The Polar Express
This book was originally a beautiful, illustrated classic by Chris Van Allsburg (also the author and illustrator of Jumanji). I always loved looking at the illustrations and the magic of this Christmas story as a child, but when they created an animated adaptation, I was skeptical.
They had to add a lot of plot to drag this story out, but they did that well, by making the conductor (played by Tom Hanks), a hobo character (also played by Tom Hanks), and the engineers more of a part of this story.
And then there’s the magical soundtrack, complete with the amazing vocal talents of Josh Groban. What’s not to love about both the classic book AND the movie?
How The Grinch Stole Christmas
I honestly haven’t seen the new Benedict Cumberbatch one yet (is it good?), but I know I loved this old version as a kid, made from Dr. Suess’ original drawings:
A Muppet Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol was *cough* naturally made into a Muppet Movie, staying true to the original classic with a few minor changes (such as Stanley and Woldorf playing the Marley brothers).
For some reason, the Muppet Christmas Carol portrayal of Robin (Kermit’s nephew) as Tiny Tim is somehow more endearing than in the human versions. And man, if any movie shows off Michael Caine’s acting ability, it’s this one. Acting with a cast of almost all muppets must have been a challenge, especially to portray all the poignant emotions of Scrooge.
How about you? Do you have any favorite Christmas books that were made into movies?
Classic Reads 