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Polar Express, The (2004) Rank 4 Reviews

Expert Review Summary
Movie critics combined give Polar Express, The (2004) a score of 2.8325 out of 4
based on (317) reviews
Click on the numbers to the right of the graph to see reviews of that rating
Excellent
4
Excellent
(83)
Very Good
3
Very Good
(140)
Good
2
Good
(81)
Fair
1
Fair
(11)
Poor
0
Poor
(2)
Reviews by Score:
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Film Values/Family Values (H. Arthur Taussig)Film Values/Family Values (H. Arthur Taussig)
...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Film Values/Family Values (H. Arthur Taussig)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for eFilmCritic.com (Erik Childress)eFilmCritic.com (Erik Childress)
Robert Zemeckis has previously directed a dozen films; four of which (Back to the Future, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Forrest Gump, Cast Away) were named the best film of their respective year by yours truly. Those four titles are a ticketed career in ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at eFilmCritic.com (Erik Childress)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for DVD-Dweeb.comDVD-Dweeb.com
Get up, get on, and get ready for the ride of your life! It's Christmas Eve, and you're about to roller-coaster up and down mountains, slip-slide over ice fields, teeter across mile-high bridges and be served hot chocolate by singing waiters more ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at DVD-Dweeb.com
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for The BigScreen Cinema Guide - Reader ReviewsThe BigScreen Cinema Guide - Reader Reviews
I am a reading specialist and a big fan of Chris Van Allsberg, so I was curious as to how this heart-warming Christmas tale would resonate on the silver screen. The movie was exciting and the artwork of the animation did justice to the artistic and ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at The BigScreen Cinema Guide - Reader Reviews
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Big Movie Zone Review (Ross Anthony)Big Movie Zone Review (Ross Anthony)
Have you ever wanted to step inside one of those snowy glass balls? This is a charming Christmas film that takes advantage of 3-D and the large IMAX screen to bring you into its magical world. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Big Movie Zone Review (Ross Anthony)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for TheMovieBoy Review (Dustin Putman)TheMovieBoy Review (Dustin Putman)
There comes a time in every child's life, usually just before they reach double-digits, when a certain amount of innocence is stolen from them. The thief isn't necessarily another person so much as it is the cruel hands of time, experience, and ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at TheMovieBoy Review (Dustin Putman)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for eFilmCritic ReviewseFilmCritic Reviews
Chris Van Allsburg’s book “The Polar Express” can be read in about five minutes. It’s a well told, beautifully illustrated bedtime story about a boy who feels uncertain about his belief in Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, he takes a special train ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at eFilmCritic Reviews
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Fantastica Daily (Mervius)Fantastica Daily (Mervius)
I myself sat in the theater in awe, with chills running and up down my spine countless times. I can’t be sure, but I suspect my mouth was hanging open at times. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Fantastica Daily (Mervius)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)
A movie for more than one season; it will become a perennial, shared by the generations. It has a haunting, magical quality because it has imagined its world freshly and played true to ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for San Francisco Chronicle (Mick LaSalle)San Francisco Chronicle (Mick LaSalle)
An enchanting, beautiful and brilliantly imagined film. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at San Francisco Chronicle (Mick LaSalle)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for The Hollywood Reporter (Duane Byrge)The Hollywood Reporter (Duane Byrge)
A story that soars with breakneck pace but slows in all the tender moments. Visually, this train ride is both majestic and edge-of-your-seat. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at The Hollywood Reporter (Duane Byrge)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Homer YenHomer Yen
There is a time in our young childhood when the biggest internal debate is whether Santa is real or not. To me, it seemed odd that the decorative paper that Santa used to wrap my Christmas gifts were of the exact patterns as the decorative paper that sat ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Homer Yen
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Harvey S. KartenHarvey S. Karten
Childhood is a magic time. Between the ages of 2 and, oh about 10, children see and hear and believe things that older folks cannot. Despite the improbability of one overweight, elderly man's delivering presents to six billion people between the hours of ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Harvey S. Karten
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Cinema em Cena (Pablo Villaça)Cinema em Cena (Pablo Villaça)
