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Where does the boy in Polar Express Live?
Grand Rapids, MichiganVisitors. Hero Boy's house (referred to as The Boy's House on the film's official website) is a residence house in Grand Rapids, Michigan where Hero Boy lives with his sister Sarah, his mother, and his father. The Polar Express makes a stop in front of the house one Christmas Eve to pick up Hero Boy.
Where is the house in Polar Express?
The house is in a south side Chicago neighborhood called Roseland. A close examination of the ticket numbers reveals that they all contain the number 1225. Pere Marquette No. 1225 was used as a model for the Polar Express locomotive.
What is Billy's address in the Polar Express?
11344 Edbrooke AvenueBilly lives close to Hero Boy at 11344 Edbrooke Avenue in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His family lives in poverty, as depicted in the film. His house is described as being "on the wrong side of the tracks" to the other children's houses and his appearance is much simpler and poorer than his friends.
What is the name of the town in Polar Express?
The North Pole Square is a location in both The Polar Express book and film. It is the center of the North Pole City and where the elves gather to watch Santa Claus give the first gift of Christmas to one of the children who rode on the Polar Express.
What town was polar filmed in?
Orono, OntarioFilming began early February 2018 in Orono, Ontario, Canada, and continued around February 23 in Toronto, Ontario, with Swedish director Jonas Åkerlund at the helm.
Is there a toilet on the Polar Express?
Several food and drink refreshment stalls and toilet facilities are available on site on arrival. Once you're fuelled up and ready there is a very large warm marquee waiting room set up with the Polar Express film playing to keep you and your littles entertained.
Does the boy in Polar Express have a name?
One of the most common questions asked about the Polar Express is 'what is the boy's name on Polar Express'? The answer is, no-one knows! He is never named in the film and in the credits, he is referred to only as 'Hero Boy'.
What is the famous line in Polar Express?
"Why, to the North Pole, of course! This is the Polar Express!" This is one of the earliest quotes of the movie when the Hero Boy questions why he should get on the train and where it is going. The Conductor responds with this great line, setting the scene for the entire movie in just one sentence.
How much did they pay Tom Hanks for the Polar Express?
a $40 millionYou won't believe how much Hanks made for his Polar Express roles (he voiced seven characters, to be exact). According to the Los Angeles Times, the actor and producer made a $40 million salary plus 20% of the first-dollar gross, which adds up to an estimated $100 million total.
Where is the Polar Express 2022?
After the success and fun of November & December 2017 – 2019 & 2021, The Polar Express™ Train Ride is returning to the Mid-Norfolk Railway again in 2022 with the magic of the 2004 motion picture The Polar Express™ being theatrically re-created so you and your family can be immersed in the sights, sounds and intrigue of ...
Is The Polar Express based in Michigan?
Absolutely! The famous movie starring the voice of Tom Hanks in the Polar Express was based on the Pere Marquette 1225 that is owned by the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan. Did you know you can go for train rides on the 1225? I have tons of info about the Michigan Polar Express below!
Where is the cabin in polar?
The Triple Oak town was filmed in the little village of Orono, east of Toronto. What is this? According to Canadian actor Robert Maillet (who plays helicopter pilot and killer Karl), the cabin in the woods by a lake was filmed outside Toronto.
Where is The Polar Express 2022?
After the success and fun of November & December 2017 – 2019 & 2021, The Polar Express™ Train Ride is returning to the Mid-Norfolk Railway again in 2022 with the magic of the 2004 motion picture The Polar Express™ being theatrically re-created so you and your family can be immersed in the sights, sounds and intrigue of ...
Which seats are best for Polar Express?
The Polar Express Chicago best seats are the peak tickets – this in the the week leading up to Christmas. Peak tickets are: $70 adult. $62 child.
How much did Tom Hanks make for The Polar Express?
a $40 millionYou won't believe how much Hanks made for his Polar Express roles (he voiced seven characters, to be exact). According to the Los Angeles Times, the actor and producer made a $40 million salary plus 20% of the first-dollar gross, which adds up to an estimated $100 million total.
Who is the Hobo on the roof of The Polar Express?
Tom HanksThe Hobo is one of many characters from the film to not be originally in the book. He is the only such character played by Tom Hanks. The Hobo tells Hero Boy, "You don't wanna be led down the primrose path!" However, the primrose path actually refers to an easy life.
What happened on Christmas Eve in The Polar Express?
One Christmas Eve, the Polar Express stops in front of Billy's house. Billy initially decides to stay behind, but he changes his mind and runs after the train. However, he cannot keep up, so Hero Boy pulls the emergency brake to stop the train. He gets on and sits in the observation car, away from all the other children.
