Noel Movie
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Storyline
TAGLINES
Miracles are closer than you think
In the Christmas Eve in New York, the lonely divorced publisher Rose Harrison (Susan Sarandon) expects for a miracle to improve the health of her mother, interned in a hospital with Alzheimer. She feels sorry for the patient of the room in front of her mother's and meets his visitor (Robin Williams). Meanwhile, the Latin Nina Vasquez (Penélope Cruz) breaks her engagement with her beloved fiancé Mike (Paul Walker) due to his suffocating jealousy, but misses him. Mike is stalked by the stranger bartender Artie Venzuela (Alan Arkin). The poor Jules (Marcus Thomas) expects to spend the Christmas night in the hospital, where he spent the best Christmas of his life when he was a teenager. The lives of some of these characters cross with others along the night.
| Penélope Cruz | Nina Vasquez |
| Susan Sarandon | Rose Harrison |
| Paul Walker | Mike |
| Alan Arkin | Artie Venzuela |
| Marcus Thomas | Jules |
| Chazz Palminteri | Arizona |
| David Julian Hirsh | Barton |
| Chantal Lonergan | Joy |
| Erika Rosenbaum | Merry |
| Kim Bubbs | Dr. Matthew Batiste |
| Rachelle Lefevre | Holly |
| Ruth Chiang | Nurse Woo |
| Marcia Bennett | Nurse Stein |
| Scott Faulconbridge | Man in Front Row |
| Victoria Sanchez | Young Mother |
| Chazz Palminteri |
6.20 out of 10 (1706 votes)
Visitor Reviews
look folks, it's "Kids" at Christmas. but even more depressing.
posted on 10 Aug 2009i really did not like this movie at ALL! it's a retread of the same old threads coming together film, but done really really badly. there are no real interactions between the character lines, other than them being in the same hospital (and not even all of them) i am totally willing to suspend disbelief on the hole Christmas miracle thing, but sincerely, this movie is garbage.none of the characters were deeper than a cardboard cutout... scratch that, i've seen cardboard cutouts with more depth.if you are a girl under 18, apparently you will love this movie, for the rest of us, just fire up it's a wonderful life and call it good.
HORRIBLE!
posted on 22 Apr 2009Ever since Door to Door, I've held television movies to a higher standard. Maybe that's why I was so disappointed. Chazz's directorial debut was the worst movie I've seen all year. The characters were pathetic and showed absolutely no growth, the plot was confusing and pointless, and I actually laid in bed that night upset with myself for watching it!The movie involves several self pitying strangers who are brought together at a hospital at Christmas. You are supposed to feel some sort of emotions for these characters- at least that's what the music was cued for- but all I felt was boredom. This was one of two movies I have ever NOT finished watching. So if the last ten minutes gave some enlightenment to the aimless hodgepodge of the rest of the movie, my apologies to Mr. Palminteri and Mr. Hubbard. Otherwise, next time you want to capture the spirit of a special season remember to take your Prozac BEFORE you write/direct.
Soundtrack of Noel ever made ?
posted on 07 Feb 2009Hi...I went to many record stores and I cannot find the SOUNDTRACK of NOEL. Does anyone know if it was ever produced ? I think this movie is excellent. It reminds us of the essence of Christmas. It is not about shopping and expensive gifts, fancy dinners and days off of work ... Christmas is a time to rejoice and count our blessings. God came to visit us through His Son Jesus. God came to us first as a child. Jesus - the Emmanual - God with us - was not born in a big house surrounded with expensive gifts. He was born poor in a manger. A King in a manger ! Christmas is to be celebrated and lived with others... with your families, your friends. It should be a time of great joy... where peace, friendship, love and forgiveness prevails. FOR ALL. So many people are lonely at Christmas. Not only at Christmas. May Christmas be not only on Dec. 25 but all year round. Open your eyes, your hands, your heart to those in need. Just be there. Be PRESENT to others. Yes, this is the meaning of Christmas. Be a PRESENT. Be a reflection of God's love everyday of your life.
