Animation never looked so real!

“The Polar Express” is about a young boy (voiced by Tom Hanks) who, excited and attentive, lies in his bed, hoping to hear the sound of Santa’s sleigh to restore his slipping belief.

It’s five minutes to midnight when the boy hears the thunderous sounds of a train approaching. He jumps to his window in time to see the train slowly come to a stop in front of his house.

The boy rushes downstairs, flings open the door and runs outside toward the black, polished train. Dressed in only his pajamas and slippers, the boy is met by the conductor (also Hanks).

The adventure to reach the North Pole begins. Themes of faith and confidence – similar to those of “The Wizard of Oz” – play out during the movie.

Directed by Robert Zemeckis, “The Polar Express” is an inspiring adventure based on the much-loved books by Chris Van Allsburg, who was also the executive producer of the film.

Zemeckis, along with William Broyles Jr. ,wrote the screenplay and they both tried to bring the story to life.

Allsburg’s heartwarming book, which was first published in 1985, can now enchant new generations and help past generations reminisce.

Hanks plays the voice of five different characters, including the boy’s father, the hobo and Santa.

Other actors who lend their voices are Nona Gaye (Hero Girl), Eddie Deezen (Know-It-All-Boy), Peter Scolari (Lonely Boy) and Charles Fleischer (Elf General).

The animation in this film is extremely life-like. Zemeckis went to Ken Ralston at Sony Pictures Imageworks for the animation.

Ralston suggested using motion capture, which entails digitally catching an actor’s live performance and computerizing it.

The facial expressions of each character and the details are brilliant. Animation has reached a new level, really bringing the characters from Allsburg’s book to life.

“The Polar Express” is a story about innocence and maturity – when a child decides a path close to his heart or a path with age limits. The movie succeeds in resonating across generations and cultures.