The Polar Express (100 minutes)
My alternative title would be: All Aboard

SUPER MOVIE FAN'S RECOMMENDATION: 3, SEE IT

Who is in it?:
TOM HANKS

What is it about?
CHRIS VAN ALLSBURG wrote a captivating children's story about keeping youthful innocence and the real meaning behind SANTA CLAUS. My kids loved the book and we read it over and over again. With the magic of computer generated animation merged with live action and the multiple characters of TOM HANKS, ROBER ZEMECKIS creates the most amazing reality on the screen bringing Polar Express to life. A boy beginning to doubt SANTA's existence climbs aboard a train for the ride of his life. This is the book on the big screen.

When and Where does this movie take place?
On a journey to the North Pole and into the world of imagination.

Why see it? If you believe in the spirit of what Santa represents. If you have not yet gotten too cynical. If you have or had children or grandchildren who are inspired by this story, then you will LOVE Polar Express. If you are a little grumpy or had a bit too much reality set in lately, you'll see this movie as a great visual triumph but short on story. This is about coming of age and still believing. Tough to do in our current times. This movie raised the bar on live action animation. HANKS is great. You'll love it, Wayne.

How about the kids?
Rated "G." This movie is a little more intense in place than I would have guessed. I think it will work for over four year-olds. Not sure about younger.

Video Pick of the Week
Elf
with WILL FARRELL and ED ASNER (as SANTA) is a really wonderful movie from last year that is out this week and will be a real surprise hit at the video store. Have we forgotten the true meaning of the holidays? Elf hasn't.

Next week, we'll review, RENEE ZELLWEGER back as Bridget Jones in Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. HUGH GRANT and COLIN FIRTH reunite with RENEE in the movie we've been waiting for—more chances to see RENEE's large undies. Just a warning, Wayne, this is an "R" movie.

John Fischetti can be heard Friday's on the Wayne Perkey show on Oldies 103, WRKA and can be reached at fischettij@uncw.edu



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