As a child of the early 2000s, I have fond memories of watching both “The Polar Express” and “A Christmas Carol” countless times during the holiday season. These films hold a special place in my heart, and I wholeheartedly disagree with those who dismiss them as inferior or visually unappealing.
In my mind, I can almost make out my parents’ words, “Michael, it’s Christmas. You shouldn’t be arguing.” Usually, I’d side with them since it means I could spend more time exploring the 2024 film schedule and drafting my unique take on the ‘Nice List.’
Despite some criticism from many, it looks like I’ll need to set aside traditional advice. It seems we’re about to engage in a friendly debate! I’m ready to champion both 2004’s “The Polar Express” and 2009’s “A Christmas Carol,” two outstanding holiday films directed by Robert Zemeckis. I welcome any counterarguments, but I believe these movies are among the finest Christmas films ever made.
The Polar Express Is One Of The Best Examples Of Expanding A Kid’s Book
In my home, Chris Van Allsburg’s “The Polar Express” was a cherished holiday custom, well before it was just an idea in the mind of the creator known for “Back to the Future”. Over time, I not only read this story in its original version, but I also listened to it being narrated by esteemed voices such as William Hurt, Garrison Keillor, and Liam Neeson himself.
When I first caught a glimpse of the initial trailer for “The Polar Express” in my university dormitory, my excitement for the Tom Hanks-led adaptation was palpable. Being somewhat of a connoisseur of this particular story, the cinematic rendition lived up to my expectations on the grand screen. The filmmaking duo of Robert Zemeckis and William Broyles Jr., in their expansion of the original book, skillfully addressed themes like personal faith, kindness towards others, and learning valuable life lessons as they arise.
To put it simply, the main things I recall about “The Polar Express” are primarily the unusual appearance of Steven Tyler in a cameo role as an elf singing a song from the soundtrack that isn’t my favorite. Disregarding that, I am genuinely fond of this film and feel a strong connection to its message, as if the bell’s magic still resonates within me.
It’s interesting to note that some of my colleagues at TopMob, such as Danielle Bruncati, have shifted their opinions about The Polar Express as they grew older. This lends a sense of optimism for me as I proceed to argue in favor of another Christmas film by Robert Zemeckis, the one I am here to defend.
Robert Zemeckis’ A Christmas Carol Offers A Fresh Take On A Beloved Classic
To delve deeper into the roots of my holiday cheer, you’d find that Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is a crucial story in igniting my Christmas enthusiasm. Among the many adaptations, three stood out in shaping my affection for Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation from hard-hearted Victorian businessman: the 1983 animated film “Mickey’s Christmas Carol”, the 1988 movie “Scrooged”, and the 1992 Muppet version “The Muppet Christmas Carol”.
Five years ago, The Polar Express captured my heart, leading me to persuade my family to travel and witness Jim Carrey’s portrayal of Scrooge in IMAX 3D. Once more, I found myself delighted by the work of Robert Zemeckis, as one of my cherished childhood figures breathed life into another beloved character of mine.
I’m open to being corrected here, but last time I checked, A Christmas Carol is one of the few adaptations that actually includes the entire section where the Ghost of Christmas Present teaches Scrooge about Ignorance and Want. Not to mention, the mere idea of Jim Carrey playing Scrooge and each of the spirits that visit him unlocked all sorts of joyful interpretations of this text. If you’re in love with Mr. Carrey’s “epic performance” in Sonic 3, you should really consider revisiting this one.
The Most Common Criticism Between The Polar Express And A Christmas Carol
It seems to me that when you read the titles I was discussing, many of you immediately shared similar thoughts. Both “The Polar Express” and “A Christmas Carol,” directed by Robert Zemeckis, stirred controversy among viewers due to his apparent fixation on technology. Analyzing each situation individually, it’s quite clear that this is a classic example of the old saying, “Caught between a rock and a hard place.” In other words, no matter what he did, some people were always going to criticize him.
Regarding “The Polar Express”, Rotten Tomatoes’ assessment pointed out that the human characters’ animation seemed less realistic compared to expectations. Conversely, in its review of “A Christmas Carol”, The Daily Telegraph questioned whether the partially real visual style truly added anything to the story.
It seems there are mixed feelings among you all regarding Robert Zemeckis’ interpretation of Christmas Spirit – some find it overly artificial, while others believe it to be excessively authentic. Regardless, I personally think the visual approach taken was perfectly suited for each project, and given that A Christmas Carol made our list of top-rated animated Christmas films, I must say the visual style impressed me greatly.
However, I will concede one point on the front of Polar Express nightmare fuel: that Steven Tyler elf should have never been allowed to see the light of day. Seriously, there’s no way to get a “good” picture of that moment, and even in full motion it’s horrific.
Why You’re Wrong About The Polar Express And A Christmas Carol
The movie “The Polar Express” has been described as resembling a vibrant, dynamic oil painting that comes to life, but some critics have found its characters to be lacking emotion and even eerie. My wife, who was taken aback by such criticisms given the film’s heartwarming message of optimism, often jokes that it appears as if the movie was made from melted chocolate. It’s important to remember that this film was produced in 2004, a time when motion capture and CGI technology were still evolving.
By 2009, the technology for adapting “A Christmas Carol” had significantly progressed to the extent that within a month, Robert Zemeckis and James Cameron demonstrated that the future was now upon us. However, it’s also crucial to consider the unique narrative requirements of each project in question.
As a movie enthusiast, I’d say that for me, “The Polar Express” is like stepping into a child’s enchanting adventure through the magical realm of Santa Claus and the North Pole. Conversely, “A Christmas Carol” presents a gripping tale of a man being compelled to reflect upon his past actions and reevaluate his life choices – an experience that transforms the stingy Ebenezer Scrooge into a grateful soul. It’s only natural for a kid to fantasize about a Christmas journey, inspired by all the store decorations, toy trains, and media they’ve encountered. Likewise, it takes a vivid portrayal of despair, loss, and remorse to transform a miserly character like Scrooge into someone with a heart full of gratitude.
In both their personal narratives and artistic representations, there’s a struggle with uncertainty portrayed in an extravagant fashion that touches me deeply during the holiday season. They consistently evoke emotions ranging from tears to joy when I reflect upon them.
It seems that I ended up having a discussion not planned initially, but given the central message in Charles Dickens’ work and how The Polar Express is essentially a modern retelling of A Christmas Carol’s themes, it’s fitting that we’re discussing these topics now.
I encourage everyone to take another look at these two timeless masterpieces by Robert Zemeckis, which are commemorating an anniversary this year. Since you can stream both The Polar Express and A Christmas Carol with a Disney+ subscription, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy them! Just remember that you’ll need a Hulu subscription to watch the former. Wishing everyone a joyous holiday season, and may Bob Zemeckis bring us all happiness this year!
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2024-12-23 03:37