View Full Version : The Polar Express: The reward of faith
Jeff and I took our 3.5 year old son to see the movie "The Polar Express" last night, opening night for the movie. He loves trains, and it looked magical, so we took him. We probably were stretching it by taking him, because it was slightly dark and maybe even eerie in places; there were some "edge of your seat" scenes that were a little scary for him (he got a little squeamish but didn't want to leave the theatre, when we asked him.)
I absolutely loved this movie, for many reasons. It's not off topic for me to post about this movie here on the board, because the movie is a metaphor about faith, what you believe, or doubt in life -- not just Santa Claus.
I don't want to spoil it for you by telling you why, but all through this movie I could feel my jaw dropping in awe, and not just because it was visually stunning.
But if you do go and see this movie, you will recognize a particular moment that captures beautifully and movingly in just a few words and movements, the essence of what it means to move from non-belief, to belief; from doubt to faith, and the rewards of having done so. It's educational and affirming :thumbsup:
http://polarexpressmovie.warnerbros.com
“It doesn't matter where the train is going.
What matters is deciding to get on.”
Can't wait to see it!! My grandchildern are too young yet but I'm sure it'll be out on DVD in a few mounths!! LOL
After I read your post today, Pam, my friend Don came over. We went to the local mall to shop for gloves and get some lunch. I saw Polar Express was starting in about an hour so I talked Don into seeing it.
I was enchanted with it and could tell he was too. It's another example of magic coming to those who believe. :)
Our magical group here will love it.
I'm glad you enjoyed it Gail! Then you know "the moment" that I'm talking about above...how doubt becomes faith? :) It's so simple, it's beautiful :)
Yes, that moment is beautiful. :) It expresses the same special type of moment many of us have experienced when we first believed..
Ann S
11-11-2004, 04:40 PM
I can't wait to see it over here. Yahoo were advertising it and I put the picture as my wallpaper background on my computer as it looked just right for this time of year.
Ann
I share this book every year with my first graders and I darken the classroom, set up the chairs like a train and serve hot chocolate. It is amazing how they really, truly believe. I cannot wait to see it. I am talking my 12 yr. old into seeing it with me at the IMAX theater. He is a little embarrassed but might be willing if I bribe him with food after. If not, I'll go alone. It is my all time favorite book and I am dying to see it.
Kim, I am positive you won't be disappointed. I'm not that familiar with what jazzes a 12 year old, but I have to believe in IMAX, he will like the roller-coaster rides, if nothing else. Even so - when you walk out, you probably like it so much, that you won't care whether he "got it" it or not!
I have not read the book, but I do hear that there are some "extras" that they put in the movie that are not in the book.
I bought Zach the "Polar Express" book last week, before the movie came out. Is it a short book? I wonder if mine is a different version of the original, because the book story doesn't seem to do justice to the movie -- which is usually the other way around. You'll have to tell me after you see the movie, what you think.
Phigalilly
11-12-2004, 02:57 AM
I saw it today at the IMAX theater and absolutely LOVED it! :love: I don't want to spoil anything for anyone either, but that particular moment Pam mentioned is incredibly moving. I also really loved the part where the conductor is punching the tickets for the return trip...<sniff>...and, of course, The Hobo.
teresa02
11-12-2004, 05:45 AM
I can't wait to see it over here...Do you know when it will be released, Ann?
I saw it today at the IMAX theater and absolutely LOVED it! :love: I don't want to spoil anything for anyone either, but that particular moment Pam mentioned is incredibly moving. I also really loved the part where the conductor is punching the tickets for the return trip...<sniff>...and, of course, The Hobo.I'm so glad you liked it! And yes, the ticket punching at the end is soooo important. I wish we had an IMAX theater around here. I would LOVE to see it that way. Was it also in 3D? Like did you feel like sticking your toungue out and catching snow flakes? :)
PBPan
11-12-2004, 02:26 PM
I am so excited that this movie is finally coming out, my brother and I grew up with this book and indeed it is a family treasure. I know he is soo excited that it was made into a movie. I can hardly wait to see it this weekend!!
gibbits
11-12-2004, 10:01 PM
I am so happy to read these reviews of this movie. I was already planning to take my grandson to see it, and now I am excited about it! Thanks for the preview!
