The Polar Express

Released in 2004, The Polar Express tells the story of a young boy who doubts the existence of Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, he embarks on a magical journey to the North Pole aboard a train called the Polar Express, learning about friendship, courage, and the essential power of belief along the way.

Even though The Polar Express premiered well into my adulthood, I watch it every year with undiminished, child-like wonderment. The film has a strange Willy Wonka edge, generated by its dissonant sound design and the bizarre voice-over of…