The Polar Express
FILM 2.15PM, SKY CHRISTMAS
A clever slice of CGI animation from 2004 that’s become quite the festive staple and is even celebrated in schools. It takes Tom Hanks and motion-captures him for every adult character in this tale of a boy who no longer believes in Christmas, so the magical train of the title pulls up outside his house to take him and other young unbelievers to see Santa at the North Pole. It’s striking, colourful stuff, with a tinge of darkness to offset the froth, while Hanks proves yet again what a versatile all-rounder he is. ★★★★ NP