These are not the top movies I SAW in 2007, but my top movies released in 2007 (granted I'll still see more released in 2007 going forward, but I thought I'd make this list now)...
Here's the 2007 movies I've seen. There are a ton of 2007 I didn't see so. In fact below is IMDB's top 100 based on votes (7000 vote minimum per film) - I saw 7 of the top 20.
I started the list and when I got thru the best ones, it turned out I had 5 so a nice prime number...
1. Meet the Robinsons - 5/5
2. No Country for Old Men - 5/5
3. Bourne Ultimatum - 4.5/5
4. Juno - 4/5
5. Hot Fuzz - 4/5
Rank Title
1---There Will Be Blood (2007)
2---No Country for Old Men (2007)
3---Man from Earth, The (2007)
---Sicko (2007)
---Juno (2007)
6---Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
---Ratatouille (2007)
---Bourne Ultimatum, The (2007)
9---American Gangster (2007)
10---Into the Wild (2007)
---Hot Fuzz (2007)
---Stardust (2007)
---Atonement (2007)
---3:10 to Yuma (2007)
---Grindhouse (2007)
16---Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, The (2007)
---Superbad (2007)
---Gone Baby Gone (2007)
---Darjeeling Limited, The (2007)
20---Eastern Promises (2007)
---Reign Over Me (2007)
---Enchanted (2007)
---Zodiac (2007/I)
Friday, January 18, 2008
The Rescuers Down Under (1990) - 2/5
The Rescuers Down Under (1990)
I think these earlier Disney movies just aren't holding my attention and such. The stories and characters aren't that compelling.
The artwork was good and the backgrounds (first CGI backgrounds for Disney) were good. The opening sequence w/ the eagle was fun too.
Like many older movies (and probably some newer ones too???), there's a real "bad guy" as opposed to just opposition or just a situation (see "Cars"). He's a poacher.
I didn't see the prequel so that didn't help, but I doubt I will.
Haiku Summary
Boy helps eagle and
poacher traps boy to get the
location. Mice help.
I think these earlier Disney movies just aren't holding my attention and such. The stories and characters aren't that compelling.
The artwork was good and the backgrounds (first CGI backgrounds for Disney) were good. The opening sequence w/ the eagle was fun too.
Like many older movies (and probably some newer ones too???), there's a real "bad guy" as opposed to just opposition or just a situation (see "Cars"). He's a poacher.
I didn't see the prequel so that didn't help, but I doubt I will.
Haiku Summary
Boy helps eagle and
poacher traps boy to get the
location. Mice help.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Juno (2007) - 4/5
Juno (2007)
Lots of hype about this movie and I was really interested in seeing it. I think my expectations were a bit high though tempered by some things I heard/read.
Probably my main/only "problem" w/ the movie is Juno's speech: everything she says is a alt-worded, cool, slang, cliche-mock, sarcastic, crafted line. It's overdone, IMO.
I believe it shows her immaturity and defensiveness well in the beginning of the movie, but then it keeps going and going.
The nice surprise to me was Jennifer Garner's character and her sincere interactions w/ the baby. I don't know if it was so great b/c it was unexpected or what.
Jason Bateman phoned it in a bit though his character wasn't really much anyway. Michael Cera is great and under-used here.
SPOILERS
When Vanessa talks to the baby in Juno's belly, it just rocked me. It really came through and was powerful.
Haiku Summary
Girl gets preg, will place
for adoption with "perfect"
couple. Love right person.
Lots of hype about this movie and I was really interested in seeing it. I think my expectations were a bit high though tempered by some things I heard/read.
Probably my main/only "problem" w/ the movie is Juno's speech: everything she says is a alt-worded, cool, slang, cliche-mock, sarcastic, crafted line. It's overdone, IMO.
I believe it shows her immaturity and defensiveness well in the beginning of the movie, but then it keeps going and going.
The nice surprise to me was Jennifer Garner's character and her sincere interactions w/ the baby. I don't know if it was so great b/c it was unexpected or what.
Jason Bateman phoned it in a bit though his character wasn't really much anyway. Michael Cera is great and under-used here.
SPOILERS
When Vanessa talks to the baby in Juno's belly, it just rocked me. It really came through and was powerful.
