Noel (2004)

26% of critics liked it
(34 reviews)
54% of users liked it
(6,109 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

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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

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.
Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper
The nut-ball factor is just too high for these characters.
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.
, 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.
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.
Lou Lumenick, New York Post
Except for die-hard students of extremely bad movies, Noel isn't worth seeing.
Eric Monder, Film Journal International
Pleasantly watchable.
Phil Villarreal, Arizona Daily Star
A film about folks celebrating Christmas together is about as interesting and carries as much dramatic thrust as the 1989 Christmas reunion video immortalized on Uncle Fred's camcorder.
Mike McGranaghan, Aisle Seat
The sentiments are right on the money, but the execution never quite filled me with holiday cheer.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
There's nothing at all surprising about Noel, except for the fact that it was ever made.
Robert Roten, Laramie Movie Scope
If you are looking for a Christmas film that is unconventional, that has a lot of heart without wallowing in sentimentality, this is a good bet.
Betty Jo Tucker, ReelTalk Movie Reviews
A holiday gift wrapped in sadness -- but tied tenderly with hope.
Susan Granger, Modamag.com
Three tear-jerking stories about faith, love and the redemptive spiritual power of a frosty Christmas Eve
Todd Gilchrist, FilmStew.com
Fits snugly into the 'Christmas movie' canon by tapping into familiar problems, tugging at the heartstrings and stirring your tired soul.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Noel delivers two astonishing scenes of love and forgiveness that will take your breath away and are perfectly in tune with the miraculous nature of Christmas.

Read all 15 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Bruce B

A great Christmas Movie, One for adult as younger children just wouldn't understand. It shows the lives of 5 different people and how in this story they mingle together to form an outstanding story with a tear jerker ending. Rose was great along with the rough and rowdy cop. 5… More
A great Christmas Movie, One for adult as younger children just wouldn't understand. It shows the lives of 5 different people and how in this story they mingle together to form an outstanding story with a tear jerker ending. Rose was great along with the rough and rowdy cop. 5 stars
Wahida K

I never thought I would ever watch a beautifull like Noel Movie DIRECTED BY CHAZZ PALMINTERI! A Movie focuses five lives with different problems on christmas eve.
Red L

OK, I'm a sucker for this sort of intertwined film where you need watch the whole movie to figure out which boyfriend happens to be the son of the strange bartender, etc. and how everyone survives Christmas Day.
Dannielle A

There were many touching moments in this well-made Christmas movie with wonderful performances... sure to put you in the Christmas spirit.
Erin C

This was ok. Nothing new or memorable. It was cute.
Leo L

A good movie!