78 opiniones
People don't recommend movies to me very often; I think they assume that I've probably seen everything already. One of my friends though asked me to watch "Last Train to Christmas" as he'd seen it, and he wasn't sure what to think of it. I agreed, assuming that, as it's bundled with a lot of other Sky produced releases this festive period, that it would be light Christmas froth. It certainly wasn't that.
In 1985, Nottingham based empresario Tony Towers (Michael Sheen) boards a train home from London, with his fiancé Sue (Nathalie Emmanuel), brother Roger (Cary Elwes) and his wife Paula (Katherine Kelly). The brother's relationship is strained as Tony plans to a risky strategy of opening a number of clubs across the East Midlands. As Tony looks for the buffet section, he walks to the next carriage and inexplicably finds himself in 1995. In shabby clothes, he comes to learn that the clubs have failed, and he is near destitute. Tony discovers that each carriage on the train is a different decade in his life and he can change aspects in his own past. Despite the best of intentions though, the changes often have unforeseen consequences.
Again, I came to this one expecting light Christmas comedy, akin perhaps to something like the "Nativity" films. The opening scenes tend to support that idea too. Sheen is sporting a comedy mullet, his sparring with his brother and sister-in-law is fun, though with a little edge to it. The longer the films runs though, the darker the storyline gets, as family secrets are exposed, characters come and go from the story and none of Tony's changes turn out as planned. I see from some of the other reviews, that people struggled to follow the storyline. I can't say that was a problem for me, but I was surprised as it kept expanding and we saw further and further back into Tony's life.
Sheen is brilliant in everything, and there's a capable cast surrounding him. Some characters get more screen time than others, but Cary Elwes is excellent too. I live in the East Midlands. I think it's a really hard accent to nail without drifting too far North and becoming Yorkshire and I think, though not perhaps note perfect, both actors do a good job of landing it. There are aspects of the recreations that I liked, particularly when it comes to the train itself and despite not being a real comedy, there are regular funny moments.
Why not a higher score then? It too has been said in other reviews, but it's the ending for me. I don't need every film I see wrapped up in a nice little Christmas bow, but I felt the journey that Tony went on warranted a less ambiguous happy ending than the one we got. (I do have a specific one in mind, but I want to keep the review spoiler free).
That issue aside, I felt that "Last Train to Christmas" was an interesting and moving film that I wasn't expecting at all and am still thinking about days later.
In 1985, Nottingham based empresario Tony Towers (Michael Sheen) boards a train home from London, with his fiancé Sue (Nathalie Emmanuel), brother Roger (Cary Elwes) and his wife Paula (Katherine Kelly). The brother's relationship is strained as Tony plans to a risky strategy of opening a number of clubs across the East Midlands. As Tony looks for the buffet section, he walks to the next carriage and inexplicably finds himself in 1995. In shabby clothes, he comes to learn that the clubs have failed, and he is near destitute. Tony discovers that each carriage on the train is a different decade in his life and he can change aspects in his own past. Despite the best of intentions though, the changes often have unforeseen consequences.
Again, I came to this one expecting light Christmas comedy, akin perhaps to something like the "Nativity" films. The opening scenes tend to support that idea too. Sheen is sporting a comedy mullet, his sparring with his brother and sister-in-law is fun, though with a little edge to it. The longer the films runs though, the darker the storyline gets, as family secrets are exposed, characters come and go from the story and none of Tony's changes turn out as planned. I see from some of the other reviews, that people struggled to follow the storyline. I can't say that was a problem for me, but I was surprised as it kept expanding and we saw further and further back into Tony's life.
Sheen is brilliant in everything, and there's a capable cast surrounding him. Some characters get more screen time than others, but Cary Elwes is excellent too. I live in the East Midlands. I think it's a really hard accent to nail without drifting too far North and becoming Yorkshire and I think, though not perhaps note perfect, both actors do a good job of landing it. There are aspects of the recreations that I liked, particularly when it comes to the train itself and despite not being a real comedy, there are regular funny moments.