Modern Day Holiday Classic
posted on 25 Nov 2008I started watching this expecting a typical TV movie of the week. Excellent writing, directing, and acting by a great cast make it so much more. "Noel" is a beautiful story that is set in New York City on Christmas Eve and follows several characters whose lives intersect including Susan Sarandon as a lonely single woman caring for a sick mother, Paul Walker as an engaged man who can't seem to feel secure in his relationship with his fiancée(Penelope Cruz), and Alan Arkin as a man with a past that he can't seem to move on from. Themes of loneliness, jealousy, regret, are covered as well as love, acceptance, and reconciliation. If you are looking for a feel good tearjerker to watch over the holiday, I highly recommend this under seen gem.
Beautiful and Sensitive Christmas Feel-Good Tale
posted on 13 Nov 2008In the Christmas Eve in New York, the lonely divorced publisher Rose Harrison (Susan Sarandon) expects for a miracle to improve the health of her mother, interned in a hospital with Alzheimer. She feels sorry for the patient of the room in front of her mother's and meets his visitor (Robin Williams). Meanwhile, the Latin Nina Vasquez (Penélope Cruz) breaks her engagement with her beloved fiancé Mike (Paul Walker) due to his suffocating jealousy, but misses him. Mike is stalked by the stranger bartender Artie Venzuela (Alan Arkin). The poor Jules (Marcus Thomas) expects to spend the Christmas night in the hospital, where he spent the best Christmas of his life when he was a teenager. The lives of some of these characters cross with others along the night."Noel" is definitely a beautiful and sensitive Christmas feel-good tale. The debut of Chazz Palminteri in the big screen could not be better. He shows a touching and firm direction, leading actors and actresses of the weight of Susan Sarandon, Alan Arkin and Robin Williams, and also Penélope Cruz and Paul Walker, and he makes an excellent job. Penélope Cruz is amazingly beautiful and sexy in her role; Susan Sarandon is splendid in her dramatic role; Robin Williams is versatile as usual; Alan Arkin and Paul Walker complete this outstanding cast. The story is never boring and I highly recommend this movie for any audience. My vote is eight.Title (Brazil): "Anjo de Vidro" ("Glass Angel")
How tough family holidays are for people who feel alone.
posted on 12 Sep 2008I found echos from both Dickens' Christmas Carol, and Love Actually. Noel is about the times in one's life when one functions as a singleton, or feels like one. Like the earlier two films, Noel is about missed chances, misunderstood chances, and second chances to get it right, or at least closer, this time. It's about several kinds of changed awareness -- coming of age emotionally, rather than sexually. (Yes, "JLo" in one scene is hotter than the nether regions, but this is still a family film.) I expect this one to be around at Christmas time for some time to come, not at all because it's a match for Dickens, but because the loneliness/aloneness problem afflicts most of us at some time, and not infrequently self-inflicted. Noel-as-Mirror offers each of us a chance to reclaim chances for love, and for healing.
You understand? It's over. I forgive you for everything.
posted on 12 Jul 2008The old Calypso song goes "If you want to be happy for the rest of your life, never make a pretty woman your wife." But, what are you supposed to do if your fiancé is Penelope Cruz? That is Paul Walker's (The Fast and the Furious) problem, and he has a jealous streak. Who wouldn't with Cruz, but it is going to kill his upcoming marriage. No problem, Alan Arkin (Little Miss Sunshine) comes to the rescue in a strange way and saves the day.But, Walker isn't the only one with a problem. Susan Sarandon (Dead Man Walking) has a mother with Alzheimer's and her life is a mess. Who to save her but a burned-out priest (Robin Williams). Well, they really save each other.This is a sentimental Christmas tale with some laughs, but it is mostly about Christmas miracles. Watch it for the great cast.
