The Polar Express (2004) - Movie Review

The Polar Express - A Classic Story Stuck in the Uncanny Valley

Rating - 5/10

“Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see.”

    The Polar Express is one of those movies that a lot of people hold dear around the holidays. It has that warm nostalgic glow, boosted by a beautiful score and some truly memorable Christmas music that has stood the test of time. Watching it can instantly bring back that sense of childhood wonder and magic, which is exactly what a holiday film should strive to do.

    But while the story and music shine, the film has one glaring issue that keeps it from reaching its full potential. The character animation. There is no way around it, the people in this movie look strange. The motion capture creates faces that sit firmly in the uncanny valley, and instead of feeling magical, they often come across as unsettling and almost creepy. It is the biggest distraction in a film that otherwise has strong animation when it comes to environments, trains, and landscapes. The world itself feels alive and festive, but the characters do not match that same charm.

    The Polar Express is a mix of both the magical and the off putting. It captures the heart of Christmas with its music, story, and atmosphere, but it also leaves you feeling uneasy every time one of the animated children stares directly at you. It is the definition of a nostalgic film that people return to for tradition, but it is not without its flaws.

    If you are searching for classic Christmas movies to watch this year, The Polar Express might be worth revisiting for the music and holiday spirit alone, but do not be surprised if the animation still feels just as weird today as it did when it first came out.

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