...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Cinema em Cena (Pablo Villaça)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for FilmStew.com (Todd Gilchrist)FilmStew.com (Todd Gilchrist)
Boy, do I feel like a sucker. There are just some things adults aren’t supposed to get excited about, like Christmas, or more specifically, the prospect of a jolly fat man popping down many a chimney to deliver presents to boys and girls all over the ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at FilmStew.com (Todd Gilchrist)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Lawrence Journal-World (Jon Niccum)Lawrence Journal-World (Jon Niccum)
The 1985 holiday tome "The Polar Express" was illustrated with oil paintings, and it had an almost otherworldly quality. Part fairy tale, part Norman Rockwell. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Lawrence Journal-World (Jon Niccum)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for St. Petersburg Times (Steve Persall)St. Petersburg Times (Steve Persall)
Robert Zemeckis' The Polar Express is the perfect Christmas movie gift: spectacularly wrapped although a bit gaudy, full of thrills, surprises and the best elements of commercializing the holiday. As portrayed here, the only reason for the season - and ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at St. Petersburg Times (Steve Persall)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Providence Journal (Michael Janusonis)Providence Journal (Michael Janusonis)
...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Providence Journal (Michael Janusonis)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Nolan's Pop Culture Review (Michael A. Smith)Nolan's Pop Culture Review (Michael A. Smith)
The Polar Express '...Visually stunning!' ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Nolan's Pop Culture Review (Michael A. Smith)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for San Antonio Express-News (Larry Ratliff)San Antonio Express-News (Larry Ratliff)
No matter where you stand on the jolly guy in the red suit, believe this. The Polar Express is the most magical, captivating animated Christmas adventure of all time. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at San Antonio Express-News (Larry Ratliff)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for San Jose Mercury News (Bruce Newman)San Jose Mercury News (Bruce Newman)
Barrels across the trackless landscape of our affections, arriving where no one would have thought to look for a big-budget Hollywood movie: in the terrain of the heart. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at San Jose Mercury News (Bruce Newman)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Aisle Seat (Mike McGranaghan)Aisle Seat (Mike McGranaghan)
Its rich characters, spectacular visuals, and unbridled sense of awe and wonder make this the kind of movie families will want to watch together every holiday season. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Aisle Seat (Mike McGranaghan)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (Philip Martin)Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (Philip Martin)
People will be polarized by this well-oiled machine of a family holiday vehicle. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (Philip Martin)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Denver Post (Lisa Kennedy)Denver Post (Lisa Kennedy)
Polar Express honors its source, then exceeds it. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Denver Post (Lisa Kennedy)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for FilmJerk.com (Edward Havens)FilmJerk.com (Edward Havens)
Destined to become a perennial holiday favorite with the young and young at heart. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at FilmJerk.com (Edward Havens)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Journal News (Westchester, NY) (Jack Garner)Journal News (Westchester, NY) (Jack Garner)
All the fine writing, Hanks' astonishing range of performances and the breathtaking visuals wouldn't mean a thing if I didn't tear up just a little at the finale. But I did. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Journal News (Westchester, NY) (Jack Garner)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for EDGE Boston (David Foucher)EDGE Boston (David Foucher)
Technically dazzling, thematically rich, and filled to the brim with holiday warmth, “The Polar Express” is an instant holiday classic. Climb aboard! ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at EDGE Boston (David Foucher)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Movie Parables (Michael Elliott)Movie Parables (Michael Elliott)
Both the story and the telling of it have a timeless feel that will... delight generations of families in the many years to come. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Movie Parables (Michael Elliott)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for eFilmCritic.com (Erik Childress)eFilmCritic.com (Erik Childress)
The Polar Express is the grandest WOW experience I've had in this world of film since the original Toy Story. It's like discovering Pixar all over again. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at eFilmCritic.com (Erik Childress)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Orlando Sentinel (Jay Boyar)Orlando Sentinel (Jay Boyar)
Climb on and you'll experience one of the great joys of moviegoing: seeing something that's like nothing you've ever seen before. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Orlando Sentinel (Jay Boyar)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Sun Newspapers of Cleveland Sun Newspapers of Cleveland