Haiku Summary
Girl gets preg, will place
for adoption with "perfect"
couple. Love right person.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
The Official How It Should Have Ended Website
The Official How It Should Have Ended Website
Some pretty funny takes on movies. I watched a few a couple years ago and thought they had some clever ideas. I think their art is better now too.
Some pretty funny takes on movies. I watched a few a couple years ago and thought they had some clever ideas. I think their art is better now too.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
The Little Mermaid (1989) - 3.5/5
The Little Mermaid (1989)
Good animation, great songs and story. The characters and their expressions really come to life.
I think, to me, this was the beginning of the 'new Disney' in animation.
Haiku Summary
Mermaid wants to be
a person. Falls in love and
needs his kiss to stay.
Good animation, great songs and story. The characters and their expressions really come to life.
I think, to me, this was the beginning of the 'new Disney' in animation.
Haiku Summary
Mermaid wants to be
a person. Falls in love and
needs his kiss to stay.
The Black Cauldron (1985) - 2.5/5
The Black Cauldron (1985)
Interesting b/c of it's position and place in Disney history. Also, the animation was good and interesting techniques at times.
But I think the Disney animation department was a bit scattered and schismed at the time and it shows. The story is a bit spotty at times and the characters, to me, aren't very sympathetic.
There's some witches and a magic sword and several references the Horned King's war and army and such, but none of them are really explained.
It has some influences from Lord of the Rings, I think.
Haiku Summary
Cauldron holds power.
Horned king wants it, boy must stop.
Witches, fights. We win!
Interesting b/c of it's position and place in Disney history. Also, the animation was good and interesting techniques at times.
But I think the Disney animation department was a bit scattered and schismed at the time and it shows. The story is a bit spotty at times and the characters, to me, aren't very sympathetic.
There's some witches and a magic sword and several references the Horned King's war and army and such, but none of them are really explained.
It has some influences from Lord of the Rings, I think.
Haiku Summary
Cauldron holds power.
Horned king wants it, boy must stop.
Witches, fights. We win!
Monday, January 14, 2008
The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie (2008) - 4/5
The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie (2008)
Incredible animation. Wow.
The action is pretty good and I like the humor (witty, but not too 'adult'), but I felt the story was a bit slow at times.
Also, the 'scope' of the story was narrow: they just focus on the main characters. It feels kinda small. Rarely do they cut away to another story line or anything.
I thought maybe that's b/c it's a kids' movie, but lots of other kids' movies do that.
Anyway, it's fun, funny, entertaining and "safe" for kids which all add up to a lot.
Haiku Summary
Prince is taken. Sis
seeks help. Cabin boys go there.
King's help always near.
Incredible animation. Wow.
The action is pretty good and I like the humor (witty, but not too 'adult'), but I felt the story was a bit slow at times.
Also, the 'scope' of the story was narrow: they just focus on the main characters. It feels kinda small. Rarely do they cut away to another story line or anything.
I thought maybe that's b/c it's a kids' movie, but lots of other kids' movies do that.
Anyway, it's fun, funny, entertaining and "safe" for kids which all add up to a lot.
Haiku Summary
Prince is taken. Sis
seeks help. Cabin boys go there.
King's help always near.
The Great Mouse Detective (1986) - 3/5
The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
This movie suffers in comparison to more established stories Disney usually used/uses and can't compare to modern animated movies so it's probably somewhat forgotten.
The characters are good and there's good aspects to the story, animation (first use of CGI), etc., but overall it's pretty far down the list of my favorites.
However, listening to a lot of podcasts interviews w/ animators, most of whom worked on this movie to some degree, I have a fond feeling towards it.
Haiku Summary
Rat takes girls dad. She
gets Basil to help find him.
Mouse as Sherlock Holmes.
This movie suffers in comparison to more established stories Disney usually used/uses and can't compare to modern animated movies so it's probably somewhat forgotten.
The characters are good and there's good aspects to the story, animation (first use of CGI), etc., but overall it's pretty far down the list of my favorites.
However, listening to a lot of podcasts interviews w/ animators, most of whom worked on this movie to some degree, I have a fond feeling towards it.
Haiku Summary
Rat takes girls dad. She
gets Basil to help find him.
Mouse as Sherlock Holmes.
Friday, January 11, 2008
MCN Top Ten
MCN Top Ten: The Big Chart
I bit overwhelming, but you can just look at the top 10 or so to see generally what is thought of as the best of 2007.