Why not a higher score then? It too has been said in other reviews, but it's the ending for me. I don't need every film I see wrapped up in a nice little Christmas bow, but I felt the journey that Tony went on warranted a less ambiguous happy ending than the one we got. (I do have a specific one in mind, but I want to keep the review spoiler free).
That issue aside, I felt that "Last Train to Christmas" was an interesting and moving film that I wasn't expecting at all and am still thinking about days later.
- southdavid
- 28 dic 2021
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- Prismark10
- 20 dic 2021
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- tonyspencer-13158
- 20 ene 2022
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- duncan88
- 19 dic 2021
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There is no doubt, there are elements of some classic Christmas films used in last train to Christmas. Whether it be a Christmas Carol, It's a wonderful life and a touch of sliding doors thrown in. First and foremost this is Michael Sheen's film. He is in every scene playing same person at various stages of his life had things turned out different between himself and his brother/nephew.
There is plenty to enjoy here with some enjoyable cameo appearances from the likes of Hayley Mills, John Thompson and Phyllis Logan. The only disappointment which stops me from giving it a higher mark, was the confusing ending. 7/10.
There is plenty to enjoy here with some enjoyable cameo appearances from the likes of Hayley Mills, John Thompson and Phyllis Logan. The only disappointment which stops me from giving it a higher mark, was the confusing ending. 7/10.
- peterrichboy
- 18 dic 2021
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Some wonderful acting and period details overshadowed by the multiple timelines which do, on occasion, become a bit confusing. I really enjoyed the first hour or so then felt the film lost its way with confusing jumps over a 50 year period. I thought the ending was ok though I can understand why many would find it frustrating.
- murada1967
- 19 dic 2021
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Time travelling drama set on a train. A successful nightclub owner boards a train with his wife and brother. He discovers that as he moves forward along the train, he also moves forward in time.
Stars Michael Sheen and Carey Elwes.
A low budget film, seems more appropriate for TV. The plot is like an extended episode of the Twilight Zone. I think Michael Sheen should probably be above such things now but it's an interesting movie concept about time travel, love and destiny.
Stars Michael Sheen and Carey Elwes.
A low budget film, seems more appropriate for TV. The plot is like an extended episode of the Twilight Zone. I think Michael Sheen should probably be above such things now but it's an interesting movie concept about time travel, love and destiny.
- CrazyArty
- 24 dic 2021
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Having just watched this I'm left a bit annoyed. The film starts out well enough and it has some good moments, but the ending is terrible and it makes no sense.
This is a shame because overall I thought this was ok.
This is a shame because overall I thought this was ok.
- phil-83737
- 26 dic 2021
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Didn't know what to expect with this, I just saw the picture with the dreadful mullet but I love Michael Sheen. I wasn't disappointed. It was a different idea but really good. It's not an overly Christmassy film but it's got the essence of what Christmas is about, love and family. Michael Sheen is brilliant as always.
- saratonkinson
- 17 dic 2021
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- kris-gray
- 18 dic 2021
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Starts well and the cinematography is excellent as the decades change but the story is weak and it just loses its way. Michael Sheen's acting is the saving grace as he delivers a great performance.
- xpeebiex
- 25 dic 2021
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I watched this primarily as it was a Michael Sheen film and it promised some nostalgia. As always Sheen was excellent but the whole piece was very well done with a strong supporting performance from Cary Elwes. Nathalie Emmanuel also shone. The film was well crafted and despite its fantastical storyline it held together remarkably well. There was a great attention to detail and the cinematography and use of light in particular was such that I was convinced at one point that we were back in the 1980's. Overall it was well worth a viewing with entertaining and touching moments and a good heart and soul at its centre. Nice to see a Simon Aldred song get an outing at the end as well.
- csm-78119
- 23 dic 2021
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- Tabb89
- 21 dic 2021
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This isn't the upbeat fun Christmas film I was expecting, in fact, I'm not sure that it even needed to be set at Christmas. Perhaps they were trying something new, as I'm always hoping they will with seasonal films, but it didn't have enough Christmas going on for my tastes and the time travel and cause and effects that occurred were never really explained. Was it magic, technology or was it some form of dementia, as Mr Sheen looked back over his years?
