Sebastien's Pre-K class had a "Polar Express Party", where they planned to wear pajamas, eat popcorn and pizza, and watch The Polar Express. Unfortunately, it was planned on a Wednesday, not a day Sebastien usually goes to school. He actually didn't mind at all, and we just decided to have our own "Polar Express Party" at home instead, on the same day.
At first I was afraid that Isabelle would be upset about missing out, but as it turned out, she said she didn't want to watch the movie anyway. She's seen it already, at the "Polar Express Party" when she was in Pre-K, and she didn't like it!
Now that I've seen the movie myself, I can totally see why Isabelle doesn't like it. In the book, the boy is sure that Santa exists, despite the fact that he has friends who tell him otherwise. In the movie, the boy doubts Santa's existence and is on the verge of not believing. Clearly, it is not a movie for very young children - by showing this movie to a child who believes in Santa, you are essentially introducing doubt! This movie is really for older children who are already doubting, or who have outgrown Santa but wouldn't mind a bit of childhood nostalgia.
The movie is furthermore geared towards older kids because it really is filled with one scary / anxiety-filled scene after another. First a little boy almost misses the train - Oh, no!!! Then the main character boy almost loses another girl's ticket - Aaahhhh!!! Before you know it, the boy is walking on top of the speeding train in the freezing cold in the middle of the night all alone, where he encounters some kind of ghost hobo who vanishes into thin air?!? Then there's the roller coaster ride from the front of the train, the train trying to outrun the breaking ice, and the creepy marionette in the train car for recycled toys. It is nothing like the train ride in the book, which was an altogether pleasant ride of Christmas carols and tasty snacks. Even the moment when the boy first sees Santa Claus - or rather, can't see him (because of the crowds) or hear the sleigh bells - is more of an anxious moment than a joyous moment.
Sure, the movie ends exactly as it does in the book, but the whole ride really wasn't worth it. Too bad. Just stick with the book.
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