I bit overwhelming, but you can just look at the top 10 or so to see generally what is thought of as the best of 2007.
Once (2006) - 5/5
Once (2006)
Wow. What an incredible movie. Have I build it up enough? This movie has so many aspects that really appeal to me. It's very original and I didn't know much about it going in so it was so great to just watch it unfold.
They call it a "modern musical" and it's pretty subtle in that sense. It has some similarities to "The Committments" which I loved. Not only b/c it's in Ireland and is about music, but it's about passion in music too.
It doesn't get cliche in the "love" story or the music or "success" or anything. It feels very real. I watched some of the bonus features and started watching the commentary and they talked about how they approached it and that was very cool and independent.
The two leads are musicians. The lead "the guy" leads a band the director used to be in and "the girl" is a real-life friend of the guy lead. The director said he'd rather have musicians that cd half-way act than actors who cd have way play/sing.
It really makes the music powerful. During the first duet, I literally started bawling. It wasn't sad at all, but so emotional and that's how it came out. It blew me away. I ride the exercise bike while I watch movies and I was lost in the song but looked down and realized I was pedaling really fast.
I started getting really worked up and then just started bawling. I cdn't figure it out, but it was really great. I thought it wd stop when I realized how odd it was and it did die down a bit until the chorus started up again. Really strange, but very cool.
Anyway, I just loved how the rest of the movie played out and I think it might be my favorite movie of the year. The filmspotting.net podcast is great and has some awesome 'top five' lists.
Another note, I wondered a few times in the movie "What are their names?" Very cool.
Side note: I just finished this movie this morning and more thoughts may come to me so I might update this later.
Also, I'm about to watch a series of Glen Keane animated movies FYI.
SPOILERS
The director in the commentary talks about the title: "Once." He says there's a lot of guys he knows/has met, especially in Ireland, that talk about "Once I get my X deal..." or "Once I record this..." or "Once I open my shop..." and how they really cd be great, but don't have the motivation.
Haiku Summary
Songwriter meets girl.
Awesome chemistry in song.
They record. The End.
Wow. What an incredible movie. Have I build it up enough? This movie has so many aspects that really appeal to me. It's very original and I didn't know much about it going in so it was so great to just watch it unfold.
They call it a "modern musical" and it's pretty subtle in that sense. It has some similarities to "The Committments" which I loved. Not only b/c it's in Ireland and is about music, but it's about passion in music too.
It doesn't get cliche in the "love" story or the music or "success" or anything. It feels very real. I watched some of the bonus features and started watching the commentary and they talked about how they approached it and that was very cool and independent.
The two leads are musicians. The lead "the guy" leads a band the director used to be in and "the girl" is a real-life friend of the guy lead. The director said he'd rather have musicians that cd half-way act than actors who cd have way play/sing.
It really makes the music powerful. During the first duet, I literally started bawling. It wasn't sad at all, but so emotional and that's how it came out. It blew me away. I ride the exercise bike while I watch movies and I was lost in the song but looked down and realized I was pedaling really fast.
I started getting really worked up and then just started bawling. I cdn't figure it out, but it was really great. I thought it wd stop when I realized how odd it was and it did die down a bit until the chorus started up again. Really strange, but very cool.
Anyway, I just loved how the rest of the movie played out and I think it might be my favorite movie of the year. The filmspotting.net podcast is great and has some awesome 'top five' lists.
Another note, I wondered a few times in the movie "What are their names?" Very cool.
Side note: I just finished this movie this morning and more thoughts may come to me so I might update this later.
Also, I'm about to watch a series of Glen Keane animated movies FYI.
SPOILERS
The director in the commentary talks about the title: "Once." He says there's a lot of guys he knows/has met, especially in Ireland, that talk about "Once I get my X deal..." or "Once I record this..." or "Once I open my shop..." and how they really cd be great, but don't have the motivation.
Haiku Summary
Songwriter meets girl.
Awesome chemistry in song.
They record. The End.
Frank and Ollie (1995) - 5/5
Frank and Ollie (1995)
This is a documentary about two of the great Disney animators; two of the "nine old men." These guys started out in school together and wound up sharing an apartment and then building houses next to each other where they lived the rest of their lives (Frank died in 2004, but I believe Ollie is still alive).
It's a great look at what they did and their motivations, humility, skills and general approach to animation.