Worthwhile Year Round Story
posted on 12 Jul 2008Good acting by Paul Walker, Susan Sarandon, and Penelope Cruz and some enjoyable plot twists will entertain those looking for an enjoyable Christmas story in a modern-day setting.The movie isn't likely to win any major awards, but it's better than most holiday dramas and many non-holiday films. I think young and more mature adults alike will enjoy NOEL. It's an excellent "date" flick.Penelope Cruz will appeal to both men and women but for different reasons. I think children and young teen viewers should be "spared" her bulging cleavage and ultra-mini skirts. I was most "surprised" by Paul Walker's performance. Early in the film I thought his character would be 1-dimensional (i.e., an over-the-top jealous lover), but I think he gives a believable performance as the "macho hunk" who is a man of heart, soul, and some depth of character.Robin Williams and Susan Sarandon redeem each other and contribute to an uplifting climatic twist to end the movie on a hopeful, redemptive note.Definitely worth seeing.
If you already suffer from SAD, skip this movie. CONTAINS SPOILERS
posted on 10 Mar 2008CONTAINS SPOILERSI just couldn't believe ALL THAT TALENT and not one emotion stirred, except puzzlement and discomfort. Not so much by what's going on in the movie, but what made these great talents agree to this. Chazz must be a wonderful human being for all of these wonderful actors to agree to be in his movie and give him an opportunity to direct them. I don't blame Chazz at all, it's visually appropriate. I don't think it's the direction, I think it's the original premise. It's so - almost - moving.Susan's "anti-testimonial" was really interesting because I've been a non-professional speaker who was able to tell a compelling story to friends and then bomb when telling the same story to a large group using a microphone. Susan nailed it. Another scene I thought was interesting was the violent nature of the cop. Really true to life. Violence is very quick, not visually dramatic, but can have life-altering consequences. Cops have a higher incidence of domestic violence than other professions. (not a verified scientific fact, but something near and dear to my heart). If I were Penelope, I probably wouldn't have been that thrilled about bringing a baby into this relationship without a few rounds of life changing therapy. I'm going there because at the end, that's what immediately came to mind.The cop's partner was also an unnecessary distraction -- why such a stereotypical jerk?The hand breaker's story was just plain weird. (a headscratcher) I missed the very beginning, so it wasn't until reading the first post did I understand why. Very strange and no further comment about that.Okay, now that I have pondered the movie, I do like it better than I did when I began this review. There were subtleties throughout. So, my recommendation is to see the movie, BUT not at Christmastime.
Miracles are closer than you think.
posted on 16 Jan 2008Highly under-rated. A fantastic gem that really should have been given more credit.Scenery of a snow filled New York Christmas is just the perfect back drop for this beautiful story that will make you laugh and cry.Paul Walker breaks away from his usual roles and makes for a great performance in this romantic drama. Includes an excellent supporting cast including Robin Williams and Susan Sarandon.The movie feels just a touch short, but loses no points here.A must watch for those who want to be touched and moved. Deservingly an 8/10.
Hope this movie wasn't your Christmas gift! (DVD)
posted on 22 Oct 2007I thought that with Penelope Cruz, Robin Williams, New York and Christmas time, the movie would be a pleasure. Instead, it is a real pain! The director says the script was wonderful and I'm still wondering what he has found! Or maybe Palmatieri was better in acting than in directing.Except Williams, all the actors are dull, even Penelope and above all Miss Sarandon: I'm really sorry but this actress has never made me dream! The stories are particularly crazy: one wants his hands crushed to enjoy Christmas at hospital, the other is the reincarnation of a dead wife, the flat love story of Penelope, the unmoving Alzheimer mother….In conclusion, if you want to destroy your Christmas night, watch this movie!
Good Tear-Jerker
posted on 16 Oct 2007I was a bit distracted by some of the bad acting, but overall, I was happy I watched the entire movie. I loved the characters and "reality" of life and loneliness. Having a grandmother (now passed away) that was in a VERY SIMILAR situation to the woman in the hospital, it was very sad. I brought this movie to my mom's to watch, and she cried through the entire movie. She could relate to Susan Sarandon's character perfectly! I love exploring spirituality, so the areas in the movie that touched on that aspect were refreshing. Parts like that always bring a sense of hope about our own lives. Christmas movies are always so entertaining, as they portray a lot of what the holidays can REALLY be like in some families' homes. The chaos, the emotions, the old hidden resentments, etc. All in all, it was an enjoyable movie. LOVE Robin Williams, and Susan Sarandon. They both still look GREAT!!!
Give this to someone who already hates Christmas
posted on 25 Aug 2007This is far worse than "The Brothers Grimm" (TBG). TBG was leaden, a waste of talent and resources, but it was obviously a fantasy.This movie, "Noel," is a slow train wreck speeded up to fit into 90 minutes in attempt to be a Hallmark movie. At first you think, "Susan Sarandon, Alan Arkin, Penelope Cruz, and a cameo by a well-known comic - what could go wrong." And then the story starts. And then you know just what *can* go wrong in a movie that, admittedly, has high production values - great photography, lighting, sound. Beautiful people. A New York City that is uncrowded at Christmas, and lightly dusted with snow and ice but no garbage, graffiti, or street people anywhere. Why, you can even step out onto a busy street to hail a cab, and (this is the real fantasy) you get one within 2 seconds.*** s p o i l e r a l e r t *** Susan Sarandon is a successful book editor who, after 20 or so years decides that she can't go on because...well, just because. Fortunately for her, even though she is fast approaching mandatory retirement, one of the best-looking young men in the office falls for her, even though he does *not* say, "You remind me of my mother," because we don't want to bring in any allusions to the Jocasta complex, although when they have their first and only kiss, you're thinking, "ugh." She also either lies or tells stories to just about everyone she meets, so when she tells a story about her stillborn daughter who was born and died on Christmas Day, you think, "Is this a story, or is this a moment of emotional revelation?" But you really don't care, because it's told to win the door prize of the fake Christmas tree on top of the piano in a cheap bar (I am not making this up). Alan Arkin is a crazy Greek restaurant owner who sees his dead wife reappear in young men. (I am not making this up.) Penelope Cruz falls for a violent, jealous man who promises over and over again to change, "and this time I mean it" so of course it will all work out. This proves that extremely beautiful women are both stupid and unable to find competent, emotionally stable men. Paul Walker is a police officer with a violent temper, a gun, and no one to point out that this is an unfortunate combination, but as he makes wonderful promises, of course this is not an issue. This proves that when violent men are policemen who love beautiful women, everything is OK, but if they do *not* love beautiful women, they are supporting cast members of "Serpico." The lives of these people weave together in strange and uncanny ways. Paul Walker breaks a Christmas angel; Alan Arkin gives a Christmas angel, and Susan Sarandon hangs a Christmas angel. There is also another story that wanders in here that involves Marcus Thomas, but it could be cut from the film and the effect of the film would be no different. (Except it would be shorter, so perhaps it would be slightly better.) This subplot also involves a snow globe with a snow man and not an angel, which I think shows either continuity problems or a slow day at Woolworths.I've seen Susan Sarandon and Alan Arkin in films that were essentially harmless and perhaps even beneath their talents, but all along, I've loved to watch them. Penelope Cruz is, frankly, beautiful to watch.This makes this movie all the more painful to watch, because you see talented, good-looking people speaking lines that you and they both know are unbelievable.
A Lovely Magic Realism Holiday Romantic Fable
posted on 16 Jun 2007"Noel" is a lovely holiday fable that has been unfairly savaged by critics. I found it a charming matching of everyday hard knocks (though only shot partly in New York City) and magic realism. Key to its attraction are two of the central characters amidst the ensemble Christmas Eve stories. Susan Sarandon is marvelous as a 40-something woman dragged down by her Alzheimer's mother who undergoes in effect a walkabout through the city to reexamine her life. Paul Walker is wonderful as a very macho, very New York cop whose explosive jealousy around his fiancée pushes her away. As she is Penelope Cruz in the only English-language role I've ever liked her in, his reaction to how guys look at her is grounded in some reality. His own reaction to her sexy private dancing for him ratchets up the seasonal temperature in terrific chemistry of his blue-eyed blond and her sultry darkness, though I don't know if the televised version on TNT cut anything from the theatrical version. The central characters are touched by oddballs, played by Robin Williams and Allan Arkin, who are as unlikely as Clarence from "It's A Wonderful Life" or the old man in "Prelude to a Kiss," and similarly help them reach important epiphanies at dawn. The pay-off also finally comes in a side story about a man with nostalgia for Christmas in the E.R., but is more heavy-handed. The repeated jokes about straight guys misidentified as gay are of the heavy handed "Will and Grace" mode but are useful to specific plot points.
