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This year marks the 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking movie “The Polar Express”, a film I haven’t revisited since its release but one that has lingered in my memory for its role in pioneering the motion-capture technology of the 2000s—and for introducing audiences to the uncanny valley. This phenomenon describes the unsettling feeling evoked by humanoid characters or simulations that come close to looking human but fall just short, often due to lifeless, “dead” eyes that rob them of authenticity.
“The Polar Express” follows the magical journey of a skeptical young boy who boards a mysterious train bound for the North Pole on Christmas Eve. As the train races through snowy landscapes and dazzling winter scenes, he and a group of other children embark on an adventure filled with wonder, self-discovery, and holiday spirit. Along the way, the boy grapples with his doubts about Santa Claus and the magic of Christmas, guided by a charismatic conductor and encountering whimsical characters and challenges.
So how does “The Polar Express” hold up after two decades? Well, it depends on your expectations. Visually, the movie holds its own in many ways, and young children will likely find plenty to enjoy. For adults, however, the cracks in its groundbreaking technology are more apparent. The aforementioned uncanny valley is still a hurdle, with the characters’ lifelike-yet-offputting features requiring some adjustment. While the film dazzles with stunning visuals and memorable set pieces, the occasional lack of detail can be distracting—most notably in elements like Santa’s bag, which sometimes looks like it was rendered with a default plastic texture. Fortunately, the movie’s warm, inviting color palette offsets these shortcomings, creating a cozy and festive atmosphere.
The weakest aspect of “The Polar Express” is undoubtedly its plot—or rather, the lack of one. The story revolves around an unnamed boy who boards the magical train in the middle of the night, meeting a few other children along the way. Beyond this setup, the narrative is essentially a series of loosely connected events as he passively experiences the ride alongside his fellow passengers. For a protagonist, he spends much of the film as little more than a spectator in his own journey, which can leave the story feeling unfocused and lacking in depth.
Despite its flaws, “The Polar Express” possesses a charm that gives it the potential to be a genuine Christmas classic—if it hasn’t already earned that status. Tom Hanks clearly has fun lending his voice to multiple characters, all of which are unmistakably “Tom Hanks”, adding a unique layer of personality to the film. The rest of the cast holds their own alongside Hanks, though Eddie Deezen’s portrayal of the know-it-all kid stands out—for better or worse. While adults may find the character grating, it’s precisely this over-the-top annoyance that makes him endearing to younger audiences.