Michael is his usual brilliant self, as he gives a great performance in the lead role and the supporting cast are all very good too, Cary Elwes was completely unrecognisable.
'Game Of Thrones'' Missandei has come a long way from 'Hollyoaks' too, she's actually a very good actress now and does well in her role.
I personally loved the nostalgic touches. It was great to see an old Woolworths carrier bag, Hooch Lemonade and Now albums that took me back. I could also recognise elements of my parents past too, but I'm not sure that everybody would understand the references, people don't seem to look back very much anymore. There's a lot of "How am I supposed to know? It was before I was born!" I hope that I am wrong and people can enjoy these thoughtful touches.
I did find that the chronology was a bit confusing, as you don't know which year he has gone back or forward to, because he's always changed something and there's no obvious explanation as to what was happening to him next or what effect he had made straight away. I also found the ending confusing? How does he fill in the gaps having reached the destination?
Overall, it wasn't really my thing, a bit too gritty and real for me, but I can see that it's been thought about, even down to the different film or filters used to match the various eras. I would have just liked a bit more clarity.
519.71/1000.
Michael is his usual brilliant self, as he gives a great performance in the lead role and the supporting cast are all very good too, Cary Elwes was completely unrecognisable.
'Game Of Thrones'' Missandei has come a long way from 'Hollyoaks' too, she's actually a very good actress now and does well in her role.
I personally loved the nostalgic touches. It was great to see an old Woolworths carrier bag, Hooch Lemonade and Now albums that took me back. I could also recognise elements of my parents past too, but I'm not sure that everybody would understand the references, people don't seem to look back very much anymore. There's a lot of "How am I supposed to know? It was before I was born!" I hope that I am wrong and people can enjoy these thoughtful touches.
I did find that the chronology was a bit confusing, as you don't know which year he has gone back or forward to, because he's always changed something and there's no obvious explanation as to what was happening to him next or what effect he had made straight away. I also found the ending confusing? How does he fill in the gaps having reached the destination?
Overall, it wasn't really my thing, a bit too gritty and real for me, but I can see that it's been thought about, even down to the different film or filters used to match the various eras. I would have just liked a bit more clarity.
519.71/1000.
- adamjohns-42575
- 23 dic 2021
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This was much better than I thought it was going to be, based on the other reviews I read here.
Like all time travel movies, there are flaws, but it was a good story about fate and destiny, one that was very well acted. Not Oscar material, sure, but worth 110 minutes of your life.
Like all time travel movies, there are flaws, but it was a good story about fate and destiny, one that was very well acted. Not Oscar material, sure, but worth 110 minutes of your life.
- Apalerwuss
- 6 ene 2022
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Honestly it took me some time to get an idea what was happening in this Michael Sheen starring drama.
Sheen playing Tony Towers, owner of numerous nightclubs somewhere in England is travelling to his family place in Nottingham for Christmas via Train with her young partner Sue (Natalie Emmanuel) and his brother Roger (Cary Elwes). Strange things start to happen once he changes compartments within the train. Soon he realizes that while moving from one bogie to another he's time travelling. This is the part which took me a while to understand. Whatever decision he take in a compartment (past/future/present) will have an impact on the rest of his life. The whole movie post that is about making choices in one part of the train and witnessing its impact then and there in another part. Similar to back to the future trilogy but in train.
If you're into festive drama with a touch of fantasy, try this.
Sheen playing Tony Towers, owner of numerous nightclubs somewhere in England is travelling to his family place in Nottingham for Christmas via Train with her young partner Sue (Natalie Emmanuel) and his brother Roger (Cary Elwes). Strange things start to happen once he changes compartments within the train. Soon he realizes that while moving from one bogie to another he's time travelling. This is the part which took me a while to understand. Whatever decision he take in a compartment (past/future/present) will have an impact on the rest of his life. The whole movie post that is about making choices in one part of the train and witnessing its impact then and there in another part. Similar to back to the future trilogy but in train.
