Chillin' and 'chilluns' on The Polar Express
by Kurt Epps
What's a grown man of 56 doing going to see The Polar Express? Easy. Remembering the magical time of believing in Santa Claus, his elves and his workshop. It's also a welcome respite from the crudeness, filth, perversion and vulgarity that seem to be the hallmark of many films these days.
Some mainstream critics--mostly leftist liberals-- have bashed this computer-generated full color storybook, but it’s not difficult to figure out why. It deals with Christmas--Christmas legends, Christmas carols, Christmas cheer and Christmas wonder. And some of those liberals may fear that with all that reference to Christmas, kids may start to think of Christ. That triggers the disturbing thought (to some liberals and anti-Christians) that Christianity may not have been beaten into submission yet by secularism--especially considering the recent election and the reasons people gave for casting their votes as they did.
But the artwork is incredible--like having a beautifully illustrated picture book come alive before your eyes-- and the CG stuff is so cool, you’ll often forget that you're not watching real kids--except that the little girl looks kind of weird sometimes. She makes up for that with her voice, however. The sound is superb--this is definitely a film for the big screen and surround sound-- and some of the train sequences may cause you to lose your lunch, so eat after you go.
The train, of course, is a central figure throughout the movie, and a remarkable conveyance it is. In one memorable scene the kids on board are served hot chocolate by the most athletic, magical crew of waitstaff ever assembled, and you'll find yourself wishing you had a seat. And don't be surprised if you find yourself clutching at a flyaway ticket.
This is a movie that should be seen by every adult who grew up with Santa as part of his or her early life equation--especially baby boomers. Better yet, take a little kid to see it (like your grandchildren), and you just might find the magic of the season rekindled, your childhood memories jarred--and a tear in your eye. When it comes out on DVD, make it a regular showing on Christmas Eve at your house, preceded perhaps by Clement Moore's classic poem "The Night before Christmas." Then await the sugarplums.
Christmas, Santa Claus and all the trappings of the happiest season of the year are here for the taking. And don't listen to killjoys who tell you that Santa and Christmas have nothing to do with Christianity. Christianity is about messages of belief, faith and love, and so is Santa Claus. They are interlinked. Always have been; always will be.
This movie will make you glad you grew up with that, and you'll never look at a jingle bell the same way again.
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