Um Natal Improvável

An interesting thing.

On the one hand 'This is Christmas' is ultra, military grade, extra mature cheddar cheese and I've rarely been as uncomfortable watching a scene as I was during the initial speech on the train by Alfred Enoch's Adam - that sorta stuff, fake positivity/togetherness, is just something that makes me cringe, I can't help it.

However, in fairness, the film actually manages to play it off well. I was fearing the worst at that aforementioned moment, though as the scenes go by the characters actually do feel like they are getting to know each other in a relatively believable way - therefore making the earlier cringe actually befitting, given it would initially be awkward.

The cast help the film come to life in that way. Alfred Enoch is good value in the lead role, as is Kaya Scodelario alongside. I wouldn't say they have amazing chemistry, but what's there is most definitely enough. Timothy Spall chews the heck out the scenery, but eventually his character's story is probably my standout - as he is predominantly joined onscreen by Jack Donoghue, who plays his role nicely. The rest of 'em? All decent.

It made me cringe early on, but I did end up liking and respecting the message that it sends. Overall, it's solid Xmas viewing.

Adam one day breaks the commuter code, and dares to speak to his fellow travellers, and worse, invites them to a Christmas party.

It's a gorgeous story of human interaction, human relationships, and I know it sounds horrendously corny, but the spirit of Christmas. Every single character is rich, deep and has a real story to tell.

I can relate, having commuted on a train for seven years of my life, and I truly get this story, maybe writer Alastair Galbraith used to do the daily commute.

It's a love story, it's a comedy, it's so much more than that, I found it rather an enchanting watch, I got into it straight away, and found the characters so rich.

What a cast list, what an astonishing wealth of British talent here, so many favourites, Timothy Spall, Kaya (glorious) Scodelario, Joanna Scanlan, Ben Miller and many more.

Alfred Enoch, fabulous, imagine that smile coming at you on a train, there's nothing you wouldn't agree to, he's such a lovely actor, such a different type of character for him to play, compare him in this to How to get away with murder.

Maybe the best thing I sat down to in Christmas 2022.

9/10.

Perhaps because I am British I find it easier to relate to the characters who are all superbly acted than I do in USA made movies. Great mix of characters and back stories made this a enjoyable movie to watch as a family.

Excellent cast of actors who made the characters come alive as the film progresses and made them all seem real. Yes the storyline between Adam and Emma is very predictable but it does not spoil the movie.

The whole movie seemed to be genuinely sincere and not too cheesy or over sentimental and not your usual Christmas movie.

Loved seeing the different London locations.

I highly recommend this movie.

Watched this not expecting much - I've watched Sky Original films before and been unimpressed.

Not sure what others are watching when criticising the lead actors... both natural and the chemistry is palpable.

Genuinely gives a warm fuzzy feeling, which is everything you need from a Christmas film! Definite strains of Love Actually, in the intertwined storyline, and even a little bit of "Pay it Forward" in the scenes on the train. All set against the backdrop of London at Christmas which is just magical - truly heartwarming!

Properly surprised, and enjoyed every minute of the film. Added to my list - Love Actually, Last Christmas, The Holiday, Gremlins, Polar Express and Disney's A Christmas Carol (the Jim Carrey one). Give it a go - if you're like me, and a sucker for a true feelgood, Christmas film, I don't think you'll be disappointed!

I am a big fan of Christmas movies and this is one of the better ones. While it has the requisite romance it also explores so much more- friendship in all of its variations, sorrow, regret and reconciliation. The entire cast is talented and attractive with interesting characters who have depth. And I very much enjoyed the music- the "band" is delightful.

Basically, this is every bit as warm and fuzzy as a typical Hallmark movie but with many more interesting characters that you learn to love. It's a sweet movie you can save for Christmas, but it really is a treat any time of year. You won't regret the time.