This Is Christmas

Watched this not expecting much - I've watched Sky Original films before and been unimpressed.

Not sure what others are watching when criticising the lead actors... both natural and the chemistry is palpable.

Genuinely gives a warm fuzzy feeling, which is everything you need from a Christmas film! Definite strains of Love Actually, in the intertwined storyline, and even a little bit of "Pay it Forward" in the scenes on the train. All set against the backdrop of London at Christmas which is just magical - truly heartwarming!

Properly surprised, and enjoyed every minute of the film. Added to my list - Love Actually, Last Christmas, The Holiday, Gremlins, Polar Express and Disney's A Christmas Carol (the Jim Carrey one). Give it a go - if you're like me, and a sucker for a true feelgood, Christmas film, I don't think you'll be disappointed!

Love Actually, Die Hard and this little British gem. Believable characters, human stories of coming together at a time of year when hope and kindness are paramount. Not earth shattering just a nice little Christmas film in the tradition of those other Christmas favourites we'll be happy to roll out every year. No huge stars, no huge special effects, just human stories woven into a commuter train community who traditionally can barely pass a nod to people they see every day; and apparently could care even less about. No bah humbug from me. Just get the drinks and chocolates and maybe a few hankies handy.

Adam one day breaks the commuter code, and dares to speak to his fellow travellers, and worse, invites them to a Christmas party.

It's a gorgeous story of human interaction, human relationships, and I know it sounds horrendously corny, but the spirit of Christmas. Every single character is rich, deep and has a real story to tell.

I can relate, having commuted on a train for seven years of my life, and I truly get this story, maybe writer Alastair Galbraith used to do the daily commute.

It's a love story, it's a comedy, it's so much more than that, I found it rather an enchanting watch, I got into it straight away, and found the characters so rich.

What a cast list, what an astonishing wealth of British talent here, so many favourites, Timothy Spall, Kaya (glorious) Scodelario, Joanna Scanlan, Ben Miller and many more.

Alfred Enoch, fabulous, imagine that smile coming at you on a train, there's nothing you wouldn't agree to, he's such a lovely actor, such a different type of character for him to play, compare him in this to How to get away with murder.

Maybe the best thing I sat down to in Christmas 2022.

9/10.

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.

Alfred Enoch was the draw here from HTGAWM, and looking for a seasonal film, and British. This didn't disappoint. Set on a commuter train, and the relationships that blossom if Brits break the cardinal riule of engaging with fellow travellers. Great ensemble cast and a sweet yet predictable story. Exactly what you want for holiday feels.

London looks amazing. The town where Adam (Enoch) lives looks stunning, and all the cast had stories to tell.

Few weirdnesses; the train they commute on - how old is it?! All the characters commuting in work within what appears to be walking distance of each other but the locations are all over the place, Enoch's accent is a bit all over the place, and Spall's acting is a little ... hard to watch, it's a bit too much for such a light film. But it adds some chiaroscuro!

Putting aside someone standing up on a commuter train and engaging with everyone, it's a believable premise and charming. The film is commentary on how we see people every day but know very little about them, how we could connect or what they would add to our lives.

The ensemble cast are mostly well known faces some big names. Typical of London, there's much more diversity than your usual film, which I loved. I really loved. Emma's character, and the actress, who's name I wasn't familiar with but who's face was familiar. She was lovely. Nice gentle chemistry between her and Adam.

A real feel good London Christmas movie. Not too much cheese, the right amount, lots of emotion, some laughs and (no spoiler) a happy ending.