El tren de la Navidad

A lower tier Hall of Fame caliber movie, but Hall of Fame worthy none the less. The cast was strong and the main actors well known and respected. Dermot Mulroney and Kimberly Williams Paisley made an attractive and likable couple. I personally find Danny Glover incredibly annoying, but I love Joan Cusack and enjoyed her role in this movie. The setting on the train to California? I loved it, but I'm prejudiced. I was lucky enough as a teen to travel from Chicago to Los Angeles on the El Capitan and The City of Los Angeles and back again during the Christmas Season. The plot was OK and benefited from being based on a David Baldacci book. The twist at the end really saved the story, though. After reading another reviewers comparison to the book, I really am considering reading the book upon which this was based.

Reviewing Hallmark Christmas movies are kind of a stupid hobby of mine, and I like to review the dreadful ones and the enjoyable ones or if I think I have something valuable to point out. I am jotting down a little review of this one because it's a cut above the usual.

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.

If any movie is 'the worst ever', where every line of dialogue and every plot point is terrible and watching this movie will have you hating all Christmas movies I have just one question. How could anyone who honestly feels this way sit through the entire film? I join most all reviews that find this Hallmark Christmas movie a fun, good natured, good hearted effort with a better then average cast and a unique setting. I like Dermot Mulroney who plays Tom and thought there was good chemistry between his 'Tom' and Kimberly Williams-Paisley who played his lost love Eleanor. Danny Glover had a major low key role which he easily delivered. Joan Cusack and the 'fortune' teller added some needed humor and a tad of mystery.

The finale added an interesting, appreciated twist. The setting, aboard a snow bound train was welcome. So tired of car breaks down, fish out of water stuck in small town plots. Overall, this was an above average, pleasant train ride

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.

Many reasons for see this short film ! From story, escaping from the classic recipe of Christmas film to performances ( a nice surprise remains the role of Joan Cusack ). But the precious gift is the work of Dermot Mulroney . It is his place and the his role. And the merit- in same measure- comes from his partners, first for Danny Glover and Kimberly William- Paisley . Result - a sort of Orient Express , the crime being remplaced, in lovely manner, by love.