Cast
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Dermot Mulroney
as Tom Langdon
Kimberly Williams-Paisley
as Eleanor Carter
Danny Glover
as Max Powers
Joan Cusack
as Agnes
Holly Dignard
as Lelia
Kirsten Zien
as Julie
Anthony Konechny
as Steve
Karen Holness
as Misty
Jill Teed
as Roxanne
Terence Kelly
as Higgins
John Innes
as John Kelly
Nelson Wong
as Kenny Kwan
Richard Ian Cox
as Slade
Jovanna Huguet
as Helen
Naika Toussaint
as Becky
Crew
Director
- Ron Oliver
Writer
- Neal H. Dobrofsky
- Tippi Dobrofsky
Producer
- Harvey Kahn
Reviews
r96sk
<em>'The Christmas Train'</em>, in short: Strong cast, lame plot. I did enjoy those onscreen, but I just didn't find any entertainment with the story - which, due to the ending (which I did see coming, but was hoping I was wrong), only gets less and less watchable. If you are wanting an Xmas train film, much better ones are out there - I'm looking at you, <em>'The Polar Express'</em> or even <em>'Last Train to Christmas'</em>.
Kimberly Williams-Paisley gives a positive showing, I'd say this is the best I've seen from her in the Hallmark world thus far. Dermot Mulroney and Danny Glover are good as well, though the latter's character is very dull. Joan Cusack is involved too. The support cast are decent too, usually in these sorta films the acting level is relatively low but here it's solid.
Unfortunately for those mentioned, the plot they are portraying just didn't hold my attention and I was rather bored; even if it isn't anything wholly 'bad', per se.
Dec 20, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Christmas Train examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Ron Oliver brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Christmas Train took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 98 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 37 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 841 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Christmas Train shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Train of Life, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Christmas Train offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Fireworks and Kontroll explore similar territory, The Christmas Train stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 25, 2017
- Runtime: 1h 38m
Where to Watch
