This Is Christmas

I'm so frustrated by all of the hyperbolic reviews on IMDB these days; 1's & 10's are very rare in movies. This is neither. I'd give it a 6.75 but, I'm rounding up. We haven't had a decent new Christmas movie in a while and this is just that. The plot is sweet without being treacle. The acting and directing are good; not great. The ensemble chemistry is charming. And the script is predictable in the way we want our holiday movies to be. This isn't Love Actually but, it isn't Hallmark or Lifetime either. It is a nice movie that made me smile. If you like warm and fuzzy during the holidays, then this is for you.

I am a big fan of Christmas movies and this is one of the better ones. While it has the requisite romance it also explores so much more- friendship in all of its variations, sorrow, regret and reconciliation. The entire cast is talented and attractive with interesting characters who have depth. And I very much enjoyed the music- the "band" is delightful.

Basically, this is every bit as warm and fuzzy as a typical Hallmark movie but with many more interesting characters that you learn to love. It's a sweet movie you can save for Christmas, but it really is a treat any time of year. You won't regret the time.

Perhaps because I am British I find it easier to relate to the characters who are all superbly acted than I do in USA made movies. Great mix of characters and back stories made this a enjoyable movie to watch as a family.

Excellent cast of actors who made the characters come alive as the film progresses and made them all seem real. Yes the storyline between Adam and Emma is very predictable but it does not spoil the movie.

The whole movie seemed to be genuinely sincere and not too cheesy or over sentimental and not your usual Christmas movie.

Loved seeing the different London locations.

I highly recommend this movie.

Very enjoyable Christmas film, much better than much of the efforts on Netflix. Well acted, great cast, sweet story. Well worth a watch if you like a feel good movie. I don't watch many of these type of films but when I do I, I really want a well produced film with a good story, and this delivered.

Lots of minor sub plots and characters, but a really good ensemble cast and lead actors you could believe in. You'll come away feeling festive and possibly better about humanity.

You need to suspend disbelief a little, just go with the flow and enjoy for what it is intended to be. Three film had it's heart firmly in the right place.

An interesting thing.

On the one hand 'This is Christmas' is ultra, military grade, extra mature cheddar cheese and I've rarely been as uncomfortable watching a scene as I was during the initial speech on the train by Alfred Enoch's Adam - that sorta stuff, fake positivity/togetherness, is just something that makes me cringe, I can't help it.

However, in fairness, the film actually manages to play it off well. I was fearing the worst at that aforementioned moment, though as the scenes go by the characters actually do feel like they are getting to know each other in a relatively believable way - therefore making the earlier cringe actually befitting, given it would initially be awkward.

The cast help the film come to life in that way. Alfred Enoch is good value in the lead role, as is Kaya Scodelario alongside. I wouldn't say they have amazing chemistry, but what's there is most definitely enough. Timothy Spall chews the heck out the scenery, but eventually his character's story is probably my standout - as he is predominantly joined onscreen by Jack Donoghue, who plays his role nicely. The rest of 'em? All decent.

It made me cringe early on, but I did end up liking and respecting the message that it sends. Overall, it's solid Xmas viewing.