Adapting "The Polar Express" to film is a far riskier proposition than any put forth for author Chris Van Allsburg's family readership. Beyond the inherent challenge of giving screen life to this magical tale, this is a bedtime story, just the right ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Sun Newspapers of Cleveland
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for digitallyOBSESSED.com (Kevin Clemons)digitallyOBSESSED.com (Kevin Clemons)
Since its publication in 1985, Chris Van Allsburg's The Polar Express has become an acknowledged classic of children's literature. It is a yuletide tale about faith and hope made unique not only because of the thoughtfulness of the tale but the author's ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at digitallyOBSESSED.com (Kevin Clemons)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Parent PreviewsParent Previews
Taking any book and making it into a movie can be a challenge. But choosing a classic children's tale like The Polar Express is even trickier. This Caldecott Medal winner is a mere 32 pages, many of which are filled with more illustrations than text. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Parent Previews
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Killer Movie Reviews (Andrea Chase)Killer Movie Reviews (Andrea Chase)
THE POLAR EXPRESS isn�t just an astonishing achievement in animation, it�s also a rich feast for the eye, the mind, and even the spirit. It's a glorious evocation of that most fragile, most beautiful aspect of the innocence of early life, the ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Killer Movie Reviews (Andrea Chase)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Christian Spotlight on the MoviesChristian Spotlight on the Movies
“The Polar Express” is a classic children’s story written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg and translated to the big screen with an equally original vision by Robert Zemeckis who directed the movie and co-wrote the screenplay. Zemeckis adds ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Christian Spotlight on the Movies
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (Ed Blank)Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (Ed Blank)
A marvelous, magical movie called "The Polar Express" stokes the embers of one's inner child. Let me put it this way: I didn't want the 5-year-old next to me to notice how moved I was at its conclusion. Some endings beg a private moment. A single, ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (Ed Blank)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)
"The Polar Express" has the quality of a lot of lasting children's entertainment: It's a little creepy. Not creepy in an unpleasant way, but in that sneaky, teasing way that lets you know eerie things could happen. There's a deeper, shivery tone, instead ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for The Reel McCoy (Patrick McCoy)The Reel McCoy (Patrick McCoy)
I must admit that at first I was not all that excited about seeing this movie when it began showing in November. I was not familiar with the story and felt that a movie about a train ride might be kinda boring. However, every time I went to see a ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at The Reel McCoy (Patrick McCoy)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for kids-in-mindkids-in-mind
Animated version of the popular children's book by Chris Van Allsburg about a young boy who is struggling with his faith in Santa Claus, since all his friends and family insist that Santa is a figment of our collective imagination. However, one Christmas ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at kids-in-mind
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)
I've seen "The Polar Express" twice, once the regular way, once in 3-D at an IMAX theater. It returns in three dimensions to IMAX theaters starting today, and it's worth the special effort to seek it out. This is a wonderful moviegoing experience. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for The King's Room (Clyde Ayles)The King's Room (Clyde Ayles)
When you believe things can happen, like the old man in "Ghost World" waiting on the corner, believing the bus would come along to take him to a better place. He believed so hard, that one day that bus did come. On the other hand, if you don't ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at The King's Room (Clyde Ayles)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Three Movie Buffs (Scott Nash)Three Movie Buffs (Scott Nash)
As the story opens, a young, unnamed boy is trying to fall asleep on Christmas Eve in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He's reached the age where he's beginning to doubt the existence of Santa Claus. Just as he's drifting off to sleep, the sound of a train ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Three Movie Buffs (Scott Nash)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for hybridmagazine.com hybridmagazine.com
I’ll make it quick and easy for you: If you loved the cute and whimsical ever-floating feather from Forrest Gump, then try not to run over anybody in your SUV on your way to the theater because this film will blow you away. On the other hand, if you ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at hybridmagazine.com
