Movie title: The Polar Express

GENRE: Animated

RATING:

RUNNING TIME: 99 minutes

WHO'S IN IT: Voices of Tom Hanks, Leslie Zemeckis, Eddie Deezen, Nona Gaye, Peter Scolari.

WHAT IT'S ABOUT: There is a saying that 'seeing is believing,' and especially for kids at Christmas time, the whole notion of Santa Claus coming on Christmas Eve to deliver presents is very much alive. In this animated show (where Academy Award winner Tom Hanks voices no fewer than five of the characters), one young boy lies awake in his room just before midnight, waiting to hear the sound of Santa's sleigh bells.

Needless to say, what transpires after must be a dream of some sort, as the youngster is suddenly startled by a loud noise. Upon investigating, he discovers that a train has stopped right in front of his house. Clad only in his pyjamas and slippers, the youngster draws closer to the train and is beckoned by the conductor who shouts "all aboooard! a little reluctant at first, the youngster decides that he has nothing to lose and hops aboard The Polar Express, which takes him on the ride of his life.

The train, filled with other kids like himself, sets out on a journey to the North Pole as it travels up and down mountains, slips over ice fields and high bridges. It will prove to be quite an adventure for any kid who watches and the 'singing waiters' serving up hot chocolate should be entertaining for young viewers. At the end of the journey, after arriving at the North Pole, the kids get to witness first hand how Santa makes his final preparations just before riding off into the dawn of Christmas morning. But in all of that there is a lesson to be learnt, as Santa leaves a word of advice or encouragement to each child.

LONG STORY SHORT: Eager kid who is too anxious for Santa to come the night before Christmas and cannot sleep. However, amid his belief in Santa, there is still a part of him that is in doubt and it is at this point that his subconscious apparently takes over. He is taken on a magical journey aboard the Polar Express - the destination, the North Pole to meet Santa and his elves.

THE REEL LOW-DOWN: If you're a lover of animated movies, a kid or kid at heart and are still fascinated by all the myths and mysteries of Christmas, then you should be able to hop aboard The Polar Express and enjoy the ride!

- Teino Evans