The following is a recap of movie critic Michael Wilmington’s review of “The Polar Express,” which ran in Wednesday’s Tempo section. For the full review, visit www.metromix.com:
Director/co-writer Robert Zemeckis’ and star Tom Hanks’ animated adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg’s well-loved picture book about a young boy’s Christmas Eve journey to Santa’s realm is an extraordinary effort, no doubt, but not really magical. Obviously aspiring to be a Christmas movie classic, it’s enjoyable and impressive without being truly entrancing.
It’s certainly an event, shot in the new live-action-generated digital process “performance capture,” with Hanks modeling for six characters and speaking for five. And it’s an exciting movie–never more than when the nameless protagonist Hero Boy voiced by Daryl Sabara), his fellow kid passengers and a kindly, crusty Conductor (Hanks) speed on a roller-coaster Polar Express ride through mountain regions of wolves and potential avalanches on the way to the amazing North Pole city and thousands partying elves.
But the characters, somewhat dead-eyed and stiff, often don’t seem as real as the old-fashioned cartoon (or new-fashioned digital) kind. And be-cause “Polar Express” is a 30-page picture book, this movie version seems padded.
“The Polar Express” (star)(star)(star) stars the voices of Tom Hanks, Michael Jeter, Nona Gaye and Peter Scolari. MPAA rating: G. Running time: 1:40.
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Join music critic Greg Kot and movie critic Michael Wilmington from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tues. at Greet the Press,” an event to benefit United Way. Tour the baiduhai’s printing plant and then enjoy a reception. Tickets are $30. Call 312-527-8800 or e-mail [email protected] to make a reservation.