Where does Billy live in the movie?
Billy lives close to Hero Boy at 11344 Edbrooke Avenue in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His family lives in poverty, as depicted in the film. His house is described as being "on the wrong side of the tracks" to the other children's houses and his appearance is much simpler and poorer than his friends. Billy does not have much faith in Christmas because his parents lack the money to buy him presents, which is why he is resistant to part with his gift, as it is his first and he does not want to lose it. His house is more run down than the other houses in the neighborhood and his Christmas tree is more sparse and smaller than that of Hero Boy. He is reluctant to make friends as he feels intimidated by the others' wealth and afraid of what they will think of him if they realize his family is poor.
How do the children get the last present in the wrapping hall?
At the Wrapping Hall, the children walk across the conveyer belts through a tunnel into the Sorting Room where they find the last present. They read the mailing information, which has Billy's name and address on it. Billy grabs it with the other two following, and they all end up on top of a pile of presents. Billy wants to open his present early, but Hero Girl finds a note saying, "Do not open until Christmas." The presents are wrapped in a bag by a pair of zeppelins and carried to the Square. On the way, Billy's leg is pulled, so Hero Boy and Hero Girl help pull him free. It turns out to be Know-It-All, who says he was checking out his presents to make sure he will get everything he wants. When they arrive at the Square, the children are rescued from the bag by the elves. Know-It-All, Hero Girl, and Hero Boy slide down the bag, but Billy is hesitant to let his present go. One of the elves assures him it will be safe, so Billy gives it to him and slides down the bag.
What does Hero Girl say about Billy?
Billy wants to open his present early, but Hero Girl finds a note saying, "Do not open until Christmas.". The presents are wrapped in a bag by a pair of zeppelins and carried to the Square. On the way, Billy's leg is pulled, so Hero Boy and Hero Girl help pull him free.
What does Billy see in the Sorting Room?
They ride the pneumatic, using the controls to hits the switches that open the correct gates. At the Sorting Room, Billy sees his present on conveyor belt and follows it, leaving behind the other two. They reunite after Hero Boy and Hero Girl follow the tunnels and conveyor belts through the Sorting Room.
What side does Hero Boy punch out on?
As seen before the return trip, he punched out "ON" on the right side. When Hero Boy is trying to return Hero Girl her ticket, he passes by Billy in the observation car and asks where she and the Conductor went, but Billy does not respond and instead, looks up at the window.
How old is Billy the lonely boy?
Billy the Lonely Boy is the tritagonist of The Polar Express. He is an nine-year-old boy who has a rather dim view on life.
Where is the Polar Express train ride?
4965 Rood Ashton Hall for the ride, albeit being renamed Polar Star, and PNP Events' Polar Express Train Rides in the Yorkshire Dales and South Devon.
What is the Polar Express?
The Polar Express is a 2004 American computer-animated Christmas musical adventure film co-written and directed by Robert Zemeckis, based on the 1985 children's book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg, who also served as one of the executive producers. The film features human characters animated using live-action motion capture animation.
What is the name of the train that was on its way to the North Pole?
Named the Polar Express , the train is on its way to the North Pole.
When was Polar Express released?
Main article: The Polar Express (video game) A video game based on the film was released on November 2, 2004 for GameCube, Game Boy Advance, PlayStation 2 and Windows, developed by Blue Tongue Entertainment and published by THQ. The plot of the game is somewhat different than the film version.
Who wrote the song "The Polar Express"?
The song, " Believe ", written by Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri, was nominated for Best Original Song at the 77th Academy Awards. It was sung at the 77th Academy Awards show by original performer Josh Groban with Beyoncé. It gained a Grammy Award in 2006 .
Who played the father in the movie Hero Boy?
The film marks the final performance of actor Michael Jeter; Jeter died the year before the film's release. Tom Hanks as Hero Boy (motion-capture), Hero Boy's father, Conductor, Hobo, Scrooge puppet, Santa Claus, and the Narrator.
Who is the actor in the movie Santa Claus?
The boy joins several other children as they embark on a journey to visit Santa Claus preparing for Christmas. The film stars Tom Hanks, who was also one of the film's executive producers, in multiple distinct roles, with Daryl Sabara, Nona Gaye, Jimmy Bennett and Eddie Deezen in supporting roles.
Why don't the boy's parents in The Polar Express wonder where the bell came from?
At the end of The Polar Express, the magical sleigh bell Santa gave to the main character has vanished, having fallen out of the hole in the pocket of his robe. Santa is magic, though, so he makes sure that the boy gets the bell back on Christmas morning. It's sitting under the tree in a beautifully wrapped box.
How old is the girl in the Polar Express?
