Last Train to Christmas

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.