Gay :musicnote
needs-a-nap
11-12-2004, 10:59 PM
Pam,
How much impact do you think the movie would have on a child who already completely believes?
Hubby and I would prefer to let the kids be true believers for as long as possible without introducing any reason to doubt. At four years old, I'm sure my son would not miss the concept that some people DON'T believe, and I don't know that he's quite old enough to grasp that believing is a choice.
Should we wait for the DVD version next year?
Mary Beth
Phigalilly
11-13-2004, 12:45 AM
Was it also in 3D? Like did you feel like sticking your toungue out and catching snow flakes? :)
Yes, it was in 3D. I'm not usually a fan of 3D, it gives me a headache, but this is some kind of new technology that was just incredible. It did look like the snow was falling all around me. It was amazing, but very subtle. I never felt like the effect overshadowed the story at all. The snow flakes may have been the most dramatic 3D effect. It's a huge theater, and it was almost sold out. When the movie started, and the snow began to fall, several thousand people ahhhhhh'd in unison, then laughed. :laff: After that, the story really took over completely. I will definitely see it again!
Pam,
How much impact do you think the movie would have on a child who already completely believes?
Hubby and I would prefer to let the kids be true believers for as long as possible without introducing any reason to doubt. At four years old, I'm sure my son would not miss the concept that some people DON'T believe, and I don't know that he's quite old enough to grasp that believing is a choice.
Should we wait for the DVD version next year?
Mary BethYou know Mary Beth, that is an excellent question. I had the same thought when I was reading him the book and when we were watching the movie. I wondered, "am I introducing doubt itself, or just the subject of doubt?" In my case, I think most of the dialog went over Zach's head and he was overwhelmed by the visuals and the sounds. Like I said, there were some train scenes that were a bit chilling because of the realism of the roller coaster effects, and I was worried how that might affect him, but he's still talking about those scenes afterwards, but not with fear.
I think you have to make that distinction yourself, based on your own child's ability to reason "doubt vs. belief" and sensibilities. It's a touchy thing, because at some point, one of his little friends or schoolmates will introduce the idea anyway, so do I want him to hear it from me, (that some people don't "believe" or I might say "understand" about Santa) or from another little kid? YThen again, you don't want to have the conversation too early though.
Gosh, it just hit me that it's like when do you bring up war, death, and that little word that begins with s and ends with x! :surprise: And some say parenting is easy! :rolleyes:
In the beginning of the picture, there are a few references to "department store" and "wind up" Santas that illustrate the questioning the boy had, and why he was called to go on this journey in the first place. Bottom line about the picture Mary Beth, is that the message of the film that you walk away with, is if you make the conscious choice to believe, you will have greater rewards than if you don't. Now whether your son will understand that, only you can guess.
Yes, it was in 3D. I'm not usually a fan of 3D, it gives me a headache, but this is some kind of new technology that was just incredible. It did look like the snow was falling all around me. It was amazing, but very subtle. I never felt like the effect overshadowed the story at all. The snow flakes may have been the most dramatic 3D effect. It's a huge theater, and it was almost sold out. When the movie started, and the snow began to fall, several thousand people ahhhhhh'd in unison, then laughed. :laff: After that, the story really took over completely. I will definitely see it again!That's awesome...maybe someday we'll make to an IMAX theater up in Chicago and see it.
I haven't gone to see a movie twice in the theaters since Franko Zefferelli's "Romeo and Juliet" (dating myself) but we are going again today to see a matinee showing, because Zach is asking to see it again. I give it:
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
A great way to kick off the Christmas season :santa:
chargeit2him
11-13-2004, 09:03 AM
I'll take the grandkids and my daughter. :thumbsup: They seemed interested watching the trailers when we went to see Shark Tales.
