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.

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.

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.

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 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.