2022, Jim O'Hanlon (100 Streets) -- Amazon
James (Asa Butterfield, Ender's Game) and Hayley (Cora Kirk, The Devil's Light) are newly in love and heading off to their families for Xmas. James would love her to come along but understands how important it is for her to be with her family. As they each board their trains they are struck by a moment of spontaneity and jump to the other's train. At the same time. Not seeing the other do it. And so, Hayley ends up in the countryside and James in the small town of Macclesfield. Of note, as a non-Brit the town appeared to be more a deeply urban suburb of London, but that was because it was shot there, instead of the northwest town, near Manchester. It might be just evoking working class small towns. And while James ends up in a distinctly (lower?) middle-class rowhouses neighbourhood, Hayley has to find her way to.... a countryside estate. She did NOT know that James was "posh", and is in fact, royal. He is the son of the Earl of Gloucester.
Fishes out of water. Hayley left her phone on the train, and James instantly realizes they don't know about him (i.e. never told her family she has a BF) so by the time they contact each other, things are already strained, with a heavy dose of miscommunication. And then a snowstorm rolls in, cancelling all trains. Each is left to deal with what each family considers Xmas, and how each family handles guests. Hayley has to deal with an antiseptic, stodgy, uptight father and housemaid, the house showing no signs of Xmas anywhere, and there is sooooo much proper behaviour expected of Hayley. I never understand that standard of comedy, in that not-posh people cannot read the room, and know when to just be quiet and polite, but I guess that is supposed to reflect her upbringing, in that she just blathers on and on and on. And gets drunk and pokes her nose where she shouldn't. Meanwhile James gets stuck with bratty little brothers, a handsy aunt, lots of alcohol and a chaotic buzz of soooo much to do before Xmas day!
Of course, things always get worse before they get better but eventually the movie brings us all back together for Xmas day. And I mean everyone. Despite everyone taking trains from A to B, it seems no problem for Hayley's dad to hop in his ice cream truck and drive to James's estate. So, the two places must be only a few hours from each other? England's sense of distance is weird. Anywayz, they end up choosing Hayley's cramped little row house for the big Xmas gathering, which makes no sense but... whatever.
This is not Richard Curtis level of heart-warming comedy, but it is definitely a good romp. An all grown up Asa Butterfield is entirely believable as a posh lad, and Cora Kirk is fun. And I guess I don't have much else to say.
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