This Is Christmas

I'm so frustrated by all of the hyperbolic reviews on IMDB these days; 1's & 10's are very rare in movies. This is neither. I'd give it a 6.75 but, I'm rounding up. We haven't had a decent new Christmas movie in a while and this is just that. The plot is sweet without being treacle. The acting and directing are good; not great. The ensemble chemistry is charming. And the script is predictable in the way we want our holiday movies to be. This isn't Love Actually but, it isn't Hallmark or Lifetime either. It is a nice movie that made me smile. If you like warm and fuzzy during the holidays, then this is for you.

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.

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.

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.

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.