I have always believed in magic. Magic, can be many things. Magic is something we cannot see, but rather something we can feel. Don't know what I mean? Have you ever been to Disneyland? Have you ever experienced the feeling of excitement you get spending time with family, letting your mind go on great adventures within your own imagination? Have you ever felt overwhelmed with joy or happiness that it brings you to tears? That is MAGIC.
When I was growing up, I came across the book The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. I remembered the story vaguely when I heard that a film based on the book was being made. I chose to wait and see the film. I'm glad I waited.
The Polar Express is a train that arrives in various neighborhoods, and gives the children a chance to come aboard with a promise to see Santa Claus. It is up to the children whether or not they board. Some are afraid, some are just curious. One boy is skeptical about believing in Santa Claus. He wakes up, hearing the trains engine outside, and quickly gets his robe and slippers to catch it! He meets a conductor. He urges the boy to hop aboard, as he is a very big hurry.
Aboard the train, the boy meets several personality types. Stereotypical boys and girls of the 1950s, much like what you see in A Christmas Story. The boy remains a skeptic right up to the very end. The boy befriends two other kids, and mischieviously explores parts of the toy factory only to end up in Santa's presence. All circumstances occurred through good intentions; the kids trying to help each other. The only indicator that proves to the boy that he doesn't yet believe, is when everyone else can hear the sleigh bells, but him. He wants so desperately to believe, and wants to see something amazing. By the end of the film, we all become believers. When we believe, we feel magic. Remember that overwhelming feeling of happiness? That is magic. If you feel that way at Christmas time, just like I do, then you must believe in magic.
The only problem with the film, is the "Hot Chocolate" musical number on the train. I think the filmmakers tried to give Tom Hanks's conductor a musical number, but it just became an awkward song.
The song "When Christmas Comes to Town" the young girl sings to the last boy to board the train. This boy came from a less fortunate background. He didn't believe in Santa Claus because he doesn't usually get presents at Christmas. The girl sings with him, telling him Christmas isn't about gifts. Sometimes Christmas is just about family and good friends.
The song "Believe" sung by Josh Groban, is played during the films credits at the end. It is a great Christmas song that always fills my heart with the magic of the holidays.
By the end of the film, the little girl learns that she is a great leader, the boy who doesn't get presents, instead makes two new friends, and the skeptic boy sees what he needs to in order to believe. Santa Claus gives this boy something very special for Christmas. Something personal. Something magical.
I realized after watching the movie, that Tom Hanks, who plays the conductor, drifter on top of the train, and even voices the big man himself, was a key symbol. I think Mr. C was with this boy all along. He wanted to make sure this boy had what it took in his heart, to be able to truly believe.
If your children need some Christmas magic, watch this film. This is a film you'd want to watch as a family, with hot chocolate, by the fire, by the lit Christmas tree.
It's a beautiful film, great effects, beautiful snow covered landscapes, a great attention to detail.
Be sure to catch Steven Tyler singing as an elf at the end of the film!
I had no idea that Tom Hanks did so many of the voice's and Steven Tyler was an elf? Very cool!
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