I haven't gone to see a movie twice in the theaters since Franko Zefferelli's "Romeo and Juliet" (dating myself)
Ok Pam, I went with my school class the first time to see that movie. Even some of the guys came out with tears. I had to go the second time with some friends so we could really let it out.
Sandy
Ok Pam, I went with my school class the first time to see that movie. Even some of the guys came out with tears. I had to go the second time with some friends so we could really let it out.
SandySchool class??? I hope you mean college...because one of the most memorable scenes from that movie, is when Romeo gets up out from bed the morning after they were married sans behind covering! :o
CarolynB
11-13-2004, 09:50 AM
Ahem.
Romeo gets up out from bed the morning after they were married sans behind covering! :o I hate to tell you this, but when I was substitute teaching (mid-80s), I showed this film to the 9th grade English classes. (It was left for me by the teacher, who apparently showed it every year.) And yes, it was the unedited version. Believe it or not, the students behaved with grace and aplomb. (Frankly I think they were so shocked that they'd be allowed to see this at school they behaved simply because they couldn't figure out how not to.)
Wasn't he just the cutest thing? I was just a kid, not even a teenager yet, and I was so taken by the romance and the drama.
CarolynB
11-13-2004, 10:43 AM
:clink: I'll drink to that!
chargeit2him
11-14-2004, 04:14 AM
I graduated in 71' (dating myself ?? :question: ) If I recall we didn't get a lot of flack , that I remember. After all the senior class wanted to go see "Hair" in 69 I believe. :eek:
Giving Polar Express 2 big :thumbsup: :thumbsup: -- a beautiful, magical experience, for ALL ages.
I think some of the older kids may be drawn into it because they've heard about the incredible animation and graphics, some will remember it as a treasured story from their childhood. Most will walk away understanding the story's underlying theme, and that's a good thing.
:santa:
For those like me who saw it and didn't know it can also be shown in 3D, it's still a beautiful movie. 3D isn't really needed to enjoy it.
Well, I had hoped to see it at the IMAX but it's $12 :surprise: to get in so we are going to the $6.75 matinee at the theater today. I'll let you know!
Wow! It is a beautiful movie! My son enjoyed it as much as I did. The message is subtle but clear and the effects are dazzling. I have to say though, both he and I were worried about the very little kids around us as they were crying at different points. I even wonder if my 4 yr. old niece would be ok with it. To me, it depends on the child. I can totally see a five yr. old and up really enjoying it but it is a little dark and scary in a couple places and a more sensitive 4 yr. old might find it a bit much.
Overall we give it :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Surfaceinterval
11-16-2004, 11:49 AM
My daughter and I saw it this weekend. She is 2. There were more than a few times that she was in my lap asking to go find Daddy (my husband and my son saw the "Incrediables" which both of them loved). I thought this would be a great way to introduce Santa Claus to her and I think it was good for that purpose. The movie may be best suited for children a little bit older than Grace. She did enjoy the whole movie experience (it was her first time at the show) and loved the ending.
PBPan
11-21-2004, 01:45 AM
Seeing is Believing, and it is wow.
It is by far one of the most amazing movies I've ever seen, I remember when I heard in July 2003 that they made this movie and could hardly wait to see it then, I am not a fan of Hanks, but wow, he did a great job with this one.
Thank you so much for sharing!!!
:santa:
starlasue
11-23-2004, 03:36 PM
I saw this last night. I haven't seen a movie in recent years that has all that this one has. It's fun, fast paced, full of little surprises and the expected, and has the most awesome lessons in it. I left feeling uplifted and like I had spent my time wisely on relaxation and fun. It could become a Christmas favorite for me!
Seeing is Believing. But I couldn't help hearing you have to Believe to See!
Wonderful!
Daughtie
11-28-2004, 06:23 PM
All I can say is WOW what a wonderful movie. Mom and I saw it today (her 2nd time, my first). I was totally enchanted by it. The audience broke into spontaneous applause at the end. I can't wait for the DVD to come out now. I hope the DVD will have both the regular version and the 3D version on it (the version we saw was not 3D).
Valerie
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.0 Copyright © 2013 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.