Christmas and a time for meting out miracles
posted on 25 Apr 2007NOEL is an unabashedly romantic little film, the type of movie Hollywood used to make for Christmas seasons before the toilet mouth Bad Santa, etc type became popular. Perhaps the time has returned for us to examine how the world can come together at this time of year, sort of a good omen that we just might all start taking care of each other again! Chazz Palminteri takes on directing this story by David Hubbard, surrounds himself with a top notch crew of actors, and capably and sensitively brings off this little story of the interweaving of five lives on a Christmas Eve in New York City with all the tenderness and associated joy of placing old and loved garlands and bangles on a tree. It is a perfect film for re-discovering the meaning of Christmas.Christmas Eve in Manhattan finds various characters who are in turmoil at this special time of the year. Successful book publisher Rose Harrison (Susan Sarandon) fights off depression by being kind to everyone: her lonely life is centered on spending her non-work hours tending to her mother who has advanced Alzheimer's Disease (she is divorced without children and without love). Across the hall from her mother's hospital room is a comatose man who never has visitors, and when Rose brings him an angel ornament for is window she meets Charlie (Robin Williams) who apparently has been visiting. Elsewhere in the city is Jules (Marcus Thomas) who informs strangers that his only good Christmas memory as an unwanted and abused kid was one he spent in a hospital after a beating: he plans to have his hands broken so that he can spend the night in the hospital where he hopes to discover joy. And then there is police officer Mike (Paul Walker) engaged to gorgeous Nina (Penélope Cruz) whom he inadvertently drives away with his jealous behavior. Mike is observed by old Artie (Alan Arkin) who recognizes Mike as the reincarnation of his deceased wife and longs to establish a close relationship with his newfound love.All of these disparate characters interact by coincidence: Rose mistakenly intrudes on Nina's family gathering only to end up in a café with Nina sharing her secret grief for which Rose offers empathy and lessons. Mike confronts the strange Artie who collapses and lands in the hospital where Mike senses his history and gently offers him empathy. Nina and Mike face a condition that alters their relationship, Rose discovers a secret about Charlie that allows her to learn about love and compassion and forgiveness, etc etc etc.These are little miracles, the kinds of everyday occurrences that our speed of life ignores. If it takes a film of this nature to help us gain awareness of the importance of personal peace, companionship, forgiveness and love, then hats off to Hubbard and Palminteri - and to a wonderful cast of fine actors enjoying their craft. Highly Recommended for everyone with a strong sentimental streak! Grady Harp
Noel is lovely holiday fare.
posted on 22 Feb 2007Noel is lovely holiday fare. The tag line could be "Everything that happens, happens for a reason". This holiday story reveals characters that are easy to identify with and through the circumstances that unfold, their lives weave a tapestry of love, growth and the often overlooked kindness of humanity. The storyline and dialogue bring plenty of warm hearted sentimentality to the film which is nicely offset by incidents of comic relief. Susan Sarandon and Robin Williams deliver wonderful performances and you will find yourself deeply caring about their characters. Director Chazz Palminteri brings out another side of Paul Walker, proving that Mr. Walker can do more than just drive fast cars. Penelope Cruz is as lovely as ever lending inner beauty through her character as well. Alan Arkin plays a delightful character with a twist. The remaining cast, including a cameo by Mr. Palminteri, does a nice job of completing the ensemble and giving this story heart. Though the story revolves around the Christmas holiday, it may serve to remind us that each person is connected to one another within the human family no matter what the season.
