The Polar Express (2004)

On Christmas Eve, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express, while learning about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas. (IMDb)

The compelling atmosphere on the train–a mix of thrilling action (see the ice ride), mystery (see the hobo by the fire on top of the car), fun (see the hot chocolate song and dance), and magic (see Hanks’ mysterious conductor)–makes it by far the best part of the film, as the latter half at the North Pole shrinks all the surrealism into a basic “belief in Santa” message-though that little kid sure is precious. The animation, meanwhile, is inconsistent (the faces often look a little funny).

6.5/10 (Alright)