I've been listening to the AnimationPodcast.com and they talk a lot about Frank and Ollie. So getting to see them and learn about them was a lot of fun.
Haiku Summary
Two animators
for Disney tell their story.
Great insight for us.
This is a documentary about two of the great Disney animators; two of the "nine old men." These guys started out in school together and wound up sharing an apartment and then building houses next to each other where they lived the rest of their lives (Frank died in 2004, but I believe Ollie is still alive).
It's a great look at what they did and their motivations, humility, skills and general approach to animation.
I've been listening to the AnimationPodcast.com and they talk a lot about Frank and Ollie. So getting to see them and learn about them was a lot of fun.
Haiku Summary
Two animators
for Disney tell their story.
Great insight for us.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Maquinista, El (2004) - 3.5/5
Maquinista, El (2004)
I really liked the bulk of this movie except for the end. I cdn't believe Christian Bale's weight. I read he lost a record 80lbs for this movie. It hurts to look at him.
This movie built a lot of promise for most of it and then didn't deliver.
SPOILERS
The felt the "reveal" was a let down. All of the mystery was just him being psycho. I know that's a bit belittling, but I was hoping for something more sensational. They really did it well, but it just didn't have it IMO.
Haiku Summary
Crazy man doesn't
sleep. Who is after him? Is
it Ivan? No, himself.
I really liked the bulk of this movie except for the end. I cdn't believe Christian Bale's weight. I read he lost a record 80lbs for this movie. It hurts to look at him.
This movie built a lot of promise for most of it and then didn't deliver.
SPOILERS
The felt the "reveal" was a let down. All of the mystery was just him being psycho. I know that's a bit belittling, but I was hoping for something more sensational. They really did it well, but it just didn't have it IMO.
Haiku Summary
Crazy man doesn't
sleep. Who is after him? Is
it Ivan? No, himself.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
The Squid and the Whale (2005) - 4.5/5
The Squid and the Whale (2005)
A fairly painful, awkward, uncomfortable and powerful movie. Dense, to use a word from the movie.
The opening scene tells most of the story of this movie, but you don't know it quite yet.
SPOILERS
The dad is a fairly lame, fake "man" who is riding on his egotism and judgment of others despite not being able to be honest w/ himself or those around him. The mother isn't much better. The oldest son clearly mimics the dad and thinks dangerously to high of himself ("I think I cd have written it so the fact that it was already written is just a technicality.").
One of the best scenes is the older son's visit to the psychologist - his description of his time w/ his mom when he was young was just amazing. So vivid and powerful and touching.
So what or who are the squid and the whale? I think it might be his parents. They are fighting and are caught in an inescapable grapple where no one ever stops or wins. It might also be a symbol of fears in life. When he was a kid, he cdn't look at the squid and the whale except for through his fingers.
At the end, he forces himself to face his fears, to face reality. To grow up and face himself.
Haiku Summary
Two kids, parents split.
All kinds of dysfunction here.
No one wins. Hey, You.
A fairly painful, awkward, uncomfortable and powerful movie. Dense, to use a word from the movie.
The opening scene tells most of the story of this movie, but you don't know it quite yet.
SPOILERS
The dad is a fairly lame, fake "man" who is riding on his egotism and judgment of others despite not being able to be honest w/ himself or those around him. The mother isn't much better. The oldest son clearly mimics the dad and thinks dangerously to high of himself ("I think I cd have written it so the fact that it was already written is just a technicality.").
One of the best scenes is the older son's visit to the psychologist - his description of his time w/ his mom when he was young was just amazing. So vivid and powerful and touching.
So what or who are the squid and the whale? I think it might be his parents. They are fighting and are caught in an inescapable grapple where no one ever stops or wins. It might also be a symbol of fears in life. When he was a kid, he cdn't look at the squid and the whale except for through his fingers.
At the end, he forces himself to face his fears, to face reality. To grow up and face himself.
Haiku Summary
Two kids, parents split.
All kinds of dysfunction here.
No one wins. Hey, You.
Henry Fool (1997) - 4/5
Henry Fool (1997)
Fun, original and creative. I can see how someone might think this is a bad moview w/ bad acting and bad directing. I thought that for the first 15-20 mins of the sequel "Fay Grim."
But once you realize the details and nuances are intentional, it's really very impressive.
Haiku Summary
Garbage man meets a
stranger who gets him to write
a poem. It gets weird.