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.75 out of 4 stars for CinescapeCinescape
When a movie sets itself up to be "an instant holiday classic," one (at least, this reviewer) approaches with a certain amount of trepidation. However, there's no arguing with THE POLAR EXPRESS. Adapted by director Robert Zemeckis and fellow screenwriter ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Cinescape
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.75 out of 4 stars for Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies (Nell Minow)Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies (Nell Minow)
There are moments of great beauty, especially the vertiginous ride as we watch a golden train ticket carried away by an eagle. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies (Nell Minow)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.75 out of 4 stars for A Guide to Current DVD (Aaron Beierle)A Guide to Current DVD (Aaron Beierle)
When it was released last year, "The Polar Express" came in with a very mild $23m on its opening weekend. But, with good word-of-mouth and repeat business (not to mention a successful IMAX run that will likely reoccur this year, as the movie is ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at A Guide to Current DVD (Aaron Beierle)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.75 out of 4 stars for Contra Costa Times (Mary F. Pols)Contra Costa Times (Mary F. Pols)
The source material has been broadened with great respect and tenderness, while the illustrations that made the book so special have served as inspiration for some of the most beautiful computer-generated imagery ever. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Contra Costa Times (Mary F. Pols)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.75 out of 4 stars for DVD MovieGuideDVD MovieGuide
With a few notable exceptions like the cynical Bad Santa, most Christmas movies shoot for a sense of magic and wonder. Not many of them achieve this, though, and it seems like the harder they try, the bigger they fail. Add 2004’s The Polar Express ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at DVD MovieGuide
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.75 out of 4 stars for Dallas Morning News (Philip Wuntch)Dallas Morning News (Philip Wuntch)
The Polar Express is a stunning technological achievement and, for the most part, a stirring emotional one. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Dallas Morning News (Philip Wuntch)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.75 out of 4 stars for Cinema Source (Paul Maniaci)Cinema Source (Paul Maniaci)
...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Cinema Source (Paul Maniaci)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.75 out of 4 stars for Moda Magazine (Susan Granger)Moda Magazine (Susan Granger)
Childhood is a magic time. Between the ages of 2 and, oh about 10, children see and hear and believe things that older folks cannot. Despite the improbability of one overweight, elderly man's delivering presents to six billion people between ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Moda Magazine (Susan Granger)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.60 out of 4 stars for Washington Post (Desson Thomson)Washington Post (Desson Thomson)
A truly satisfying holiday picture, the kind everyone can enjoy. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Washington Post (Desson Thomson)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.60 out of 4 stars for Washington Post (Jennifer Frey)Washington Post (Jennifer Frey)
Every detail of the beloved children's classic is meticulously reconstructed in the film, with visuals that can only be described as wondrous. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Washington Post (Jennifer Frey)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.60 out of 4 stars for Film Threat (Rory L. Aronsky)Film Threat (Rory L. Aronsky)
Just like “It’s A Wonderful Life” is shown on TV every year, The Polar Express should appear in IMAX theaters that traditionally. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Film Threat (Rory L. Aronsky)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.57 out of 4 stars for Film Fever Film Fever
...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Film Fever
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.52 out of 4 stars for New York Daily News (Jack Mathews)New York Daily News (Jack Mathews)
It's a sensation - both a milestone in computer-animation and a likely Christmas classic. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at New York Daily News (Jack Mathews)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.52 out of 4 stars for Baltimore Sun (Chris Kaltenbach)Baltimore Sun (Chris Kaltenbach)
Like the coolest train set a kid ever had. It's not real and the faces on the toy people don't look human, but it has bells and whistles galore and will take you as far as your imagination allows. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Baltimore Sun (Chris Kaltenbach)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.52 out of 4 stars for ReelViews (James Berardinelli)ReelViews (James Berardinelli)
Cinematic magic. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at ReelViews (James Berardinelli)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.52 out of 4 stars for The Globe and Mail (Toronto) (Rick Groen)The Globe and Mail (Toronto) (Rick Groen)
