After the death of her father, Ellie Arroway (Jodie Foster) devotes her life to science. Convinced of the existence of extra-terrestrial life, she uses satellites to sweep the stars for evidence. When she receives the transmission of what seems to be a blueprint from another species for the construction of a spacecraft, she has to fight for the right to lead the ship's maiden flight to meet the alien life forms. She finds herself working with her former lover, ex-priest Palmer Joss (Michael McConaughey), now a governmental advisor.

The academy Award-winning team of Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis reunite for 'The Polar Express', an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. Late on Christmas Eve night, a boy (Daryl Sabara) lies in bed hoping to hear the sound of reindeer bells from Santa's sleigh. When to his surprise, a steam engine's roar and whistle can be heard outside his window. The conductor (Hanks) invites him on board to take an extraordinary journey to the North Pole with many other pajama-clad children. There, he receives an extraordinary gift only those who still believe in Santa can experience.