This Is Christmas

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.

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.

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.

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.