So delightful it should come with a parental advisory: "Jaded adults, beware. Viewing this may pierce your shell of cynicism and spark a renewed belief in the magic of ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at The Globe and Mail (Toronto) (Rick Groen)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for MovieholeMoviehole
After seeing “The Polar Express” two words come to mind -- trace elements. My doctor says I’m not getting the full benefit of my vitamins if they don’t contain trace elements—those extra minerals and other little things that make the vitamins ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Moviehole
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for SF, Horror and Fantasy Film ReviewSF, Horror and Fantasy Film Review
Almost all of the press concerning The Polar Express had less to do with the qualities of the movie than it does the way that it was made. In this case, The Polar Express was the first high-profile feature-length film to use the process of Motion Capture. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at SF, Horror and Fantasy Film Review
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for ReelViews (James Berardinelli)ReelViews (James Berardinelli)
The Polar Express is cinematic magic - a delightful tale guaranteed to enthrall viewers of all ages. Does that sound like advertising hype, or the words of a publicist? Perhaps, but it's a reflection of how strongly this film pulled me under its spell. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at ReelViews (James Berardinelli)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for DVD Verdict (Ryan Keefer)DVD Verdict (Ryan Keefer)
How can you judge performances on computer-generated characters? Well, Zemeckis has helped to introduce a process called "performance capture" technology. Simply put, the process looks very similar to a behind the scenes peek at an EA Sports game, ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at DVD Verdict (Ryan Keefer)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for Hollywood Report Card (Ross Anthony)Hollywood Report Card (Ross Anthony)
Have you ever wanted to step inside one of those snowy glass balls? This is a charming Christmas film that takes advantage of 3-D and the large Imax screen to bring you into its magical world. Opening gently, a boy lies awake in his bed on ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Hollywood Report Card (Ross Anthony)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for Empire Movies (Liam Cullin)Empire Movies (Liam Cullin)
The Polar Express is the screen adaptation of the children's book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg. In the movie, a boy who's not quite sure he believes in the miracle of Christmas any more wakes Christmas Eve to find a train called The Polar ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Empire Movies (Liam Cullin)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for UpcomingDiscs.com (Clayton Self)UpcomingDiscs.com (Clayton Self)
The Polar Express is a milestone in digital film making. Making use of “performance capture” (little attachments connected to the body to mimic human movement) and green screens, Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future) has created a stunning visual ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at UpcomingDiscs.com (Clayton Self)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for New York Post (Megan Lehmann)New York Post (Megan Lehmann)
Devoid of 21st-century irony, this visually stunning, action-packed yuletide treat is sweet and, yes, magical in a way that will enchant kids and give older viewers a twinge of nostalgia. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at New York Post (Megan Lehmann)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for MovieFreak.com (Keith Helinski)MovieFreak.com (Keith Helinski)
The Polar Express is above all else magical. It’s an X-MAS cliché wrapped in a new Christmas bow with all the bells and whistles that filmmaking has to offer, especially with that same old message of “believing is seeing” mishmash. The ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at MovieFreak.com (Keith Helinski)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for Palo Alto Online (Jeanne Aufmuth)Palo Alto Online (Jeanne Aufmuth)
I was dismayed when I learned that my favorite children's book -- a quiet and dark rumination on lost innocence -- was being adapted into a big-screen action adventure. The story of a young boy growing wary of his childish belief in Santa Claus is a ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Palo Alto Online (Jeanne Aufmuth)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for Bucket Reviews (Danny Baldwin)Bucket Reviews (Danny Baldwin)
I vividly remember reading Chris Van Allsburg’s children’s book, The Polar Express, excessively, in my youngest years. The story always struck me as being that of a real adventure, not just one with a kiddy vision of a narrative. Even though it does ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Bucket Reviews (Danny Baldwin)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for Cinema BlendCinema Blend
By now aren’t we all a little sick of watching movies where kids try to decide whether or not they believe in Santa Claus? I realize that there are only so many things to explore if you want to make a family movie about Christmas, so perhaps ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Cinema Blend
