Packed with stunning visuals but marred by storytelling deficiencies, Peter Jackson's manipulative adaptation of Alice Sebold's beloved novel is a deeply unsatisfying affair.
In the age of movies as financial entities, it’s hard to see precisely which “group”--age or otherwise--Monster House appeals to. But one possible explanation is that, aside from the loud-criers “group,” it may just appeal to everyone.
Hostage grabs hold at first but quickly loses its grip as the movie spirals into another ho-hum variation of those popcorn-driven characters, plots and themes we come to expect in our action thrillers.
Even though it may lack a human touch here and there, The Polar Express is still a brilliant effort in CGI-animation and will certainly evoke the Christmas spirit in us all.