonce I had seen the movie once before that happeed, I checked just to see that it wasn't a train.

Also when the know-it-all kid was rattling of about the train she said "That sounds like you" and I said "no Grandma, I didn't even know that"

Nick

[FJ and G]

The wild trip down the mountain and across the lake was wild and IMO would be a real thrill on a simulator.

Great movie, btw.

[Anonymous]

It was very enjoyable. Look for the 3-rail trainset at the end - I think it even said "Polar Express" on it - but it was clearly based on the basic Lionel "Atlantic" type steamer. It was cool to see 3-rail up on the big screen.

In short, my review would be that it is a must-see for for toy train fans. My six-year-old loved it. It's scary at times. (Since Charles Dickens' A Christamas Carol, many good Christmas stories have been part ghost story.) The movie has some of the virtues and vices of the holiday itself - it has a beautiful heart - but it verges on excess at times. Like that crazy uncle who dresses up as santa and rents a helicopter and lands on the front lawn on Christmas eve and knocks over your snowman... what, you didn't have an uncle like that? Unforgettable fun - but you're glad it only happens once a year.

Don't forget to read the book. It, just about 30 pages of it, is very nearly perfect in every way.

[daan]

Nive find that website..

[Anonymous]

The Polar Express movie web site has lots of info, video clips, photos, games... and more.
http://polarexpressmovie.warnerbros.com/

And someone emailed another web site where you can leave a movie review.

http://members.aol.com/polarexpress1225/polarexpressindex.htm

[Anonymous]

Took the family to see The Polar Express today. What a great film! We all enjoyed it immensely.

Here's something for ya! At one point, as the train is going up a mountain, there's a sign that says the grade is 179%!! I didn't know a Berkshire could pull a train up a slope like that! [:D]

If you haven't seen this one yet, all I can say is go see it! What are you waiting for?

Tony