Why The Polar Express Works

Day 7:  A Movie that Makes You Feel Happy

(Yes, another Christmastime movie following Day 6’s “Elf”)

“The Polar Express” follows a young boy’s journey to the North Pole on a train called….the Polar Express.  The boy doubted Santa Claus’ validity and travels to the North Pole, where he experiences many unexpected surprises, makes new friends, and learns to believe.

Tom Hanks plays the Hero Boy’s father, Conductor, Hobo, Santa Claus, and Narrator in this movie and performs spectacularly in each role.

The musical numbers add to the fantasy of riding a train to meet Santa, but it does not make it a musical.  The hot chocolate sequence makes hot chocolate sound very tasty whenever I watch the waiters dance on tables and pour the steaming drinks.

The reappearing Hobo that hitches a ride on the roof of the Polar Express presents himself as an unlikely authority figure – you never know what the next encounter with him will bring.  He knows how to set up camp and make joe on top of a train, gives the boy advice (seeing is believing), and can ski the Polar Express roof (how amazing is that!).

The sleigh bell is a beautiful reminder of Christmas spirit:  "At one time, most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed, it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I've grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe."