Lost Christmas

This is one of my personal favorite Christmas films. Emotional and poignant, it deals with themes of grief, redemption, and kindness. It's not really a children's movie, but definitely a family film. Adults, especially will appreciate the deeper meaning of a story that draws from the familiar and still feels fresh. This film harmonizes reality with magic in a way that feels believable, if only in spirit. I also love the musical score.

This has become a holiday classic for my family. Also, my all time favorite performance of Eddie Izzard who not only stars, but is also an executive producer of the film.

Reasonably well done. Pretty well acted with an originalish take on a Christmas Carol. Eddie Izzard did seem to be playing a toned down version of his stand up piece, and that led to the piece not knowing if it was serious or light hearted. The boy was excellent, as was the uncle, and as always, Geoffrey Palmer, despite his part being so small. The issue I had was the playing of the Grandmother's dementia for laughs. Putting the turkey in the washing machine, buttering Christmas cards; all showed a lack of respect, and most likely a team of writers who have no idea of the difficulties of the disease. It really spoiled an otherwise decent piece. Shame.

There will be those who are critical of the over simplified message of this film, those who feel that Eddie Izzard was not the right person to play the key role but I think that they are over complicating this.

A seasonal film that has you laughing, crying and puzzled in equal measure until the ending glues it all back together. So many threads that in the end all make sense and the parts played by Eddie Izzard, Jason Flemyng and Geoffrey Palmer are stand out for me. The young lad who plays Goose either is a natural, or took direction superbly.

There is only one section that is not researched well, and you will know it when you see it, but that is forgivable to an extent because the rest of the film is so good.

Deserves awards and should become a Christmas Classic every year from now on.

Enjoy it with a glass of wine, cuddled up on the couch with the kids and a box of tissues. Children over the age of 12 will understand all the themes, children under that age will still understand the main theme of the film.

There are big-budget films, ensemble cast films, epic stories told with vast artistic teams, and so on. Then there are films that tell the small stories of a small group or individual. Yes, perhaps their screenplays aren't as epic as the Old Testament, Dostoevsky, Shakespeare, or other literary giants, and their purpose isn't to change the world. But they settle into the viewer's heart and gently transform a multitude of little things within.

I purchased the DVD of this film in London, and upon my first arrival in Istanbul, I watched it before even unpacking my bags. It had "Christmas" in the title, starred Jason Flemyng and Eddie Izzard-that was enough for me. Besides, nobody knew about this film, so it would be my secret treasure.

After watching it, I fell in love with all the actors, even those in minor roles, the small stories it told, the Oscar Wilde references, and the music. Ever since, whenever I find myself in a period of boredom or ennui, I turn to this film.

I reached out to the film's writer, David Logan, and director, John Hay. John even connected me with David, as they were both delighted that their film had made such an impact on someone's life. I still cherish our iMessage and email exchanges. I also had the pleasure of conversing with Debbie Wiseman, the composer of the film's music.

I wish I had the chance to reach Larry Mills as well...

Why am I bringing all this up? Because such heartwarming films (and no, I'm not talking about the "feel-good" category, these are special films) are made by such special people.

In short, don't be fooled by the word "Christmas" in the title. This film is so much more. It's a testament to the power of small stories, the magic of human connection, and the enduring appeal of films that touch the heart. It's a reminder that even in the midst of life's chaos, there's always room for a little bit of warmth and wonder.

With all the hype about 'Lost Christmas' I came to it without high expectations, especially after seeing Eddie Izzard in previous dramas and not rating him that highly. However, in the role of the mysterious Anthony, a mystical man of magic without a sense of place, he seems to have found an ideal vehicle for his quirky talent.

We first meet Anthony when Frank (Jason Flemyng) comes across him on a deserted Manchester pavement where the lights mysteriously go on and off. Wearing a name badge on his coat, he has no memory of his life other than an ability to see what others have lost.

Tied in with Frank's story is that of the young thief Goose, who has still coming to terms with the horrible events of last Christmas, spending time with his dog, Mutt.

Taking some inspiration from 'The Christmas Carol' and 'It's a Wonderful Life', this drama weaves together a number of connected stories and situations over an hour and a half running time. It also has a satisfying, although not entirely joyful, twist.

This show could become an enduring classic of Christmas, and if it did, it would be deserved. Well worth a look.