The Polar Express (2004)

Byrge gives the film a warmly positive verdict, calling it a technical landmark with heart. He especially praises its kinetic train sequences, tender moments, and lively performances by Tom Hanks and the supporting cast.

Nathan finds the film sentimental and overly committed to one-dimensional Christmas ideals, but ultimately thrilling and extraordinary. He particularly praises the train’s exhilarating motion and a lyrical sequence in which a lost ticket journeys through the wintry landscape.

The page does not reveal the critic’s verdict. It also provides no praise or complaint to report.

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Freer finds the film technically impressive, though the review’s full verdict is not available here. The review singles out the performance-capture animation and Tom Hanks’s multiple roles for praise.

Gonzalez finds the film emotionally hollow, criticizing its synthetic spectacle and Christmas-pageant thrills. He praises a brief image of wind making a snowman appear to wave goodbye, but says the film lacks subtlety and grace.

The review considers the film inconsequential overall, despite its technical achievement. It singles out the modern computer-animation techniques as a demonstration of the medium’s potential.

Bradshaw finds the film initially enjoyable but ultimately overwhelmed by schmaltz, leaving it reasonable yet inferior to Pixar. He praises its opening stretch for blending Spielberg, Norman Rockwell and Roald Dahl.

Rooney judges the film an ambitious misstep: technically impressive but emotionally cold, with a thin story. He praises the painterly landscapes and says the traditional animation is more captivating than the digital characters.

Pickavance finds the film charming and increasingly classic, though it loses momentum after reaching the North Pole. He praises its magical train sequences and criticizes the 3D presentation for draining color and causing headaches.

Breen finds the re-release tentatively charming, though its dated effects and unsettling character designs may trouble adults. She praises the film’s immersive visual world and highlights the moving duet between the Hero Girl and Lonely Boy.

Morrall finds the film visually impressive and morally appealing, but says its thin story is stretched too far. He praises the motion-capture animation while criticizing the plot, character development, and pacing.