This Is Christmas

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.

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.

As is so often the case with Sky original movies, I was expecting an awful rushed to produce piece of tat that, that was made just to fill a gap. How wrong I was.

This will now be one of those movies I look for every Christmas. Although actually you could watch this anytime of the year as it is so much more than just a Christmas film.

It's classed as a romcom and rightly so but there is a lovely wonderful message that goes with it. Something that helps give this movie its depth, that mean you enjoy watching it rather than waiting for it to end (as with so many sky originals).

Well written, directed and performed. Even the characters with smaller parts still have enough that you fully understand them. Care about them and want to see more.

Must see movie.

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.

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.