Is it Oscar worthy? No. Is it just the right amount of cheesy for a Christmas movie? Yes. Worth at least once viewing, the rom com story is expected and heartwarming. The acting is decent enough and the leads have a surprising amount of chemistry.
258 Reviews
On the bonnie, bonnie banks Of Lock Lomond...
toddsgraham26 November 2021
Though predictable and formulaic, 'A Castle for Christmas' is entertaining nonetheless with some beautiful cinematography, appealing performances, and some lovely Scottish Christmas music and celebrations. From the snow-covered Scottish countryside, along with the beautifully decorated castle, to traditional Scottish dance and song, plus a cute dog named Hamish to boot, the film has a pleasing Christmas feel to it, which most will enjoy. The story follows Sophie Brown (played by Brooke Shields), a best-selling author whose most recent book has caused a bit of a scandal. After an on-air meltdown, she travels to Scotland partly to flee her readers' fury and partly to reconnect with her family roots. While visiting Dun Dunbar Castle, the place where he grandparents were groundskeepers, she meets Myles (played by Cary Elwes), the 12th Duke of Dunbar, who reluctantly agrees to sell the castle to her under the condition she lives with him at the castle for 90 days. And so, our story begins as we watch these two butt heads all the while embarking on a discovery that neither was expecting nor bargained for. The script is unoriginal but enjoyable. To be fair, one of the reasons why Christmas movies are so popular is because of their highly formulaic and predictable plots. We all need some comfort food from time to time. The dialogue and banter are pretty good. And though I did not have a laugh-out-loud moment, I did find myself chuckle a few times. There also were some touching movements here and there where I might even have shed a tear or two. The romance in this one centers on an older couple, as opposed to 30 somethings, which was refreshing. The script does a pretty good job of reflecting and highlighting this as well. The acting, overall, was excellent. Shields had an impressive performance as Sophie Brown. Elwes, who many will remember from the 'The Princess Bride', also had a strong performance. The chemistry between the two was great and, more importantly, convincing. Indeed, they had a nice back-and-forth (banter and comedic flirtation), which was engaging and entertaining. The knitters of Dunbar all had lovely performances too. And I can't forget Hamish, the dog who played matchmaker in this story. If you are looking for something warm and light, with a touch of Scottish holiday cheer, 'A Castle for Christmas' might be the Christmas rom-com for you.
I Actually Enjoyed this Rom-Com Cheez Fest! ;D
midnitepantera2 December 2021
I normally HATE these types of movies, But... I Do Love Brooke Shields (and glad to see she is just as Lovely in her 50's WITHOUT having bowed to Hollywood pressure to destroy her Natural Beauty and destroy her face with fillers and botox and scary surgery) and Then I do Love Castles too! ;D
It's a cute, cheezy movie with a lot of heart and Christmas spirit and the dog helped it score an extra point from me. Just Adorable!
It's a cute, cheezy movie with a lot of heart and Christmas spirit and the dog helped it score an extra point from me. Just Adorable!
who the HELL are the Donatellis?!
Siobhan748528 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
We accurately predicted a few of the main things that happen in this movie very quickly - like who the love interest of the main character would be and how the two characters (Myles and Sophie) would grow close. It is very cringey and predictable - Myles' dog takes an instant liking to Sophie even though very strangely "he doesn't normally like strangers" and Sophie remarks that she will have no reason to go into Myles' bedroom to which we said "bet she does end up in there". Lol.
Everything WAS predictable up until a man and a woman show up to check into the hotel that some of the main characters work or frequent at. The woman scours out the place and then gives the name of Donatelli. We theorised that one of them was the ex wife/husband of either Myles of Sophie, coming to throw a spanner in the works. But nothing happens with them. Who are they?! What was the purpose of their scene?! Why were they checking into this hotel?! Why were they offered/do they take the Christmas Romance package; champagne in the evening, breakfast in bed, all the Netflix you can binge?! I simply cannot rest until I have the answers to all of these questions.
Very cheesy film, we laughed quite a bit, especially when Sophie and Myles almost kiss and Sophie looks like she's eating his breath, followed by an awkward handshake/hug where she proceeds to smell his ear. Rewound that a few times.
*Update - I can now rest easily as I found out that the two mysterious characters are from "The Christmas Switch", so it's supposed to be a crossover. Still, not everyone has seen these movies (including me) so it just comes across random and makes things confusing. Should've been made a bit more obvious I.e by way of making a few more references and indicating the existence of the other movies.
Everything WAS predictable up until a man and a woman show up to check into the hotel that some of the main characters work or frequent at. The woman scours out the place and then gives the name of Donatelli. We theorised that one of them was the ex wife/husband of either Myles of Sophie, coming to throw a spanner in the works. But nothing happens with them. Who are they?! What was the purpose of their scene?! Why were they checking into this hotel?! Why were they offered/do they take the Christmas Romance package; champagne in the evening, breakfast in bed, all the Netflix you can binge?! I simply cannot rest until I have the answers to all of these questions.
Very cheesy film, we laughed quite a bit, especially when Sophie and Myles almost kiss and Sophie looks like she's eating his breath, followed by an awkward handshake/hug where she proceeds to smell his ear. Rewound that a few times.
*Update - I can now rest easily as I found out that the two mysterious characters are from "The Christmas Switch", so it's supposed to be a crossover. Still, not everyone has seen these movies (including me) so it just comes across random and makes things confusing. Should've been made a bit more obvious I.e by way of making a few more references and indicating the existence of the other movies.
Your usual holiday hallmark type movie
babycakes-4526927 November 2021
Nothing spectacular, your usual hallmark type Christmas holiday romantic drama. I did like the chemistry between Brooke and Cary, I would love to see them do more together in another type movie. The dog was super adorable! If you are in the mood for a hallmark easy watch I highly suggest it. Happy Holidays!
No just no
szxykgfg1 December 2021
This movie was one of the most cringe I've ever seen. Idk what happened but it's an insult to the scottish people tbh. It's so bad that you need to laugh all the way through.
The only good part about this is the cute dog tbh. He saved this one.
The only good part about this is the cute dog tbh. He saved this one.
I really enjoyed this film
lisafordeay27 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Brooke Shields and Cary Elwes star in this predictable rom com. Directed by Mary Lambert(who directed the original Pet Sematary) the synopsis is as follows. A best selling author named Sophie Brown(Shields) is going through a hard time since her divorce and decides to travel to Edinburgh Scotland to clear her head. From there she stumbles across an old castle called Dunbury that was once owned by a Duke. Sophie is so fascinated with the castle,she meets a disgruntled Duke named Myles(Elwes) who is trying to sell the castle. At first the two don't get along,but like in every rom com the two fall in love. Will Sophie and Myles get together in the end ? Well you have see the film for yourself.
Overall I enjoyed it. It was nice seeing Cary Elwes in a Netflix film as I know him from the likes of The Princess Bride, Ella Enchanted,Liar Liar and Quest For Camelot(he voiced Garrett in that film). Brooke was likeable too. If you enjoyed Leap Year (parts of this reminds me of it for some strange reason)than you'll like it.
Keep your eyes peeled for Drew Barrymore and two actors from The Princess Switch .
Overall I enjoyed it. It was nice seeing Cary Elwes in a Netflix film as I know him from the likes of The Princess Bride, Ella Enchanted,Liar Liar and Quest For Camelot(he voiced Garrett in that film). Brooke was likeable too. If you enjoyed Leap Year (parts of this reminds me of it for some strange reason)than you'll like it.
Keep your eyes peeled for Drew Barrymore and two actors from The Princess Switch .
Who are the Donatelli's?!
dougstar9420 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
It's driving me mad. This films awful. But who are the mysterious, overly suspicious couple who check in half way through the movie then are never mentioned and not in it again?
