Review of Noel (2004) by Gregg K — 14 Apr 2010

This was a delightful and moving film that I happened upon quite by accident while browsing Netflix on a night when I was battling insomnia. The cast includes the marvelous Susan Sarandon, Penelope Cruz, Alan Arkin, Robin Williams (in an uncredited performance), and in an incredibly nuanced and moving turn, Paul Walker (yes, THAT Paul Walker of the Fast and Furious franchise).

The film tells the story of five individuals attempting to navigate the Christmas holidays. Rose, portrayed by the brilliant (as usual) Sarandon, is caring for her elderly mother, and lamenting a life of regret. Jules (played by Marcus Thomas) wants to relive the best Christmas he ever had, which was spent in the emergency ward when he was 14. Nina and Mike (Cruz and Walker) are a young couple about to be married, who are having a terrible time dealing with Mike's overbearing and completely unfounded jealousy. Arkin portrays Artie, a man who believes that Mike is the reincarnation of his dead wife.

I like this kind of movie. It is deliberate in its storytelling. Director Chazz Palminteri (A Bronx Tale, Bullets over Broadway) allows the story to gently flow, subtly investing the viewer. There are many lesser known, but nonetheless, skilled supporting cast members who bring realism, grace and sweet humor throughout the film.

It reminds me of another film, Bagdad Cafe, in the way it captures your heart without you knowing it. Both films had me asking myself, what the hell is this move about? Yet, by the end, I was so fully invested that in the end, I really didn't care.

There are a handful of films that truly make me feel good about the world, and the people in it. This is most definitely one of them. This will become one of the "must see" movies for me during the holiday season.