Noel (2004)
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26% of critics liked it
(34 reviews) -
54% of users liked it
(6,049 ratings)
A group of disparate characters look for understanding and compassion in the midst of a lonely holiday season in this comedy drama. Rose (Susan Sarandon) is a middle-aged divorcée whose mother is in the hospital with an advanced case of Alzheimer's disease; while Rose wants one more chance to tell… More A group of disparate characters look for understanding and compassion in the midst of a lonely holiday season in this comedy drama. Rose (Susan Sarandon) is a middle-aged divorcée whose mother is in the hospital with an advanced case of Alzheimer's disease; while Rose wants one more chance to tell her mother that she loves her, the woman doesn't even know who she is anymore. Mike (Paul Walker) is a police officer who has become the obsessive focus of an elderly waiter, Artie (Alan Arkin), who is convinced Mike is the reincarnation of his late wife. Meanwhile, Mike is engaged to marry the beautiful Nina (Penélope Cruz), but he's so consumed with jealousy and suspicion that she's not sure if she can go through with the wedding. And Jules (Marcus Thomas) is a street hustler who has only one fond memory of Christmas -- ending up in an emergency room, where the staff was holding a party. Jules wants to relive the experience, and is even willing to injure himself to do so. Noel was the first directorial effort from actor and playwright Chazz Palminteri. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Rating, Runtime
- PG, 1 hr. 36 min.
- Directed By
- Chazz Palminteri
- Written By
- David Hubbard
- Genres
- Drama
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 2004 Wide
- On DVD
- Oct 25, 2005
- Studio
- Convex Group
Critic Reviews
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Rex Reed, New York Observer
One of those unpleasant fiascoes meant to lodge a lump in the throat at Christmas, but it only ends up making you want to bludgeon the elves with their own toy-shop hammers.
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Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper
The nut-ball factor is just too high for these characters.
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Bob Longino, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The kind of sappy, sadness-turns- to-gladness holiday movie that shows up on cable TV this time of year.
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, Los Angeles Times
Palminteri draws some very good performances from his cast -- only to pile on a lot of shameless heart-tugging on top of a contrived script about five New Yorkers facing Christmas Eve alone.
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Robert Dominguez, New York Daily News
The mawkishness meter is turned up full blast by the time Williams, wearing the hangdog expression he saves for maudlin dramas, shows up out of nowhere as a former priest to save an unhappy Sarandon from jumping into the East River.
Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Cast
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Penelope Cruzas Nina -
Susan Sarandonas Rose -
Paul Walkeras Mike
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Alan Arkinas Artie -
Marcus Thomasas Jules -
Robin Williamsas (Uncredited)