Fun, original and creative. I can see how someone might think this is a bad moview w/ bad acting and bad directing. I thought that for the first 15-20 mins of the sequel "Fay Grim."
But once you realize the details and nuances are intentional, it's really very impressive.
Haiku Summary
Garbage man meets a
stranger who gets him to write
a poem. It gets weird.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
The Good Shepherd (2006) - 2/5
The Good Shepherd (2006)
Very underwhelming performances by all. The movie drags as I don't think De Niro succeeds in using the pace as others have in the past.
Damon's character is suppose to be cold as stone, but he comes across as lame and boring.
It's always disappointing to see a bad spy movie b/c I love the potential they have there.
One thing I'll say, he doesn't insult the audience. You have to be thinking for certain parts, but it's not worth it to wait for them.
SPOILERS
Also, the "mystery film" character is fairly predictable once you get into it. Such a pivotal aspect and it's a let down.
Haiku Summary
Kid gets recruited
by CIA. Life planned for
him. Quiet, boring.
Very underwhelming performances by all. The movie drags as I don't think De Niro succeeds in using the pace as others have in the past.
Damon's character is suppose to be cold as stone, but he comes across as lame and boring.
It's always disappointing to see a bad spy movie b/c I love the potential they have there.
One thing I'll say, he doesn't insult the audience. You have to be thinking for certain parts, but it's not worth it to wait for them.
SPOILERS
Also, the "mystery film" character is fairly predictable once you get into it. Such a pivotal aspect and it's a let down.
Haiku Summary
Kid gets recruited
by CIA. Life planned for
him. Quiet, boring.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Kung fu Hustle (2004) - 4/5
Kung fu Hustle (2004)
Very original, creative and funny. Abandon all holds on reality and enjoy the ride.
The characters are clear, strong and funny. The fighting is very entertaining too and there's LOTS of it. However, it's more like orchestrated dance fighting. Very cool.
The only problem I have w/ this movie is there's very little story and what is there isn't compelling. Which means you wind up w/ the 14 year old's dream: a movie that's almost completely filled w/ fight scenes. :)
Haiku Summary
Kid wants to fight but
is not good. Grows up and is
the One. Fights REAL good.
Very original, creative and funny. Abandon all holds on reality and enjoy the ride.
The characters are clear, strong and funny. The fighting is very entertaining too and there's LOTS of it. However, it's more like orchestrated dance fighting. Very cool.
The only problem I have w/ this movie is there's very little story and what is there isn't compelling. Which means you wind up w/ the 14 year old's dream: a movie that's almost completely filled w/ fight scenes. :)
Haiku Summary
Kid wants to fight but
is not good. Grows up and is
the One. Fights REAL good.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Babettes g�stebud (1987) - 4.5/5
Babettes g�stebud (1987)
Great movie told very well. The levels and tones of sacrifice, mercy, grace and giving are great.
SPOILERS
I see Babette as a Christ-like figure setting aside (not by choice in this case) her "glory" for a time to serve others. She challenged their perceptions on what is acceptable and allowable and how to we can enjoy things we wdn't expect.
The "feast" scene is great at the discovery and Lorens really opens it up to the enjoyment of the "affair."
Haiku Summary
Old sisters with father.
Sacrifice all to serve others.
Big, scary dinner.
Great movie told very well. The levels and tones of sacrifice, mercy, grace and giving are great.
SPOILERS
I see Babette as a Christ-like figure setting aside (not by choice in this case) her "glory" for a time to serve others. She challenged their perceptions on what is acceptable and allowable and how to we can enjoy things we wdn't expect.
The "feast" scene is great at the discovery and Lorens really opens it up to the enjoyment of the "affair."
Haiku Summary
Old sisters with father.
Sacrifice all to serve others.
Big, scary dinner.
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007) - 3/5
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007)
Pretty funny first 30 mins or so. After that it's ok and then it's almost serious.
A little too "spoofish" than I'd want it to be.
WARNING: A good bit of nudity.
Haiku Summary
Spoof of Johnny Cash
The songs are good. "I'm
cut in half real bad."
Pretty funny first 30 mins or so. After that it's ok and then it's almost serious.
A little too "spoofish" than I'd want it to be.
WARNING: A good bit of nudity.
Haiku Summary
Spoof of Johnny Cash
The songs are good. "I'm
cut in half real bad."
