I never even heard of the book. But we (wife and I) saw it last night because The Incredibles was sold out. Polar Express was definitely a must see movie. The CGI alone was enough to make my mouth drop, but then the story was awesome too.

Parent sitting next to us was talking to their child at the end of the movie "Now do you believe in Santa?" Thought that was cute. Definitely a family movie with a good message.

Still can't believe the computer graphics in the movie.