Here’s your new best Christmas movie, hands down

We are just entering the oft-muddled plethora of feel good, sentimental, slightly sappy holiday movies, which seem to come at us this time of year like a herd of army ants marching toward a piece of fallen hamburger.

Some of these movies are a little cheesy, some a bit predictable, and some just downright unwatchable, but most, truth be told and obviously it is viewer discretion here are usually pretty entertaining. 

You can’t watch them all, of course, but sometimes out of sheer luck (and the wife’s recommendation) you stumble on a real winner. So, for your reading (and soon-to-be-viewing) pleasure, I will give you what I think is the best “new“ Christmas movie of the year…at least so far. 

It is called “This Is Christmas,” available streaming and on IMBd.

Ok, truth in advertising, it is not really a “new” movie, as it apparently was released in 2022, but honestly, how many amongst us have ever heard of “This Is Christmas,” let alone actually watched it?

 For those who haven’t seen it…you are in for a real treat.

It’s a rom-com that has some depth and feeling to it, with a cast of characters that all get their time to shine.  It has that “Love Actually” ensemble feel, and if you are a fan of “Love Actually,” you definitely want to see this film.  If you haven’t seen “Love Actually,” then feel the shame, and put that immediately on your must-watch holiday movie list. Such a great movie on so many levels.

But back to the movie at hand.

“This Is Christmas” is pure delight. It centers around a group of strangers who ride the same train every day. Following the famous saying," There is no such thing as strangers, just friends you haven’t met’, lead actor Alfred Enoch as Adam has an idea that might give a boost to his small, struggling marketing firm, and at the same time find a way to get all these strangers (who never talk to each other) a way to get to know each other.

He stands up one day on the train and announces to all that he is throwing a Christmas party for everyone on the train. Silence follows, then blank stares. Of course, all these strangers who previously have been silent partners in this train ride don’t exactly jump to the idea. 

One who does, though, is co-lead Kayla Scodelario as Emma, who is both fascinated with the idea of the party, and somewhat, at least at first, fascinated with Adam. 

The story goes from there, as we learn a little about the lives of the different train passengers and, slowly but surely, some real bonding occurs between the previously complete strangers. The message of the movie is beautifully but subtly pulled out as we discover the benefits of at least making an attempt to get to know people in our domain who we may never have even attempted to before.   

In fact, the final line of the movie sums it up best: “Just say hello.”

The romance between Adam and Emma is a slow stir. Both are in less-than- ideal relationships, and it takes most of the movie before they discover that their real connection is with each other. Corresponding bumps and bruises happen along the way. 

Timothy Spall does a great supporting actor job as an older gentleman, removed from his family and lonely, before the train gang finds out he was once a renowned soccer star back in his younger days.

Certain actors or actresses can just shine on the screen, with a natural charisma even in roles that don’t call for any particular dramatics. Such is the case for young Jack Donoghue, who captures some screen magic playing Dean, a struggling youngster who gains confidence through his growing train of friends connections. Keep an eye on Donoghue, as he has that “it” factor that all great actors have. 

The movie culminates in a big feel-good party (a surprise because Adam decides he no longer wants to do it), and of course Emma shows up at the last moment, leaving her boyfriend, who is moving to Chicago for business,  and choosing Adam instead. It’s a perfect ending to complete this feel-good movie.

Overall, it is just a really enjoyable watch, with a message that actually has some substance that might linger with you (at least for a few days).

The best compliment I can give is that after watching it, you will walk away fully satisfied like finishing a good meal, with a happy tummy and a smile on your face.