The girl is maybe 10 or 11 years old at most — not old enough to drive a car, let alone an entire train. How is this safe? Who in their right mind would put a child in charge of a train, not to mention the lives of at least a dozen people? The Polar Express travels through some pretty dangerous territory, making the thought of a child being in charge even more terrifying.
Why can't anyone else see the Polar Express?
It is established towards the end of The Polar Express that only those who truly believe in Santa Claus can hear his sleigh bells, although they can see them. While this magic might possibly also apply to the train itself and explain why no one else in the neighborhood hears the Polar Express when it pulls into a subdivision, it doesn't explain why no one else can see it. Surely there is someone looking out the window on Christmas Eve who sees this train appear out of nowhere. It's not exactly subtle when it chugs up and down the street.
Is Billy in The Polar Express okay?
To kids watching The Polar Express, and to kids who are riding on the Polar Express, Billy (one of the few characters to actually have a name in the film) probably just seems like a shy kid. If you watch the movie as an adult, though, it's hard not to feel a little concerned for him. Why is he so scared of other people? Why does he isolate himself on the train? Is Billy actually going through something?
Why are tickets even necessary for the Polar Express?
Each kid has their ticket punched with part of a word at the beginning of their journey and the rest of the word (or words) is punched on the return trip. Each kid leaves the Polar Express with a piece of advice punched on their ticket which seems to be the sole purpose of the tickets.
Why weren't the kids told to at least grab a coat before boarding the Polar Express?
The Polar Express goes all the way to the North Pole where, needless to say, it's pretty cold. Are the kids dressed for the harsh weather? Not at all. They all rolled out of bed and hopped on the train, remember, so everyone is in their pajamas, nightgowns, and robes. How many of them are even wearing socks?
Does Christmas music play nonstop at the North Pole in The Polar Express?
When the Polar Express arrives at the North Pole, Christmas music is playing. It is, of course, Christmas Eve, so this is natural. But adults watching The Polar Express have to wonder if it's always Christmas at the North Pole. Does Christmas music play nonstop all year round? If so, surely that would be enough to drive Santa and his elves bonkers.
What is The Polar Express About?
The Polar Express is a film that follows a young, cynical boy who finds himself struggling to believe in Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, a large train comes charging through his small town, stopping in front of his house. Strangely, no one else in his household is awoken by the loud train. The conductor tells him the train is called The Polar Express, and it is on its way to the North Pole where everyone aboard will get to see Santa Claus. Initially, the boy is doubtful and doesn’t get on the train, yet he jumps on once it starts pulling away. Throughout the train ride, he is determined to find out if there really is a Santa Claus.
What is the train called that Santa Claus is on his way to the North Pole?
The conductor tells him the train is called The Polar Express, and it is on its way to the North Pole where everyone aboard will get to see Santa Claus. Initially, the boy is doubtful and doesn’t get on the train, yet he jumps on once it starts pulling away.
Why is Billy called lonely boy?
The Polar Express (2004), Warner Brothers. Billy is also credited as “Lonely Boy.”. This is because he doesn’t seem to make friends as easily as the other kids. However, after spending time with Hero Boy and Hero Girl, he learns what the conductor refers to as the true meaning of Christmas.
Does the Polar Express stop at random houses?
Towards the end of the film, it becomes clear that the Polar Express doesn’t stop at random children’s houses asking if they want to go to the north pole. If that were the case, Hero Boy’s younger sister, Sarah, would have joined him on his adventure. But Sarah already believed in Santa Claus at the start of the film and didn’t need to get on the Polar Express. However, her brother did. Whether it’s the importance of believing or the power of leadership, each child aboard the Polar Express is there to learn a valuable life lesson.
Can Hero Boy hear the bell?
Hero Boy and his sister can hear the bell, but his parents can not . This is because his parents don’t believe as he and his sister do. This seems to answer the question of whether or not the Polar Express was all a dream. For those who don’t believe, it could be perceived as a dream or an imaginary experience.
Is Polar Express a classic?
Though it might be a Christmas classic, The Polar Express has always felt more complex than most light-hearted Christmas movies. The Polar Express (2004), Warner Brothers. Though it might seem like an adventurous film about a mysterious, late-night train ride, there is more than meets the eye.
Is the train in the Christmas classic a one night only ride?
As the train is incredibly mysterious and dream-like, so are the characters. It makes it clear that this is a one night only train ride , a once in a lifetime experience, and the characters are never going to meet again.
Who wrote the Polar Express?
The Polar Express is based on the 1985 children’s book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg.
Where is the pennant in Hero Boy?
