The Polar Express (2004)

Réalisateur:

Robert Zemeckis

Scénaristes (WGA):

Chris Van Allsburg (book)
Robert Zemeckis (screenplay) ...

Date de sortie:

10 novembre 2004 (USA)

Genre:

Animation | Aventure | Famille | Fantasy

Accroche:

Journey Beyond Your Imagination

Intrigue:

On Christmas Eve, a doubting boy boards a magical train that's headed to the North Pole and Santa Claus's home.

Plot Keywords:

North Pole | Christmas Eve | Christmas | Train | Gift

Récompenses:

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 4 wins & 14 nominations

Avis des utilisateurs:

Enchantment, thrills, spectacle...looks great on DVD...

Ensemble

Tom Hanks	...	Hero Boy / Father / Conductor / Hobo / Scrooge / Santa Claus
Leslie Zemeckis	...	Sister Sarah / Mother
Eddie Deezen	...	Know-It-All
Nona Gaye	...	Hero Girl
Peter Scolari	...	Lonely Boy
Andy Pellick	...	Pastry Chef
Josh Eli	...	Waiter
Mark Mendonca	...	Waiter
Rolandas Hendricks	...	Waiter
Mark Goodman	...	Waiter
Jon Scott	...	Waiter
Gregory Gast	...	Waiter
Sean Scott	...	Waiter
Gordon Hart	...	Waiter
Michael Jeter	...	Smokey / Steamer

Autre(s) titre(s):

The Polar Express: An IMAX 3D Experience (USA) (IMAX version)

Durée:

99 min

Pays:

USA

Langue:

Anglais

Couleur:

Couleur

Rapport de forme:

2,00 : 1

Son:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS | IMAX 6-Track

Classification:

Indonesia:SU | South Korea:Tous | Portugal:M/4 | Canada:G (all jurisdictions) | Iceland:L | Malaysia:U | USA:PG (Special Edition DVD) | USA:TV-PG (TV rating) | USA:G (certificate #41220) | New Zealand:G | Argentina:Atp | Australia:G | Brazil:Livre | Chile:TE | Czech Republic:U | Finland:S | Germany:6 | Ireland:G | Netherlands:AL | Norway:7 | Peru:PT | Philippines:G | Singapore:G | Switzerland:7 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:7 (canton of Vaud) | Switzerland:8 (canton of Zurich) | UK:U

Lieux de tournage:

Culver Studios - 9336 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Société:

Castle Rock Entertainment

Anecdotes:

Santa's reflection can be seen in the sleigh bell for just a few seconds, when it is shown in close-up, after Hero Boy places the bell on the table, at the film's end.

Goofs:

Révélant des erreurs: The stoker uses his hair pin to replace the missing pin on the throttle. However, when the pin is in place, the engineer pulls back on the throttle as though it were the brake (evident because the train starts breaking instantly giving no time to actually apply it).

Guillemet:

Santa Claus: This bell is a wonderful symbol of the spirit of Christmas - as am I. Just remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart.

Connexions De Film:

Référencé sur Beowulf: Mapping the Journey (2008) (V)

Bande son:

Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)

Enchantment, thrills, spectacle...looks great on DVD...

On the one hand there are many delightful moments in THE POLAR EXPRESS, not the least of which is the entire look of the film--appealing in a way that great illustrations of children's books always are to young and old. Tom Hanks and the others enter into the spirit of the whole thing with gusto--and all the performances are right on target.

On the other hand, much of the film is an excuse to dazzle with roller-coaster-like rides on the express train that roars across various landscapes making wild leaps and turns, all the while thrilling us with a sense of adventure and excitement. For the very young, the ride might be a scary one, especially when the daring young hero rides atop the train during a blustery snowstorm.

Things barely quiet down once the destination is reached at the North Pole. Still there are dangers lurking and the thrills continue with some amazing photographic tricks that can only be done in this new process of computer generated animation.

And to add a cozier touch to the proceedings, certain famous Christmas songs are interjected at intervals to give the North Pole--and the film--a warmer glow.

All in all, quite an imaginative and innovative achievement--impressive enough to assure its place among future Christmas favorites with unlimited appeal for the young in heart. The message of Christmas is lightly hinted at but when Tom Hanks as the train conductor tells the little boy, "The true meaning of Christmas is in your heart," we can be assured that children everywhere will definitely "get it".

Visually, it's a stunner. I didn't see it on the IMAX screen where I imagine it really knocks your socks off, but at a multiplex where picture and sound were impressive enough to convey just how advanced special effects technology has become. There is much artistry involved here, especially when the night scenes of the train's fast-moving travel through a blustery snowstorm capture some rich winter landscapes, including a frozen lake that threatens to demolish train and passengers before danger has passed. The camera-work is continually fascinating as is the artwork involved.

A pity there couldn't have been more of a story in the children's book which is the source--but the artistic visuals are the main source of entertainment here and they are superb. The busy background score by Alan Silvestri is reminiscent of works by John Williams. Although none of the sprightly song tunes are particularly memorable, there is a wistful quality to one of the new Christmas ballads sung by the children.

P.S. - I have just watched it on DVD, a year after writing the above review--and it's definitely a keeper--just as wonderful as you could want, an amazing technological achievement that should delight all ages who can still hear that bell! Tom Hanks, as the conductor, is my favorite character--brilliant job.