"Yes we will..." What's the name "Donatelli" Then nothing.... Is it a sequel??! It makes no sense.
"Yes we will..." What's the name "Donatelli" Then nothing.... Is it a sequel??! It makes no sense.
Fabulously cheesy
hzgvgnt2 December 2021
The Scottish accents were dire, the plot predictable, some of the acting wooden and Hamish the dog could have written a better script. Yet the old eyes filled at one bit and I laughed a few times. Total cheese, wonderful nonsense and perfect for Christmas.
Oh my!
iris-4515626 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Half a star for Hamish the dog, half a star for the William Morris wallpaper and two stars for the glorious castle and countryside, the rest meh! Smaltzy, predictable, awful dialogue and acting and indescribably stupid. A romantic author on a whim buys a castle without knowing about all the debts attached and the ancillary businesses for which she is totally unfit to run. Think of it as a train on tracks, first station, bond with the locals. Second station plunge in and buy the castle, don't bother with any relevant details. Three get the tartan, do up the house marry the Duke. Four write another best seller. Netflix at it's very worst even as a Christmas offering.
BROOKE AND CARY ARE BACK!!!!
katefrichardson27 November 2021
Yes, it's a Hallmark-y type movie but it's SO much more than that. Cary and Brooke are brilliant. The Scottish scenery is spectacular (as always). The story is great and paced just fine. The supporting cast is so unbelievably sweet. There's enough comic relief to put a smile on your face multiple times as well, instead of simply rolling your eyes.
Everyone involved in this film did what they could during the pandemic, and I think they nailed it. Definitely put me in the Christmas spirit!!
Everyone involved in this film did what they could during the pandemic, and I think they nailed it. Definitely put me in the Christmas spirit!!
Fine, better than your typical Hallmark Xmas season movie
loek-frederiks27 November 2021
It has basically the same script as your typical Hallmark movie (writer escapes boss or ex-lover, goes to little town, fall in love with the stubborn hunk etc), but for this movie the acting and production values are much higher.
I sense a sequel btw, if Netflix is happy.
I sense a sequel btw, if Netflix is happy.
Why use non Scottish actors for Scottish parts
lindafkelly28 November 2021
The accents are so cringey, I can't watch any longer. I don't understand why they put actors in this position when they are so clearly unauthentic and not remotely close to being able to voice a normal Scottish accent. Absolutely awful.
Holy Shields
yusufpiskin1 December 2021
Scotland
vivianla30 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I loved the Scotland scenery and castle. An author named Sophie Brown gets bad reception for her book due to her killing off a character. She goes on the Drew Barrymore show. To get inspired for her next novel, she goes to Scotland to visit the castle her father worked for. The owner is sometimes rude. Sophie wants to buy the castle and due to their contract signed, she has to live in the castle. She meets new friends at the pub where they knit. She does everyone's hair. I love Brooke Shields's blazer outfits in this movie. Sophie and the man end up falling in love and he kisses her. They then go to the bedroom and it cuts off there.
They planned a grand Christmas Eve party for the village. Lots of plaid outfits for Scotland. The owner gets angry that Sophie told him he can continue living in the castle when she owns it. Sophie calls off the deal and books a plane back to NYC. She tells the knitters she will pay their mortgages for them.
The owner apologizes. Sophie wears a plaid and black dress. The castle decorated in lights took my breath away. Sophie's daughter skips out on her dad's wedding and surprisingly shows up. She says she will go to the next wedding.
They planned a grand Christmas Eve party for the village. Lots of plaid outfits for Scotland. The owner gets angry that Sophie told him he can continue living in the castle when she owns it. Sophie calls off the deal and books a plane back to NYC. She tells the knitters she will pay their mortgages for them.
The owner apologizes. Sophie wears a plaid and black dress. The castle decorated in lights took my breath away. Sophie's daughter skips out on her dad's wedding and surprisingly shows up. She says she will go to the next wedding.
