The classics are classics for a reason. The themes, that messages, the traditions are all important to keeping them a staple movie during Christmas time. But the classics better watch out for The Polar Express because it is, without a doubt, the best Christmas movie out there, and here are just a few reasons why...
1. Tom Hanks voices like half of the characters...
Well... maybe not half, but the most important ones, like the father, the conductor, the hobo, Scrooge (who is voiced by the Hobo, which is voiced by Hanks), the hero Boy (the main character), and the most important character... Santa!
2. The soundtrack is spot on
Alan Silvestri and Glan Ballad knew what they were doing when they wrote the songs for this instant classic. "Believe" has become a staple for Christmas radio stations nationwide. Not to mention, getting Josh Groban to sing it was a wif of genius.
3. The animation is spot on
The Claymation movies are Christmas classics for a reason, but The Polar Express uses animation that the creators of those classics could have never dreamt of. The shots and angles alone are spot on, let alone the realistic animation that gives not just figures, but textures and depth.
4. The caribou scene (enough said)
Technically speaking this movie is great, but it is also full of great scenes like the caribou scene. What are the odds that there would be that many caribous in the way of a magical train on its way to The North Pole?! Let alone the fact that one of the engineers could speak caribou!
5. ELLLLVESSSS!!!
The elves aren't your stereotypical child-like elves. They are little grumpy adults living a fulfilling life as members of Santa's factory-like workshop. They are kind at heart but come off a tad snarky.
6. The hot chocolate song
Who doesn't love a warm cup of hot chocolate? And who doesn't love Tom Hanks singing about something so seasonal and delicious? Plus there are those lovely waiters dancing around and making tables appear out of thin air.
7. The themes: Learn, Lead, Believe
The message of the movie is applicable long after the Christmas season is over. The ideas of believing, learning, and leadership apply in our daily lives but especially during the holidays. The ideas presented in this new classic should find their way into our daily lives; isn't that what makes a movie not just good, but great?
Now go watch "The Polar Express" and be merry!
