The Polar Express Facts & Worksheets

“The Polar Express” is an animated film that takes audiences on a magical Christmas Eve journey. It premiered on November 24, 2004, and was distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film was directed by Robert Zemeckis and based on Chris Van Allsburg’s book about a young boy’s train adventure to the North Pole. The movie is considered a Christmas classic because it captures the spirit of Christmas and highlights the significance of embracing the magic of the season.

See the fact file below for more information about the Film, The Polar Express or you can download our 24-page Polar Express worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

FILM OVERVIEW

• “The Polar Express” is an animated fantasy film that premiered on November 10, 2004. It was directed by Robert Zemeckis and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. 
• Adapted from Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved children’s book, the film fits into the family-friendly adventure genre and is regarded as a heartwarming tale shown in animation format.
• Set against the backdrop of Christmas Eve, the storyline begins with a young boy who undertakes a train ride to the North Pole, which reveals itself to be a magical one.
• As the Polar Express speeds through snow-covered landscapes, the film shows itself to be a visually stunning experience as well as a carrier of a touching message about the essence of Christmas and the importance of believing in something bigger than oneself. 
• The film blends cutting-edge animation technology with a compelling musical score by Alan Silvestri.
• Since its premiere in 2004, “The Polar Express” has evolved into a timeless holiday classic, praised for its wonderful narrative, captivating visual feast, and its power to ignite the Christmas magic in the hearts of viewers.

KEY CHARACTERS AND VOICE CAST

• Hero Boy (Chris, voiced by Daryl Sabara) is the protagonist of the story, a young boy who embarks on the magical train journey to the North Pole. 
• He grapples with doubts about the existence of Santa Claus. 

• The Conductor (Tom Hanks) is in charge of the Polar Express. 
• He guides and assists the children on their journey, ensuring a smooth ride to the North Pole. 

• Hobo (Tom Hanks) is a mysterious character who resides on the roof of the train. 
• He provides guidance and wisdom to the Hero Boy during the journey. 

• Hero Girl (Holly, voiced by Nona Gaye) is a kind and supportive girl who befriends the Hero Boy on the train. 
• She helps him navigate the challenges and wonders they encounter. 

• Know-It-All Kid (Eddie Deezen) is a smart and confident boy who thinks he knows everything. 
• He joins the adventure on the Polar Express and contributes to the camaraderie among the children. 

• Billy the Lonely Boy (Peter Scolari) is a quiet and lonely boy who also boards the Polar Express. 
• The journey brings him friendship and joy.

• Santa Claus is the iconic figure of Christmas and makes a magical appearance at the North Pole.
• He interacts with the children and represents the spirit of giving and belief in the extraordinary.

PLOT

• “The Polar Express” unfolds on Christmas Eve, centering around a young boy who is wrestling with doubts about the existence of Santa Claus. 
• As he lies in bed, he hears a mysterious train whistle and discovers a fantastical locomotive called the Polar Express waiting outside his home. 
• The train is bound for the North Pole, but there’s more to it than a simple trip: the vehicle means to reaffirm the spirit of Christmas and the power of belief. 
• The boy boards the train, joining a diverse group of children, each with their own hopes and dreams. 
• Led by the charismatic Conductor, portrayed by Tom Hanks, the Polar Express embarks on a thrilling adventure through fantasy snowy landscapes, encountering challenges and marvels along the way. 
• The characters befriend a “know-it-all kid” and marvel at a spectacle of dancing waiters serving hot chocolate.
• They also experience an awe-inspiring ride across a perilous ice lake. 
• At the North Pole, the children meet Santa Claus, who chooses one lucky child to receive the first gift of Christmas. 
• The boy, despite his initial doubts, is bestowed with such honor. 
• Witnessing Santa’s magic and the spirit of giving, the boy rediscovers the joy of Christmas and the importance of believing in the extraordinary. 

ANIMATION AND VISUAL STYLE

• In making “The Polar Express,” the creators embraced cutting-edge technology, particularly performance capture, to give life to the characters. 
• Performance capture involves recording the movements and expressions of live actors and translating them into animated characters.
• Director Robert Zemeckis made use of performance capture to spotlight the talent of the actors, such as Tom Hanks, who took on multiple roles in the film.
• This method allowed for incorporating subtle facial expressions and natural movements to the animated characters.
• The animation team recreated wintry landscapes, the train, and the characters’ expressions in the scenes.
• From the snowy landscapes to the ice-covered lakes, along with the atmosphere of the North Pole, each element makes the film more immersive.
• The 3D animation technology that was incorporated in the film also added depth and dimension to the visuals.

MUSICAL SCORE AND SOUNDTRACK

• The musical composition by Alan Silvestri, which was the official soundtrack of the film, infused nostalgia and enhanced the cinematic experience of “The Polar Express”.
• The song “Believe” highlighted the main themes of faith and wonder during the Christmas season. 
• Energetic songs like “Spirit of the Season” and “Hot Chocolate” contributed to the film’s lighter scenes.

RECEPTION AND LEGACY

• The release of “The Polar Express” in 2004 garnered a predominantly positive response from both critics and audiences. 
• While some critics lauded the film’s visuals, others offered critiques, particularly regarding the motion-capture animation.
• Nevertheless, the film earned notable recognition, receiving three Academy Award nominations in categories like Best Sound, Best Sound Editing, and Best Original Song for the enchanting “Believe” by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard. 
• Embraced by families, the film has become a cherished holiday classic, evident in its consistent viewership each holiday season, evolving into a tradition for many. 
• Iconic characters like the Conductor and the Hero Boy have become synonymous with Christmas, influencing festive celebrations, themed attractions, merchandise, and even Polar Express-inspired train rides. 
• Its enduring legacy is underscored by its continuous presence in popular culture, ensuring that successive generations encounter and appreciate the enchantment of this timeless holiday classic.

‘The Polar Express’ Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about “The Polar Express” across 25 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about “The Polar Express.” “The Polar Express” is an animated film that takes audiences on a magical Christmas Eve journey. It premiered on November 24, 2004, and was distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. The Polar Express Facts
2. Ten New Terms
3. Plot In A Paragraph
4. If I Were In The Train
5. Traits Match-up
6. Sketch the Setting
7. Correct Scene-quence
8. Character Dialogue
9. Star of the Film
10. Watch and Ask
11. From Page To Screen 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main plot of “The Polar Express”?

“The Polar Express” follows the story of a young boy who embarks on a magical train journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Along the way, he encounters various adventures, meets new friends, and learns about the spirit of Christmas.

Who directed “The Polar Express,” and when was it released?

“The Polar Express” was directed by Robert Zemeckis and was released in 2004. Zemeckis is known for his work on other popular films such as “Back to the Future” and “Forrest Gump.”

Is “The Polar Express” based on a book?

Yes, “The Polar Express” is based on the 1985 children’s book of the same name written by Chris Van Allsburg. The film closely follows the narrative and illustrations of the original book.

How was the animation in “The Polar Express” created?

“The Polar Express” is known for its groundbreaking use of motion capture technology. The performances of the actors, including Tom Hanks who played multiple roles, were captured digitally and then used as a basis for the animated characters in the film.

What is the significance of the bell in “The Polar Express”?

The bell in “The Polar Express” is a magical symbol of belief in the spirit of Christmas. Only those who truly believe can hear the sound of the bell. Throughout the story, the bell serves as a metaphor for the importance of maintaining the wonder and magic of Christmas in one’s heart.

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