POLAR EXPRESS. Perfect for a cozy, pre-Christmas winter screening

This movie hasn’t stood the test of time. Its flaws could be listed for quite a while, but… it still holds its ground. The atmosphere and message of The Polar Express make it perfect for a cozy, pre-Christmas winter screening.

At the time of its release in 2004, it was the most expensive animated film in cinema history. It was something new—performance capture technology was still in its infancy, and IMAX theaters had mostly been showing short nature documentaries. Those who had the chance to see The Polar Express in IMAX 3D thirteen years ago describe it as a unique experience.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have that pleasure. I watched the film a few years after its premiere, in the comfort of my home, as a grown man. It was December, a week or two before Christmas. I wasn’t expecting much from the screening. Almost immediately, I realized the production hadn’t aged well (and it hadn’t been that long)—all the characters seemed artificial, “dead” inside, with eyes that expressed no emotion. Identifying which six characters Tom Hanks played quickly stopped being amusing. Moreover, this gimmick didn’t really add anything of value. The script, based on Chris Van Allsburg’s short book, had been stretched to its limits, resulting in uneven pacing and many moments where the plot lost its grip.

I could point out even more flaws in The Polar Express—it’s far from perfect. While visually it may still impress, especially on a big screen in 3D, it doesn’t hold together well as a whole. And yet, after the screening, I felt something special. Robert Zemeckis managed to enchant me and transport me back to my childhood, when Christmas was truly a magical, eagerly anticipated time. The film’s message resonated with me. I remember that Christmas felt different from the few years prior, and who knows, maybe it was thanks to this production.

The plot revolves around a boy who starts doubting the existence of Santa Claus. On one hand, he wants to keep believing; on the other, it feels childish and naive. On Christmas Eve, he hears a noise outside his window. It turns out the titular Polar Express has pulled up in front of his house, ready to take him to the North Pole, to Santa’s headquarters.

It’s a moment we all remember well—growing up excites us; we can’t wait to do and experience more and more. But we also realize that adulthood comes with the loss of innocence. Eventually, we yearn for the belief that the world is simple, beautiful, and good. But it’s already too late. We can’t go back. The boy in the movie, by losing his faith in Santa Claus, crosses that threshold. His journey on the magical train has a much deeper purpose than proving the existence of a man with a white beard handing out gifts. It’s about keeping a part of the child within him—a part that believes in goodness.

Despite its previously mentioned shortcomings, this film exudes an incredible atmosphere—perfect for a winter, pre-Christmas evening with a cup of cocoa in hand. Some scenes, especially those showcasing the train’s journey, are still stunning even after all these years, even on a home TV. The music and songs also stand out, with the Oscar-nominated Believe being a highlight.

Although children might enjoy this movie, it’s likely aimed more at older audiences who can take a trip down memory lane to when they were like the boy in the film. The creators have successfully tapped into the essence of Christmas—it symbolizes something far greater. The Santa Claus within us is meant to remind us not of gifts or tree decorations, but of how to live so that the “little me” inside us won’t be ashamed of who we’ve become. A beautiful, wise message, underscored by an excellent final scene.

This could have been a much better film, but… it still has something special. For those who feel they’ve irretrievably lost their childlike joy, The Polar Express might offer a lot to reflect on. This year, give Kevin a break. Other productions, like this one, can also set the perfect holiday mood.