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This lively UK family movie boasts five different writers credited with the script, including two who contributed “additional material”. This might clarify why the story beats progress with clockwork accuracy, and the characters seem as though they were developed in a controlled environment. Paradoxically, the setting is a family-run farm where farm-owner Dinah, an agronomist decides to go organic motivated by her magical niece Charlie, who can sense plants’ emotions through touch.

A Budding Relationship and a Prize Pumpkin

Having only recently met, for motives the otherwise sleek screenplay fails to explain, Dinah and Charlie bond with one another across a few seasons – which aligns with the time required to grow a pumpkin for the annual village competition. Charlie hopes to utilize the award cash to locate her mom, said to have left for pursue stardom in the US.

The ensemble cast is packed with charming comic performances by veteran British actors.

Star-Studded Appearances and Antagonistic Foes

The mother character later emerges played by a familiar face, who, like Rosheuvel, comes from in popular series. Additionally, the lineup features an eccentric gardener played by Nick Frost, who provides pumpkin-growing tips for the duo. Meanwhile, Jane Horrocks and Tim McInnerny play the Smythe-Gherkins, the evil local elites set on winning the competition for glory alone as they lack need for the monetary reward.

• Nick Frost excels in the role of a bohemian gardener.
• The foes bring humorous conflict as affluent competitors.
• The youthful Dominic McLaughlin stars as Charlie’s pal Oliver.

Youthful Talent and Directorial Flair

Though his Scottish accent seems somewhat out of place in this setting, his subtle performance and comic timing are so adept it’s no surprise he has been cast for a leading part in an upcoming series. Director John McPhail keeps a buoyant comedy tone and doesn’t interfere with what is destined to serve as pre-bedtime entertainment for a specific seasonal period.