The Christmas Train

The film is full of some great actors, most of whom usually play a supporting part and in an ensemble piece like this they are perfect.

It has everything you could need, romance, comedy, mystery and twists as well as snow and Christmas Carol's. It's well put together and a very interesting story that is really quite different from most films with the word Christmas in their title.

It's perfect for watching on a Sunday afternoon during the festive season, with a hot chocolate and a blanket and someone you love. It has an appeal that isn't necessarily restricted to the usual follower of the Christmas film. Heck even my Gruncle liked it.

A Christmas story on a train!

This was billed continuously leading up to the premiere as a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. It wasn't Hall of Fame worthy for me.

Take how deeply I felt about it. I have watched literally dozens of Christmas movies this season and in a good percentage, still dozens of movies, I had tears in my eyes ranging from in one movie tears start to finish to other movies at least a couple times, and everywhere in between. For this movie, I had no tears, at all. Neither joy nor sadness.

Take enjoyment. I sat through virtually the entire movie waiting to enjoy it. I think a big part of my problem was I couldn't get invested in the romantic leads. Is that because of their respective ages? I think it was more than that. Now I was attracted to Kimberly Williams-Paisley and her character, but not enough to make the whole movie fun for me.

Take production and sets. There were lots of shots of model toy trains in the snow. One scene with everyone staring out the window at the leads had a totally cheesy appearance. All the outdoor sets were bad and the snow was fake.

Take acting. OK here at least are a couple pluses. Danny Glover and Joan Cusack both did their parts very well. I already mentioned Williams-Paisley, but overall her acting was just OK. Dermot Mulroney lacked spark.

Take story. This is the biggest plus. For being a story on a train, there was a surprising amount going on. And the ending was truly interesting!!! On the other hand, the climax wasn't that great and the rest after that was not all that inspiring. Yes, it was the usual Hallmark kind of ending, but not with as much impact as I'd expect.

Was this movie watchable. Yes, I think so. I was just expecting so much more due to the buildup. The true measure is will I watch it again. I don't think so.

I just finished watching the premier of Hallmark Hall of Fame​'s "The Christmas Train". It was a sweet story, with a well crafted script. The main 4 leads were perfectly cast. Joan Cusack, while always a little bit corky, had me smiling throughout the whole film. The back and forth between the films love interests (Kimberly and Dermot) was quite charming. It was fun to watch how Danny Glover brought out the best in his co-stars. While the parallel side mystery, kept me engaged.

The only real issue I had, was that this film had a tendency to cut short quite a few scenes. Which also gave way to a few pacing issues. There were a couple times I found myself wondering, "did I miss something?" and "how did we get here?" Yet, even with these flaws, I still found "The Christmas Train" to be an enjoyable ride!

The Christmas Train although not a true Christmas classic, is more a drama/romance film that is still decent enough to hold most filmgoers attention for the films 99 minute duration. There is something about a bunch of strangers who meet on a train that captures one's imagination and I was asking myself (and asking Mrs. Shullivan too) wouldn't that be nice to be on that Christmas train?

Of course a 4 day, 3,000 mile trip aboard the Christmas train that the published author Tom Langdon (Dermot Mulroney) was taking, with his seperate cabin that included a full desk and bed is not something most of us could ever afford, but eh' it's a movie so keep dreaming right?

I digress. Tom meets quite a few eclectic characters aboard the Christmas train including a Hollywood director named Max Powers (Danny Glover) who happened to bring along his next films screen writer a woman named Eleanor Carter (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) . From this point on a story unfolds about many of the characters aboard the Christmas train including the background stories of Tom and Eleanor.

I wouldn't say this is one of my top ten films, nor is it one of my top 100 Christmas films, because other than the train itself being called the Christmas train because it reaches its 4 day destination for Tom and Eleanor on Christmas Day, there is more a dramatic and romantic storyline than a Christmas story. Throwing in a bit of snow also doesn't make it a Christmas story. It is a decent enough film and I will rate it 6 out of 10, but I think there should be an alternate title than the Christmas Train. The title is deceiving.

Review Date 7/15/2019

I have Reviewed OVER 500 "Christmas Films, & Christmas Television Movies , & Television Specials". Please BEWARE Of films and specials with just one review! For instance When "It's a POSITIVE" chances are that the reviewer was involved with the production. "If its Negative" then they may have a grudge against the film for whatever reason. I am fare. I am on a mission to watch every Christmas Movie ever produced. Since 2014 I average 100 a year.

In this film From Hallmark Hall of Fame comes a story about the journalist who embarks on a cross-country train ride at Christmas, having no idea this journey will take him into the rugged terrain of his own heart. He sees has past present and future in the eyes of his fellow passengers. Add a little Christmas Magic and you got a film worth seeing. The film is full of nice & clever surprises.

See it. It is one of the Best Hallmark Movies Made.