Monday, December 10, 2007
The Polar Express (2004) - 4/5
The Polar Express (2004)
I didn't expect to like this movie too much. I didn't hear too many good things about it and given the animation and Tom Hanks, I felt I sd have been hearing a lot more.
I do love how they take advantage of the animation w/ the "camera" angles and light and perspectives. It's really fun what they were able to do and did do.
So maybe low expectations helped. I'm still not sure it's a 4/5, but...
SPOILERS
The basis of the story is that the (possibly) imaginary Polar Express is taking children who seemingly have lost belief in Santa (or maybe other reasons) to the North Pole.
The three main child characters all seem to learn/gain something in the journey. The girl learns to believe in her confidence (LEAD), the shy kid learns that not everything turns out bad when you open up (and gain friends) (DEPEND ON, RELY ON, COUNT ON) and the main kid learns to believe (BELIEVE). There's a 'know it all kid' too (LEARN), but I don't consider him a main character.
The conductor is their guide and there's a hobo which is a confusing character b/c he seems rather harsh. He seems to help mostly, but I'm not really sure of his role.
From what I read, the story is greatly expanded over the book which probably explains some of the various scenes that seem to be fantastical and unsure about their place in the movie (e.g., the lost ticket - great, but...???). There's also a few scenes of everything moving really fast, out of control, falling down (e.g., the train and the present funnel). I'm not sure of the purpose, but the scenes are pretty fun.
The hobo's big line is "seeing is believing" which makes me think it's the counter to the conductor or Santa in the regard that it's mostly a matter of belief. As the conductor says: "Seeing Santa is not required." and "Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see."
I also have a little problem w/ the ending. The robe tells us it was just a dream. The bell tells us it must have been real. It's unfortunate b/c ultimately his simple belief is in question b/c he has physical proof.
Maybe they sd have ended it w/ a series of shots of him hearing the bell throughout his life (continued belief) and late in life receiving the bell (proof it was real).
But since it's a kids movie, I guess I'm being too harsh on that point. I'm sure kids go nuts when he opens the box w/ the bell in it. IT'S REAL!!! I wonder if that's in the book???
Haiku Summary
Boy doubts Santa. Train
takes him to North Pole, Santa.
Bell tells us it's real.
I didn't expect to like this movie too much. I didn't hear too many good things about it and given the animation and Tom Hanks, I felt I sd have been hearing a lot more.
I do love how they take advantage of the animation w/ the "camera" angles and light and perspectives. It's really fun what they were able to do and did do.
So maybe low expectations helped. I'm still not sure it's a 4/5, but...
SPOILERS
The basis of the story is that the (possibly) imaginary Polar Express is taking children who seemingly have lost belief in Santa (or maybe other reasons) to the North Pole.
The three main child characters all seem to learn/gain something in the journey. The girl learns to believe in her confidence (LEAD), the shy kid learns that not everything turns out bad when you open up (and gain friends) (DEPEND ON, RELY ON, COUNT ON) and the main kid learns to believe (BELIEVE). There's a 'know it all kid' too (LEARN), but I don't consider him a main character.
The conductor is their guide and there's a hobo which is a confusing character b/c he seems rather harsh. He seems to help mostly, but I'm not really sure of his role.
From what I read, the story is greatly expanded over the book which probably explains some of the various scenes that seem to be fantastical and unsure about their place in the movie (e.g., the lost ticket - great, but...???). There's also a few scenes of everything moving really fast, out of control, falling down (e.g., the train and the present funnel). I'm not sure of the purpose, but the scenes are pretty fun.
The hobo's big line is "seeing is believing" which makes me think it's the counter to the conductor or Santa in the regard that it's mostly a matter of belief. As the conductor says: "Seeing Santa is not required." and "Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see."
I also have a little problem w/ the ending. The robe tells us it was just a dream. The bell tells us it must have been real. It's unfortunate b/c ultimately his simple belief is in question b/c he has physical proof.
Maybe they sd have ended it w/ a series of shots of him hearing the bell throughout his life (continued belief) and late in life receiving the bell (proof it was real).
But since it's a kids movie, I guess I'm being too harsh on that point. I'm sure kids go nuts when he opens the box w/ the bell in it. IT'S REAL!!! I wonder if that's in the book???
Haiku Summary
Boy doubts Santa. Train
takes him to North Pole, Santa.
Bell tells us it's real.
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