How to Enjoy ‘The Polar Express’
Assorted Flavors features listicles and other movie-related goodies.
Yes, the uncanny valley is nightmare fuel. No, we didn’t know that Hanks overload was possible. And yes, it dials up the intensity several hundred notches from the serene, whimsical comfort of the Chris Van Allsburg book it was adapted from.
And yet, there’s so much to recommend about Robert Zemeckis’ The Polar Express. If you’re up to the task, hop on board and let me give you a tour of the best ways to enjoy this half classic, half bewildering holiday film.
Open your ears.
I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed this movie until I wasn’t paying attention to it. It was on while I was baking last Christmas and the sound design worked its holiday magic. Roaring railroads, ringing bells, footsteps in the snow, wintry winds, and so much more. Unlike so many animated movies, it leaves space for these atmospheric sounds to shine resulting in pure holiday ASMR bliss. Who knew movies didn’t need to be seen to be enjoyed?
Look away.
If you can look away from the demonic computer faces trying to swallow your soul and look around at the details of the animation around them, you’ll be utterly awestruck. It’s a monument to the power and potential of computer animation. Every frame is packed with the same warmth and magic that’s contained in the book only built out to its absolute, maximalist cinematic potential. From the way the snow floats through the train lights, to the snowy mountaintops, to the expansive brick-layered rendering of The North Pole, it’s a sight to behold.
Dial in to the score.
Don’t worry, there’s even more to enjoy beyond those freaky little death faces. Composer Alan Silvestri delivers yet another thrilling and emotional score to the Zemeckisverse. It’s towering when it needs to be, and disappears when it’s not needed to make room for all that atmospheric ASMR goodness. Give in and it’ll lift your spirits higher than the train ascending those snowy mountaintops.
Believe.
It’s easy to write off this film given so many obvious flaws on the surface, but if you believe in the power of Zemeckis and Van Allsburg like little Chris believes in Santa, you’ll be sure to find something to enjoy about this festive albeit terrifying thrill ride to the North Pole featuring 6 too many characters played by Tom Hanks.