On the bonnie, bonnie banks Of Lock Lomond...
toddsgraham27 November 2021
Though predictable and formulaic, A Castle for Christmas is entertaining nonetheless with some beautiful cinematography, appealing performances, and some lovely Scottish Christmas music and celebrations. From the snow-covered Scottish countryside, along with the beautifully decorated castle, to traditional Scottish dance and song, plus a cute dog named Hamish to boot, the film has a pleasing Christmas feel to it, which most will enjoy. The story follows Sophie Brown (played by Brooke Shields), a best-selling author whose most recent book has caused a bit of a scandal. After an on-air meltdown, she travels to Scotland partly to flee her readers fury and partly to reconnect with her family roots. While visiting Dun Dunbar Castle, the place where he grandparents were groundskeepers, she meets Myles (played by Cary Elwes), the 12th Duke of Dunbar, who reluctantly agrees to sell the castle to her under the condition she lives with him at the castle for 90 days. And so, our story begins as we watch these two butt heads all the while embarking on a discovery that neither was expecting nor bargained for. The script is unoriginal but enjoyable. To be fair, one of the reasons why Christmas movies are so popular is because of their highly formulaic and predictable plots. We all need some comfort food from time to time. The dialogue and banter are pretty good. And though I did not have a laugh-out-loud moment, I did find myself chuckle a few times. There also were some touching movements here and there where I might even have shed a tear or two. The romance in this one centers on an older couple, as opposed to 30 somethings, which was refreshing. The script does a pretty good job of reflecting and highlighting this as well. The acting, overall, was excellent. Shields had an impressive performance as Sophie Brown. Elwes, who many will remember from the The Princess Bride, also had a strong performance. The chemistry between the two was great and, more importantly, convincing. Indeed, they had a nice back-and-forth (banter and comedic flirtation), which was engaging and entertaining. The knitters of Dunbar all had lovely performances too. And I cannot forget Hamish, the dog who played matchmaker in this story. If you are looking for something warm and light, with a touch of Scottish holiday cheer, A Castle for Christmas might be the Christmas rom-com for you.
If not for the scenery!
mclartyd27 November 2021
It is what it is. Christmas feel good nonsense.
susanbrettharrisonsh5 December 2021
Yes it's rubbish but in the best possible way. I don't think anyone involved thought it was anything but what it is. Christmas schmaltz. It's great to see Brooke Shields and Cary Elwes as leads but there ain't an awful lot of chemistry between them I felt. It's not the worst movie but it's not the best either. It's fluff for Sunday afternoon. We'll gloss over the obvious nonsense about reality being involved in any of it, locations, accents and such like. If you're expecting anything other than a Hallmark movie you might be disappointed. It's fun, it's silly and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
It didn't HAVE to be awful
posti-215-23155027 November 2021
I get it - it's a Hallmark Xmas movie - yes, it's going to be predictable, potentially even cheesy - all acceptable for the genre. But why does that mean it has to be badly done? That the writing must be execrable? That it can't at least be professionally executed? Romantic and predictable doesn't HAVE to equal poor quality - "Bridgerton", anyone? When will the powers that be in TV land recognise that there IS a big market for happily-ever-after, but that doesn't mean we want to see bad acting, bad writing and overall, something which is just unnecessarily shoddy?! If you make it well, (to paraphrase) we will watch in huge numbers. If you do it on the cheap (like this) you'll get - well, what you paid for. And the poor reviews that go with it.
Didn't expect much so I wasn't disappointed....
tacomamma197329 November 2021
"A Castle for Christmas" is one of several "new" Christmas movies this year. Most are a bit sappy and on Hallmark or Lifetime. The best thing about this one is Netflix = no commercials! Yes, it's unbelievable and quite sappy but Brooke Shields & Cary Elwes are pleasant to watch. LOVED the "knitters"!! The real star is the Scottish landscape. The beauty is awe inspiring and the reason I gave the movie a 6. The exterior of the castle decorated on Christmas Eve, I must confess, brought a tear to my eyes. If you have have 97 minutes, the right attitude and a great friend to share with, I say check it out!
