Last Train to Christmas

I watched this primarily as it was a Michael Sheen film and it promised some nostalgia. As always Sheen was excellent but the whole piece was very well done with a strong supporting performance from Cary Elwes. Nathalie Emmanuel also shone. The film was well crafted and despite its fantastical storyline it held together remarkably well. There was a great attention to detail and the cinematography and use of light in particular was such that I was convinced at one point that we were back in the 1980's. Overall it was well worth a viewing with entertaining and touching moments and a good heart and soul at its centre. Nice to see a Simon Aldred song get an outing at the end as well.

Having just watched this I'm left a bit annoyed. The film starts out well enough and it has some good moments, but the ending is terrible and it makes no sense.

This is a shame because overall I thought this was ok.

"Last Train to Christmas" is not a conventional Christmas movie. It's more like Scrooge meets the Twilight Zone. It forces its central character (Sheen) to confront the consequences of his life choices with a level of horror not seen since Alastair Sim threw himself, prostrate, on his own grave, in 1951's "Christmas Carol," begging death for another chance.

In addition to Sheen's great performance the movie tours us through several decades of hair, fashion, hand held electronics and the decor of British Rail.

There is no doubt, there are elements of some classic Christmas films used in last train to Christmas. Whether it be a Christmas Carol, It's a wonderful life and a touch of sliding doors thrown in. First and foremost this is Michael Sheen's film. He is in every scene playing same person at various stages of his life had things turned out different between himself and his brother/nephew.

There is plenty to enjoy here with some enjoyable cameo appearances from the likes of Hayley Mills, John Thompson and Phyllis Logan. The only disappointment which stops me from giving it a higher mark, was the confusing ending. 7/10.

Some wonderful acting and period details overshadowed by the multiple timelines which do, on occasion, become a bit confusing. I really enjoyed the first hour or so then felt the film lost its way with confusing jumps over a 50 year period. I thought the ending was ok though I can understand why many would find it frustrating.