As someone who has grown up watching romantic comedies, I must admit that “Love Actually” holds a special place in my heart. However, after watching “That Christmas,” I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for both films.
Richard Curtis has created numerous films set during holidays, ranging from “Blackadder’s Christmas Carol” to the 2023 movie “Genie” on Peacock. Among these, his most recognized holiday production is the 2003 romantic-comedy “Love Actually,” which he both wrote and directed. Nevertheless, a film’s fame doesn’t necessarily equate to universal adoration.
Richard Curtis contributed to Netflix’s latest animated Christmas movie titled “That Christmas“. Since he was part of the project, the animators playfully hinted at him about “Love Actually” without his knowledge. This subtle reference suggests that perhaps Richard Curtis may not hold “Love Actually” in as high regard as others do.
Richard Curtis Had No Idea About the Love Actually Reference
Netflix’s fresh holiday movie titled “That Christmas” is inspired by three children’s books penned by Richard Curtis: “That Christmas“, “The Empty Stocking“, and “Snow Day“. Since Curtis wasn’t directing this film, the animators cleverly managed to incorporate a nod to his previous work, “Love Actually” within the movie “That Christmas“.
In a particular moment, kids are talking about traditions they aren’t fond of during Christmastime. One kid queries if anyone enjoys an older holiday movie. As a television is on, the well-known scene from “Love Actually” unfolds where Andrew Lincoln expresses his affection towards Keira Knightley using posters. However, another child replies that they dislike this old Christmas film.
During an interview with Polygon, Richard Curtis playfully commented that the animators unexpectedly incorporated a reference into ‘That Christmas’. He mentioned, “I thought it would be a scene from some dreary, black-and-white American film.” However, he found his own movie in the mix and couldn’t object, because if they consider it a dull and old-fashioned Christmas movie, then perhaps it is.
Did Love Actually Deserve the Jab?
Some individuals consider “Love Actually” a timeless Christmas tradition due to its large cast including actors such as Hugh Grant and Liam Neeson, interwoven storylines leading up to the festive season, and its romantic themes that many find uplifting during the holiday period. Consequently, it is not uncommon for some to regard this film as a cherished Christmas classic, and they might take exception to the idea of “Love Actually” being labeled as a dull or uneventful Christmas movie.
Some might admire the courage of the animators of “That Christmas” for labeling “Love Actually” overrated. This is because romantic comedies often divide audiences, and the multiple interconnected plots in “Love Actually” can be overwhelming for some viewers who might prefer a less complex film. Also, Richard Curtis’ British humor, as seen in his creation of Mr. Bean, may not appeal to all viewers, meaning they might not find the jokes in “Love Actually” as funny as intended.
In a playful twist, animators cleverly slipped in a witty nod to the movie “Love Actually,” even managing to bypass the watchful eye of its creator, Richard Curtis. Not every director would appreciate such humor, but Curtis’s positive response indicates that it was all done in good spirits. The joke might be about the children not being fond of the film, but the reference itself adds a charming touch and ensures that this two-decade-old production will continue to resonate for years to come.
‘That Christmas’ Is the Perfect Spiritual Successor to Love Actually
Lovers of the movie “Love Actually” will find themselves drawn to “That Christmas”, especially if they’re seeking a film suitable for family viewing. Both films share commonalities, such as intricately woven plotlines and Richard Curtis’s distinctive storytelling style. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that despite these similarities, there are significant differences between the two movies. Primarily, “That Christmas” is tailored for a younger audience.
In the spirit of Christmas, the film “That Christmas” diverts attention from lovey-dovey relationships and instead highlights the bond between family members. Unlike films such as “Love Actually,” which delves into romantic encounters during Christmastime, “That Christmas” focuses on the heartwarming preparations for the holiday season by families and their children. While there are a sprinkling of romantic scenes in “That Christmas,” they are not overly sentimental or overpowering, making it an enjoyable watch for those who find traditional romance movies too sappy. Furthermore, “That Christmas” carries a magical charm, as Santa makes an appearance at some point within the movie.
In the movie, a snowstorm forces changes in the town’s holiday celebrations, located by the sea. Since the weather prevents travel in or out of the area, both Santa and the locals need to adapt their Christmas preparations. The story unfolds with several subplots, including five children joining forces to create a unique Christmas experience while their parents are away, Santa lending tools to enable the kids to continue their activities, and two youngsters realizing they have feelings for each other amidst the wintry chaos.
Although not everyone might enjoy this Christmas movie with a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 58%, it does boast an intriguing ensemble cast lending their voices to the characters. Brian Cox, famously known for his role in Succession, takes on Santa, while Bill Nighy from Richard Curtis movies like Love Actually portrays Lighthouse Bill. Jodie Whittaker, who stars in Doctor Who, plays Mrs. Williams. To top it off, the film includes an original song by Ed Sheeran. As of now, you can stream this Christmas movie on Netflix.
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2024-12-10 02:31