Oh dear ....
keithduncan-126 November 2021
It's a shame that, with a population of 5.5 million people, there were no actors available to play the parts in this movie. The story line is poor enough but the pathetic attempts at Scots accents from the male cast are woeful, they land somewhere between Ireland and Whisky Galore and make me cringe listening to them. The "plot" was pretty obvious from the start but the kitch and utter nonsense presented is the worst type of portrayal of Scotland possible.
Enjoyable Diversion
vintagegeek26 November 2021
Much better than most of Hallmark Movies for Christmas these days. Story is obviously predictable. But they do move it along. No long story chapter on do I or do I not buy the castle. It's just done. We love Scotland so it was fun to listen and give it the old "we were there" a few times. Cast is pleasant. Brooke Shields is still beautiful. Gary Elwes has aged well. Given it was shot while covid restrictions were full on they did pretty well.
A Delightful Surprise
katrinatiebel9 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Ok, I'm a cynic, I'll get that out of the way, yet every holiday I can't but help watch the Hallmarkish (that has to be a word) holiday movies. While I know the plot formula, and the cast for each movie (there are usually about 2-3 casts that change up for each movie even down to the dog), and the cheesy music-I still watch them. And while this movie had a predictable plot and cheesy moments, I really enjoyed the simplicity of it. Brooke Shields and Carey Elwes are veteran actors who realize that less is more. We start off meeting the heroine who is an extremely successful author who just killed off a beloved main character in her book series and fans are not happy. She also just went through a very public and messy divorce. She decides to travel to Scotland to get away to a castle that has important meaning to her family. Elwes plays a well educated but grumpy and nearly bankrupt aristocrat and he immediately clashes with Shield's character due to a misunderstanding. The castle is his but he must sell it and she wants to buy it-so it's a frosty beginning. Shields seeks refuge in a charming neighboring village during her time in Scotland that makes for some heat warming scenes.
The scenery was beautiful and the supporting cast delightful. I like that the two main characters fell in love over months not two days or at first sight. Is it an Oscar winner? No, indeed it is not. But it is a movie where you can sit with your kids and spouse with cocoa and watch it without worrying about bad language, a sex scene or laughing your way through the entire movie because of it's ridiculousness and horrific acting. Yes, to an extent it does have some ridiculousness in it, but some of the greatest Christmas movies have a sense of ridiculousness in it. It's Christmas after all and even this cynic sometimes wants to throw some reality out of the window from time to time. My biggest critique is that I wish that Elwes would have said " As you wish" at some point in the film. But alas that is another movie but for the genre this film was a pleasant surprise.
The scenery was beautiful and the supporting cast delightful. I like that the two main characters fell in love over months not two days or at first sight. Is it an Oscar winner? No, indeed it is not. But it is a movie where you can sit with your kids and spouse with cocoa and watch it without worrying about bad language, a sex scene or laughing your way through the entire movie because of it's ridiculousness and horrific acting. Yes, to an extent it does have some ridiculousness in it, but some of the greatest Christmas movies have a sense of ridiculousness in it. It's Christmas after all and even this cynic sometimes wants to throw some reality out of the window from time to time. My biggest critique is that I wish that Elwes would have said " As you wish" at some point in the film. But alas that is another movie but for the genre this film was a pleasant surprise.
shocked by Brooke Shield's inability to act
haddadjoelle1 December 2021
An insult to Scottish people
mintymcgowan1 December 2021
This film is full of terrible acting, woeful over the top Scottish accents, inaccurate geography, nauseating use of stereotypes, and a ridiculous romanticisation of a culture that just isn't true. The plot is ridiculous and even when you take into consideration it's just a cheesy Christmas film, it's still absolutely horrendous.
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