The Polar Express

Name: The Polar Express
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Animation, Family
Released: November 10, 2004
Duration: 100 min
Rating: 61
Cast: Michael Jeter, Tom Hanks

2004

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 36 Critics

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 194 Ratings

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6.8

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6.8	Your Score
6.8	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 194 Ratings

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THE POLAR EXPRESS

Movie Details & Credits

TV-PG

Warner Bros. Pictures | Release Date: November 10, 2004

Starring: Michael Jeter, Tom Hanks

Summary: When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. (Warner Bros.)

Director: Robert Zemeckis

Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy, Animation, Family

Rating: TV-PG

Runtime: 100 min

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Awards & Rankings

21	#21 Most Discussed Movie of 2004
12	#12 Most Shared Movie of 2004

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

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 full review

Washington Post - Desson Thomson

A truly satisfying holiday picture, the kind everyone can enjoy. Read full review

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 full review

Portland Oregonian - Shawn Levy

A genuinely handsome film, and it tells a story that is well worth knowing. It's a kind, gentle and sweet holiday confection. But my Christmas wish is that the DVD comes packaged with the book. Read full review

Premiere - Jessica Letkemann

The Hanks overload feels like The Polar Express is "Being John Malkovich" transmuted into a computer-generated 21st-century children's Christmas film. Read full review

Village Voice - Ed Park

When it comes to the "humans," the atmosphere collapses. Unnervingly smooth, mouths moving in strange, even frightening formations, the Polar people are the least convincing things on-screen, glaring impostors amid the otherwise painstakingly rendered scenery. Read full review

Rolling Stone - Peter Travers

The result is a failed and lifeless experiment in which everything goes wrong. Read full review

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User Reviews

LorenJ.

Dec 24, 2005

In our house, the movie completely captivated it's intended audience.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

ChadO

Jun 28, 2008

This movie is simply incredible. I loved everything about it, the characters, the storyline, the music. The thing I loved most of all was the incredible visuals. I would definently recommend this movie to anyone who has not seen it.

3 of 3 users found this helpful

EnaB.

Dec 17, 2007

Wonderful. Magical. A Holidays classic.

8 of 8 users found this helpful

[Anonymous]

Feb 22, 2008

It is my favorite Christmas film next to National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. This is an amazing film. Yes it does have some overreacting when it comes to the girl's love for Christmas. Yes their eyes make them look like zombies. But it was great and it is for you

0 of 0 users found this helpful

EpicLadySponge

Jan 3, 2017

The Polar Express can't beat numerous other animated films like "The Incredibles" and "The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie", but for whatever heart this film has and takes, it manages to be a heartwarming welcome and heartbreaking goodbye.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

CineAutoctono

Dec 8, 2015

A really good movie for the holidays, in fact almost abuurida , but the plot is magnificent , spectacular animation of Robert Zemeckis is able to devise.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

nickb.

Dec 24, 2005

It made me cry cuz it didn't make any sense.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

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