This Is Christmas

I loved this film! I fully believe that we all have far more in common than that which separates us and this film truly represents that. It's a great reminder to smile at someone, to say hello, to be kind, and maybe make some new friends along the way. It has a Love Actually feel about it and it's just jumped to near the very top of my favourite Christmas films. The acting is lovely and feels genuine; it's a brilliantly picked cast. The settings are lovely. And the stories are, with a little bit of imagination, believable. It's really lovely. My heart is warm, and my eyes are happily crying. Beautiful!

This film was so beautiful with lots of little surprises along the way. It really highlighted the meaning of Christmas and the thoughtfulness of people. Alfred Enoch's acting felt a little stiff to begin with but then it seemed to flow and ease towards the middle and the end. Not sure if this was due to the editing. But Timothy Spall was outstanding and tugged at my heartstrings. Thoroughly enjoyed watching this with my husband. If you are looking for something a little different to watch this year then I highly recommend this movie. It is worthwhile taking a little break from the usual classics.

All round nice guy Alfred Enoch commutes to London each day with the same people and suggests that instead of travelling in silence they all get together for a Christmas party. He is supported in his quest by fellow commuter Kaya Scodelario and the two start falling for each other despite both already being attached. Rather sweet Christmassy film featuring an impressive array of character actors, particularly Timothy Spall as a lonely ex footballing legend and Joanna Scanlon as a quiet, sad wine shop owner coming to terms with a personal loss. It's all rather predictable and a little bit sentimental in place, but it is well acted, occasionally amusing and never gets too sickly. Pleasant enough, albeit unremarkable festive fun.

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.