Lost Christmas

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 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.

Although we missed the original transmission, we have sat and watched this film as a family several times. A lovely heartwarming (but definitely not smoozy) tale. The soundtrack is clever and very atmospheric. Great performances, especially from Eddie Izzard. Although I am a big fan of Christmas and we all like Disney I have to say this film comes highly recommended as an antidote to the disneyfication of Christmas. I have even purchased the 'Happy Prince' by Oscar Wilde which forms part of the story - quite a surprise and very cheaply available on line. If you like Dickens you should like this. Also, check out the Manchester and Salford locations! Give it a try - I hope it is on TV next year and is more hyped - it went under our radar a bit but we did record the repeat.

First of all this is a "must see" Christmas movie, and that is because been a tale it becomes personal, and here you have a potentially really good movie. The story is the strongest point, it gives scattered hints or pieces of a puzzle that all come together at the end, and that is by far the best thing of this movie. Unfortunately, I think that everything else fell short, and was treated as a B-movie, from photography to editing down to the actors, that at the end, I feel ,did not performed at the level I would have expected. I really think that the ambiance of a movie is as important as the story itself, and probably taking this story back in time, in a more charming looking atmosphere, (like "The Extraordinary Adventures Of Adele Blanc"),adding a voice in the back that gives you more information about all the characters you meet, and definitely having a better editing and photography would have made this an all time "Classic Christmas Movie". But again watch it, it deserves it.

Lost Christmas is a sad, melancholy and twisted tale of damaged and seemingly unconnected people in the city of Manchester.

'Goose' is a 10 year old boy who on Christmas Eve hides his dad's car keys in the hope that he will not go to work at Christmas. His dad is a fireman.

However his mum drives him to work and both are killed in a car accident.

A year later, Goose is no longer the bright ten year old kid but a feral streetwise kid who is supporting his grandmother through petty crime.

A mysterious man appears out of nowhere. He calls himself Anthony, he has no recollection of who he is or where he came from. He can find things that are lost.

It sounds like a bleak tale for Christmas, particularly one aimed at families but it is a story about redemption and second chances.

Like a ripple on a pond cause by the throwing of a pebble, you find that the various tragedies that befalls the different characters are somehow interconnected.

Maybe Anthony can find some sort of solace for the lost people around him but can he turn back time?

It may lack the usual Christmas sentimentality that these types of films usually have but it also lacks the cynicism. Lost Christmas is realistic enough to connect with today's kids.