A touching gift for the holiday season
posted on 19 Oct 2006After reading the other reviews on this film, I saw the need for an authentic review. With an all-star cast and a story written with such complex layer and beauty, it is hard to not fall deep into the spirit of this movie. As we watch each character move through the day and night before Christmas Day, we see their stories woven into an interconnected pattern which ultimately proves to the magical power that the Holiday casts on our hearts. Each story different, each life full of pain and love; both sides of the Christmas holiday are shown in this film. The lonely and the loved, the heartsick and the passionate, the joyful and the sad - Noel is a Christmas story which speaks to the truth of the magic of Holiday Season. All actors shine in this touching film, with the performances of Susan Saradon, Penelope Cruz, Paul Walker, Alan Arkin, and Robin Williams encompassing intense, simple, and artful portraits of the human condition. If you are looking for a modern Holiday movie full of the rich character and story detail found in the great reels of the past - do not turn to the numerous "Seasonal flicks" found on cable TV - but rather, discover and rediscover the magic found in Noel.
cheap, trashy rip-off
posted on 25 Jul 2006It became apparent to me right away that this was nothing more than a cheap rip-off trying to jump on the bandwagon after the success of "Love Actually" and perhaps covert some people to Christianity at the same time.Nevertheless I stuck it out since the videostore has a no-returns policy.The mood of this "Christmas" film is really dark and the various character's stories are also completely over-the-top. Who thinks up this kind of stuff? There is the cop who gets involved with this old freaky guy that thinks the cop is the reincarnation of his dead wife. There is a guy who for reasons unexplained feels he needs to crash a hospital Christmas party so he gets a guy to introduce him to the leader of some underground cult who happens to specialize in breaking people's hands. As if that isn't weird enough, what is the young badass guy who could be on a Abercrombie&Fitch bag doing throwing himself at the old lady? Surely there are plenty of women under 60 for him?? Then the same woman hallucinates seeing the spirit of a brain-dead priest who then in one night manages not only to convert her to Christianity but also convinces her to take her mother's doctor on a date! If you are insane and all the above makes perfect sense to you, then you will love this movie! For everyone else, stay far, far away.
good movie, just not the best!
posted on 05 Jun 2006I watched the movie today and I have to say that it was nice! Yes, the story has some big wholes and you wonder what the editor is trying to tell us with the very strange cutting, but the actors are doing a great job! Most of all, Susan and Robin! Not to talk about Alan Arkin! Again amazing to see them act! Susan did an amazing job and see her interact with the great Mr. Williams is very touching! Yes, the movie made me cry and it touched me, maybe because I liked the idea that the stories are somehow related to each other with the hospital! I liked the movie and I liked following the characters, but I have to say that the story was not complete for me. It left me hanging there. On Paul Walker, I think he did a decent job! I felt with him, more than in the Fast and the Furious! Watch that movie, because it is sweet for X-Mas!
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Noel is unusual holiday fare, tackling difficult subjects while still reaching for a happy ending
posted on 16 Aug 2009Rose (Susan Sarandon) is an author of children's books who is especially lonely this holiday season. Her mother, who is stricken with Alheimer's disease, is having difficulty eating normally and recognizing anyone around her. Rose, a divorcée, has not had a serious romance for quite sometime. And, although a young gentleman in the office makes a pass at her, she is not willing to have a one night encounter. Nina, a lovely young lady, has a good looking, police officer-fiancé but, alas. Mike has a jealous streak that produces sharp anger and abuse, at times. Nina is not certain she wants to continue the relationship. Meanwhile, others in NYC are dealing with baggage from abusive fathers, criminal pasts, and religious doubts. Is this truly the "most wonderful time of the year?" This is a very compelling but rather serious entry into the world of holiday movies. The subject matter is most sobering, even as there are moments of humor and happiness. All of the performers are fine and so is the lovely look of the film's design. If anyone is feeling down at holiday time, this is NOT the film to bring out for a showing. That said, if anyone wishes to watch a thoughtful movie about real issues, try to find this movie during the off season. It has many assets and will enlighten and entertain viewers at the same time.