The Polar Express

“Sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see.”

With the beginning of Advent, here’s a film that may easily put a family in the mood for Christmas.

Based on Chris Van Allsburg’s classic picture book, this film tells the tale of a young boy whose belief in the magic of Christmas is beginning to wane. He’s given the chance to rekindle his faith when an enormous passenger train called the Polar Express appears in front of his house on Christmas Eve night, inviting the boy on a nighttime journey to the North Pole.

The adventure is not without its troubles, of course, as the boy finds himself chasing down a lost ticket, saving the train from animals on the tracks, and eventually getting lost with new friends in Santa’s workshop.

Despite the dangers, the family-friendly drama never gets too intense, staying true to the spirit of the book. And although the film’s portrayal of the Christmas holiday remains on the secular side, its affirmation of the importance and power of faith is wholly appropriate for the season.

Runtime: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Rated G
USCCB rating: A-I
IMDb Parents Guide
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