Expectations were somewhat mixed for 'The Holiday Train'. Chad Michael Murray to me has come on quite a lot since his teenage heartthrob sort of roles in his earlier career, he's not been great in everything but he has been watchable more often than not. Will confess to not being a fan of Cindy Busby, she has a real tendency to play unlikeable characters that are very similar to each other and her approach to the characters are similar too. The concept was quite nice and Lifetime did have some worthwhile ones in 2021, 'Christmas Movie Magic' springing to mind.
'The Holiday Train' is definitely one of the worthwhile 2021 Lifetime films for me. 2021 was very hit and miss for Christmas films and for Lifetime, but 'The Holiday Train' is one of the better ones. Can see why some will not like it and it does have issues that stop it from being a classic (never expect a classic with this company), but there was the expectation of it being a pleasant enough watch at least and to me it succeeded at that absolutely. Can see why others liked it as well.
It is agreed absolutely that Busby does overdo the perkiness and borders on being too hyper in places. The story is formulaic and holds few surprises, one can see the too convenient ending (even when knowing what to expect but secretly hoping that it would do something different) from some way off.
Did think that it was a little bit of a slow starter, complete with some pretty ropey dialogue.
However, a lot is good about 'The Holiday Train'. Busby, despite some issues, is less annoying than usual and gives one of her better 2021 performances as she does have a lot of charming moments. Did like the laid back, easy going confidence of Murray and the two have genuine chemistry that does have a sweetly romantic vibe. Kate Trotter is classy support, with zest and sympathetic edge. Callum Shoniker is cute and not too cutesy or bratty. The characters on the whole were worth connecting with, though Busby's hyperactivity did make her character not easy to warm to to begin with.
Production values are pleasing. It's not too drab or garish in photography, the editing didn't seem rushed or disorganised and the scenery has a real charm to it. Loved the trains, that were like their own characters. The dialogue has flow and doesn't get too cheesy or too schmaltzy generally once the film got going. The story on the whole is light hearted and heart warming.
Nice film if not mind blowing. 7/10.