If you're into festive drama with a touch of fantasy, try this.
- shashank_1501
- 4 ene 2024
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- joachimokeefe
- 20 dic 2021
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- mwareham-13125
- 23 dic 2021
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"Last Train to Christmas" is not a conventional Christmas movie. It's more like Scrooge meets the Twilight Zone. It forces its central character (Sheen) to confront the consequences of his life choices with a level of horror not seen since Alastair Sim threw himself, prostrate, on his own grave, in 1951's "Christmas Carol," begging death for another chance.
In addition to Sheen's great performance the movie tours us through several decades of hair, fashion, hand held electronics and the decor of British Rail.
In addition to Sheen's great performance the movie tours us through several decades of hair, fashion, hand held electronics and the decor of British Rail.
- tim-783
- 21 dic 2021
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- jamesdeberesford-1
- 21 dic 2021
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Sky have a had a run of good self made movies of late but this wasn't one.
In fairness the acting was the redeeming feature, they were all pretty spot on, as you'd expect from such a talented cast.
This isn't really a Christmas movie, apart from people occasionally bringing up its Christmas which feels forced for the dialog, or bits of Christmas music the plot could be any time of year(s)
Felt like trying to go for some sort of feature length black mirror vibe with some sliding doors thrown in, and it just didn't land for me.
The plot line starts off with a good concept but loses itself further it goes on, and the last 20 minutes are odd and kill the let bit of interest I had. I didn't really laugh at any point and had no feelings about any of the characters of their arch (if you could say they had one). The end just left me feeling like I'd wasted 2 hours of my life and filed under won't watch again.
In fairness the acting was the redeeming feature, they were all pretty spot on, as you'd expect from such a talented cast.
This isn't really a Christmas movie, apart from people occasionally bringing up its Christmas which feels forced for the dialog, or bits of Christmas music the plot could be any time of year(s)
Felt like trying to go for some sort of feature length black mirror vibe with some sliding doors thrown in, and it just didn't land for me.
The plot line starts off with a good concept but loses itself further it goes on, and the last 20 minutes are odd and kill the let bit of interest I had. I didn't really laugh at any point and had no feelings about any of the characters of their arch (if you could say they had one). The end just left me feeling like I'd wasted 2 hours of my life and filed under won't watch again.
- GpCapt_Lionel_Mandrake
- 20 dic 2021
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- mind-06463
- 17 dic 2021
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"Last Train to Christmas" has an interesting concept, but it is far too sad and grim to be a Christmas film. It focuses on past regrets and mistaken decisions. The further the plot goes, the sadder it becomes. If it wasn't a Christmas film, it would have worked.
- Gordon-11
- 20 feb 2022
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Having actually lived through the 90s this show took me back.
Spot on in every detail except one.
In 1995 the chances of seeing two fat girls on a train were virtually zero.
Back in 1995 most people were a healthy weight and within healthy BMI.
Seeing fat people was actually quite rate and they stood out.
Since 1996 the child hood obesity of 3.4 %has risen to over 22% If anyone watches old TV show The Professionals you will see how 28 inch waists on men were the norm in the 70s.
Spot on in every detail except one.
In 1995 the chances of seeing two fat girls on a train were virtually zero.
Back in 1995 most people were a healthy weight and within healthy BMI.
Seeing fat people was actually quite rate and they stood out.
Since 1996 the child hood obesity of 3.4 %has risen to over 22% If anyone watches old TV show The Professionals you will see how 28 inch waists on men were the norm in the 70s.
- petemcphee2
- 2 ene 2022
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I can't say I was impressed by Last Train To Christmas. It started rather promising, a bit intriguing, but in the end it was just too confusing at times. Too much going back and forth, which wasn't good for the story. The acting was okay though and that from almost everyone. The duration of the movie was also a bit too long, it felt a bit boring towards the end. I guess as a tv-movie it would be okay, but it's just not my kind of soup.
- deloudelouvain
- 26 dic 2021
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