'' TINSEL TOWN '' TIMES : FILM HONOURS

ACTOR Kiefer Sutherland whose career spans four decades, says he has had the opportunity to expand his repertoire in the new Christmas movie '' TinselTown '' in which he stars as Bradlet Mack, a past-his- prime Hollywood actor.

Once deemed difficult and temperamental, Mack finds work drying up after wrapping the seventh instalment of the action franchise and is forced to accept an offer to appear in a play in England.

But instead of London's West End, Mack is cast in a small town's traditional Christmas pantomime production. Sutherland showcases his singing, dancing and emotional range as Mack connects with his colourful stars and his estranged young daughter.

'' I thought it was really heart-warming to follow a character who starts the movie not at his best and, through the Christmas spirit and his daughter, becomes a better version of himself.

That's a very heartfelt, warm Christmas message,'' Sutherland said.

Directed by Chris Foggin, ' Tinsel Town ' aims to be a Christmas movie for all generations, celebrating the British pantomime tradition. The cast also includes Katherine Ryan as Mack's agent and Derek Jacobi as Albert, a lifelong devotee of the theatre form.

'' It celebrates Britishness, but it also celebrates kindness,'' said actor Maria Friedman. '' It's got a big, warm heart. My goodness, my goodness don't we need that right now.''

' TinselTown ' was released in select US theaters and on digital platforms last Friday and debuts on Sky Cinema in the UK on December 5.

The World Students Society thanks Reuters.