A University of Michigan pennant is on the wall behind Hero Boy’s bed. Chris Van Allsburg is a real-life graduate of the University. Pere Marquette 1225, the locomotive used as the basis for the one in the film, was donated to the Michigan State University after being retired from active service. It was displayed on the campus from 1957 to 1983.
What is the song that the Hero Boy plays when he meets the Hobo?
When the Hero Boy first meets the Hobo on the roof of the train, he is playing the carol “Good King Wenceslas.”
What doll does Hero Boy play with on Christmas morning?
The soldier doll that Hero Boy plays with on Christmas morning is part of the recycled toy program the conductor mentions.
When was Polar Express released?
The Polar Express was released in both conventional and IMAX 3D theaters on November 10, 2004.
Where is the Pullman Factory located?
The buildings in the square at the city’s center are loosely based on the Pullman Factory in Chicago’s Pullman neighborhood.
Is the Polar Express a time machine?
This is a reference to Back to The Future and can possibly mean the the Polar Express is a functioning time machine.
Role in The Film
Other Appearances
- The Polar Express: The Video Game
In the game, the train misses Billy's house, so Hero Boy goes to pull the emergency brake, but the Scrooge puppet is blocking his way. Hero Boy defeats him by kicking beach balls at him. Later, shortly before the train arrives at the North Pole, Hero Girl and the Conductor go to give Billy so…
Behind The Scenes
- Billy is one of many characters not to come from the book. Early concept art by Robin Richesson depicted him with a beanie hat, which he does not wear in the film. His nightshirt was made to look faded to contrast the bright colors of the other children's pajamas and convey the idea that he is poor. Billy's animation was done through motion-capture, like most human characters in th…
Trivia
- Billy is the only passenger on the train, and one of the few characters, identified by name in the film. Despite this, he is listed as "Lonely Boy" in the credits.
- Billy's address comes from that of Robert Zemeckis' childhood home, 11344 S Edbrooke Avenue on the south side of the Chicago neighborhood of Roseland. The house itself is inspired by a real-life ho...
Quotes
- "Christmas just doesn't work out for me. Never has."
- "I hear it too."
- "My name is Billy!"
- "That's my address!"
Overview
The Polar Express is a 2004 American computer-animated adventure film co-written and directed by Robert Zemeckis, based on the 1985 children's book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg, who also served as one of the executive producers. The film features human characters animated using live-action and motion-capture CGI animation. It tells the story of a young boy who, on Christmas Eve, sees a mysterious train bound for the North Pole stop outside his window and is i…
Marketing
A video game based on the film was released on November 2, 2004 for GameCube, Game Boy Advance, PlayStation 2 and Windows, developed by Blue Tongue Entertainment and published by THQ. The plot of the game is somewhat different than the film version. Within the game, the Ebenezer Scrooge puppet—who is set as the main antagonist of the game—attempts to prevent t…
Plot
On the night of Christmas Eve, a steam locomotive passenger train known as the Polar Express stops at the house of a boy who is growing skeptical about the existence of Santa Claus. The conductor says the train is traveling to the North Pole, and the boy, although reluctant at first, climbs aboard and meets a spirited girl and a know-it-all called Garrison. The train then stops to pick up a boy named Billy. At first, Billy refuses to board, but he changes his mind just as the trai…
Cast
• Tom Hanks as Hero Boy (adult voice), Hero Boy's father, Conductor, Hobo, Santa Claus and Ebenezer Scrooge puppet
• Nona Gaye as Hero Girl
• Peter Scolari as Billy the Lonely Boy (motion-capture)
Production
Hanks optioned the book in 1999 with the hopes of playing the conductor and Santa Claus. One of the conditions of the sale was that the resulting film not be animated. Zemeckis, however, felt that a live-action version was unfeasible, claiming that it "would look awful, and it would be impossible – it would cost $1 billion instead of $160 million." Zemeckis felt that such a version would rob th…
Release
The Polar Express premiered at the 40th Chicago International Film Festival on October 21, 2004. It opened on November 7 and went into wide distribution on November 10. In addition to standard theatrical 35mm format, a 3-D version for IMAX was also released, generated from the same CGI digital models used for the standard version.
The film was released on DVD as separated widescreen and full-screen versions in single and two …
Reception
The film opened at #2 behind The Incredibles, and earned $23.3 million from approximately 7,000 screens at 3,650 theaters, for a per-theater average of $6,390 and a per-screen average of $3,332 in its opening weekend. It also brought in a total of $30.6 million since its Wednesday launch. The weekend total also included $2.1 million from 59 IMAX theaters, for an IMAX theater average of $35,593, and had a $3,000,000 take since Wednesday. According to president Dan Fellman, Titanic had …
See also
• List of Christmas films
• Santa Claus in film