Okay, these films still woerk within the Christmas movie formula, but there have been various extra tropes that have become popular over the past decade or so. Instead of just focusing on a successful businesswoman holidaying in a small town where she falls for a man who spends his time looking ruggedly handsome and chopping trees (replanting at least two for each one he cuts down, of course), there are many films that have our lead character falling for a charming royal, spending time in a grand estate/castle, and/or being amusingly bamboozled and warmly welcomed by the residents of a small Scottish town. A Castle For Christmas is one of these films.
Brooke Shields plays Sophie, a very successful author who has just upset most of her fanbase by killing off a very popular character. Needing to get away from everything for a while, to keep away from the angry mob and spark her creativity again, Sophie heads to Scotland, visiting a castle that she remembers being a big part of her family many years ago. The good news is that the castle is up for sale. The bad news is that it is currently owned by a grump Duke named Miles (Cary Elwes). Sophie and Miles butt heads as they negotiate moving ahead with a sale that the latter doesn't really want to see through to completion, but there's also a spark of romance there.
Written by first-timer Ally Carter and the more experienced Kim Beyer-Johnson, A Castle For Christmas is absolutely everything you want/expect it to be. It allows the stars to shine, keeps things moving towards a very Christmassy finale (of course), and fills the screen with a number of supporting characters who see the reality of the central situation before our leads do. Director Mary Lambert knows what she needs to do, and she gets the job done, helped by a cast that approach the material with plenty of enthusiasm.
Shields has fun in her role, and gets to establish her character believably enough with an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show in the opening sequence (featuring a cameo from . . . Drew Barrymore). Elwes also has fun, his amusing grumpiness almost making up for his attempt to deliver his dialogue in a Scottish accent. Almost. The other good thing is that the two look well-suited to one another, and it's somewhat refreshing to watch this kind of tale based around a couple who are in their late fifties/early sixties (not that either Shields or Elwes look as rough as I will at that age). Lee Ross is good value as Thomas, a helper to the Duke, a tour guide, and general handyman, and extra fun comes from some local knitting club members who befriend our lead (the knitters played by Andi Osho, Tina Gray, Eilidh Loan, and Stephen Oswald).
It's quite bland and safe, as so many of these films are, but it's also good enough to make you smile and enjoy the distraction while you get everything prepared for your own festive celebrations. I've already watched it twice, because I first watched it last year and forgot to write up a review, and neither viewing made me resent giving it my time, although I should note that I didn't find it as enjoyable and cute to see the Drew Barrymore scenes this time around (considering her woeful lack of judgement during the recent major strike action).
6/10
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