Last Train to Christmas

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.

This isn't the upbeat fun Christmas film I was expecting, in fact, I'm not sure that it even needed to be set at Christmas. Perhaps they were trying something new, as I'm always hoping they will with seasonal films, but it didn't have enough Christmas going on for my tastes and the time travel and cause and effects that occurred were never really explained. Was it magic, technology or was it some form of dementia, as Mr Sheen looked back over his years?

Michael is his usual brilliant self, as he gives a great performance in the lead role and the supporting cast are all very good too, Cary Elwes was completely unrecognisable.

'Game Of Thrones'' Missandei has come a long way from 'Hollyoaks' too, she's actually a very good actress now and does well in her role.

I personally loved the nostalgic touches. It was great to see an old Woolworths carrier bag, Hooch Lemonade and Now albums that took me back. I could also recognise elements of my parents past too, but I'm not sure that everybody would understand the references, people don't seem to look back very much anymore. There's a lot of "How am I supposed to know? It was before I was born!" I hope that I am wrong and people can enjoy these thoughtful touches.

I did find that the chronology was a bit confusing, as you don't know which year he has gone back or forward to, because he's always changed something and there's no obvious explanation as to what was happening to him next or what effect he had made straight away. I also found the ending confusing? How does he fill in the gaps having reached the destination?

Overall, it wasn't really my thing, a bit too gritty and real for me, but I can see that it's been thought about, even down to the different film or filters used to match the various eras. I would have just liked a bit more clarity.

519.71/1000.

Didn't know what to expect with this, I just saw the picture with the dreadful mullet but I love Michael Sheen. I wasn't disappointed. It was a different idea but really good. It's not an overly Christmassy film but it's got the essence of what Christmas is about, love and family. Michael Sheen is brilliant as always.

"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.