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for Movie Gazette (Gary Panton)Movie Gazette (Gary Panton)
Whatever your opinions on Robert Zemeckis, you can't say he's not ambitious when it comes to animation. His last toon, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, remains one of the most ground-breaking animated movies ever to have hit the big screen. 'The Polar ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Movie Gazette (Gary Panton)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for DVD TimesDVD Times
It is Christmas Eve and a young boy lies awake listening out for the ringing of sleigh bells to announce the arrival of Santa Claus. But doubts are creeping in as slowly and as surely as the snow falls outside. A book of cuttings from newspapers slyly ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at DVD Times
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for Film Quips Online (John R. McEwen)Film Quips Online (John R. McEwen)
Robert Zemeckis’s new digitally animated Christmas movie The Polar Express is yet another showcase for the latest breakthrough in cinematic computer wizardry, further pushing the envelope of capabilities that CGI animation has to offer to the big ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Film Quips Online (John R. McEwen)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for Shadows on the Wall (Rich Cline)Shadows on the Wall (Rich Cline)
Robert Zemeckis breaks cinematic ground once again with this children's Christmas movie, featuring a strong story and astonishing animation, as well as superb acting that plays out through "performance capture" on screen. His only misstep is to ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Shadows on the Wall (Rich Cline)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for Screen RantScreen Rant
For nearly 20 years, one of my Christmas traditions has been to watch A Christmas Story. That movie is on my short list of Christmas classics, right alongside the 1966 animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. This year, with the release of Elf ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Screen Rant
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for Needcoffee.com - DVD ReviewNeedcoffee.com - DVD Review
There is a little boy (Hanks/voiced by Daryl Sabara) who is just not convinced that he truly believes in Santa Claus. He wants to believe, but he's just not sure. Well, it just so happens that the Polar Express shows up at his house on Christmas Eve to ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Needcoffee.com - DVD Review
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for Qwipster's Movie Reviews (Vince Leo)Qwipster's Movie Reviews (Vince Leo)
Splendidly rendered, The Polar Express is an often beautiful looking and sounding film experience that makes up for its familiar storyline, adapted from the illustrated story by Chris Van Allsburg, with fantastic special effects, good scoring, and a ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Qwipster's Movie Reviews (Vince Leo)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for CNN Showbiz (Paul Clinton)CNN Showbiz (Paul Clinton)
This is especially disheartening since there's so much about this technologically groundbreaking movie -- from Academy Award-winning director Robert Zemeckis and star Tom Hanks -- that's astounding. The overall artwork is remarkable, and the action ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at CNN Showbiz (Paul Clinton)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for Almost Fabulous Movie ReviewsAlmost Fabulous Movie Reviews
The animation is beautiful. It's not sharply defined like in Finding Nemo and it doesn't try to be completely realistic like Final Fantasy. It looks like what it is -- a beautiful picture book brought to life. Hanks does a fine job with his half dozen ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Almost Fabulous Movie Reviews
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for Denver Rocky Mountain News (Robert Denerstein)Denver Rocky Mountain News (Robert Denerstein)
Although it occasionally makes us feel as if whimsy has been run over by a train, Polar Express achieves some genuine enchantment, offering just enough storybook comfort to keep from flying off the rails. ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Denver Rocky Mountain News (Robert Denerstein)
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for Cineclub-Filmkritik Cineclub-Filmkritik
Ein kleiner Junge wartet am Abend vor Weihnachten auf ein Geräusch: Er möchte die Schellen des Weihnachtsmannschlitten hören, wenn dieser die Geschenke bringt. Ohne einen solchen Beweis weigert sich sein Kopf, noch ein weiteres Jahr an den ...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Cineclub-Filmkritik
Polar Express, The (2004) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for Lee's Movie Info (Craig Younkin)Lee's Movie Info (Craig Younkin)
...read the complete Polar Express movie review at Lee's Movie Info (Craig Younkin)
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Polar Express, The (2004) Reviews
Polar Express, The (2004)

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Ratings and rankings are based on number of movie, review scores, awards & other criteria.
Overall Rating:
2.8971
Polar Express, The (2004) is ranked overall as out of 4 stars
Avg Critic Score:
2.8325
Polar Express, The (2004) is ranked overall as out of 4 stars
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