Oh, satori, I am so shattered. How bad is it? I was hoping for one of those dazzling, sappy, touching, superficial Christmas stories that make for a good family outing, especially for kids (ages 13, 15, and 20) who have long outgrown the story, but still love it anyway.
Did you see the 3D version or the regular? Would it make any difference?
I think the 3D experience would have provided depth to the visuals, not, unfortunately, to the story.
laleo, I also think seeing it with children would add some vicarious enjoyment. Kids may spoil that pleasure by trying to make sense of the plot afterward, asking the unanswerable. But it is "dazzling, sappy, touching, superficial," and then some.
Raf, if you like stereotypes and cliches, The Polar Express is for you.
I can't imagine having seen this in 2-D, but I have to tell you that in 3-D it is an awesome, awesome ride. That scene in the beginning, with the emergency brake, man, you feel like that train is going to hit you right in the head! The snow, the dancing waiters, the roller coaster ride, the Forrest Gump effect with the lost ticket: I cannot tell you what a difference it made.
You're absolutely right about the story: it fell flat. Nice ending, but my most fundamental test concerning a movie takes place three days later. Here's the test.
Three days after you've seen a movie, any movie, name a character. If you can, it may well still be a lousy movie. Or it may be great. But if you can't, then I guarantee you it was a lousy movie.
Or you have ADD. One or the other.
I couldn't name a character in Polar Express if you paid me.
Raf, That's what I've heard from people I've talked to, also. The story ain't gonna show up in any academy award nominations...but the 3D details are fantastic.
I sure hope this 3D trend continues....would LOVE to see a Harry Potter movie in 3D!!!
It would not have been as great without the 3D, though.
However...I and the folks I live with all have the ability to view these kinds of things with a child-like perspective.
Had we been doctrinal, pragmatic, or anything less than having FUN...we woulda poo-pooed it. As it was....we enjoyed it for what it is...a light hearted journey into xmas and childhood beliefs.
Umm, and as far as remembering the names of the characters - there were only 3 characters that had names, Santa, Billy and Sara. The rest were called "hero kid", "conductor", etc.
Recommended Posts
laleo
Oh, satori, I am so shattered. How bad is it? I was hoping for one of those dazzling, sappy, touching, superficial Christmas stories that make for a good family outing, especially for kids (ages 13, 15, and 20) who have long outgrown the story, but still love it anyway.
Did you see the 3D version or the regular? Would it make any difference?
Link to comment
Share on other sites
TheInvisibleDan
The computerized conductor character I see in the ads resembles Mr. McFeely from Mister Rogers neighborhood. Which I find all the more underwhelming.
Maybe I'll catch it on TV a couple years from now, if I happen to stumble upon it while channel surfing.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Raf
Planning to see it this week in 3-D on an Imax screen. Hopefully I'll enjoyu it despite satori's warning.
:)-->
Link to comment
Share on other sites
satori001
I think the 3D experience would have provided depth to the visuals, not, unfortunately, to the story.
laleo, I also think seeing it with children would add some vicarious enjoyment. Kids may spoil that pleasure by trying to make sense of the plot afterward, asking the unanswerable. But it is "dazzling, sappy, touching, superficial," and then some.
Raf, if you like stereotypes and cliches, The Polar Express is for you.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Cindy!
Yep, we're takin the kids to see it this weekend in 3D, too. So we'll see!
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Raf
I can't imagine having seen this in 2-D, but I have to tell you that in 3-D it is an awesome, awesome ride. That scene in the beginning, with the emergency brake, man, you feel like that train is going to hit you right in the head! The snow, the dancing waiters, the roller coaster ride, the Forrest Gump effect with the lost ticket: I cannot tell you what a difference it made.
You're absolutely right about the story: it fell flat. Nice ending, but my most fundamental test concerning a movie takes place three days later. Here's the test.
Three days after you've seen a movie, any movie, name a character. If you can, it may well still be a lousy movie. Or it may be great. But if you can't, then I guarantee you it was a lousy movie.
Or you have ADD. One or the other.
I couldn't name a character in Polar Express if you paid me.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
satori001
Uh, if you don't remember Santa Claus the diagnosis may be ADD.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Cindy!
We tried to take our kids to see it this past weekend. Got there and it was sold out all day until 9:30 (too late for this teacher-girl).
We're gonna buy tickets ahead of time for this weekend. Will report in after seein it.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Raf
Oh come on, Santa doesn't count.
Cindy, judging by the comments on this thread, you will only like this movie if you see it in 3-D.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Cindy!
Raf, That's what I've heard from people I've talked to, also. The story ain't gonna show up in any academy award nominations...but the 3D details are fantastic.
I sure hope this 3D trend continues....would LOVE to see a Harry Potter movie in 3D!!!
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Cindy!
A GREAT movie in 3D!!!!
We all enjoyed it...kids and adults!!!
It would not have been as great without the 3D, though.
However...I and the folks I live with all have the ability to view these kinds of things with a child-like perspective.
Had we been doctrinal, pragmatic, or anything less than having FUN...we woulda poo-pooed it. As it was....we enjoyed it for what it is...a light hearted journey into xmas and childhood beliefs.
LOVED it!!!!
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Steve!
Umm, and as far as remembering the names of the characters - there were only 3 characters that had names, Santa, Billy and Sara. The rest were called "hero kid", "conductor", etc.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
mzimagine
Did anyone see or read the BOOK?
The movie is an insult, imho.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Steve Lortz
I remember "Sonny" from "I, Robot" and it's been more than three days. Does that count? :-)
Love,
Steve
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Cindy!
mz...the book is ALWAYS better....geez
Link to comment
Share on other sites
reikilady
I love the book! Used to read it to my children. Books are ususally better than movies. However, glad we have movies.
We watched "White Chicks" last night and that movie is a great laugh!
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.