Product Details

• Actors: Alan Arkin, Joan Barber, Marcia Bennett, Kim Bubbs, James Callaghan
• Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DVD, Widescreen, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Studio: Screen Media
• DVD Release Date: October 25, 2005
• Run Time: 96 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (68 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000AAF27G
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #12,674 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

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  Movies & TV > Kids & Family > Holidays & Festivals > Christmas

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
A contemporary romantic drama borrowing inspiration from It's a Wonderful Life, this thought-provoking holiday film explores the lives of five strangers as they intersect at a crossroads of forgiveness and redemption. In his directorial debut, Chazz Palminteri lends a delicate hand to allow his talent-laden cast creative latitude to portray a handful of odd bedfellows who share little in common but loneliness on Christmas Eve. Susan Sarandon is remarkable as Rose Harrison, a divorced book editor who spends the holidays at a nursing home with her mother deep in the clutches of Alzheimer's. Although Rose's own story bleeds pathos, she shows genuine compassion toward others—whether it's the abandoned, mysterious patient across the hall, or the desperate fiancée, Nina (Penélope Cruz) who broke her engagement to her beloved Mike (Paul Walker) because of his suffocating jealousy. In separate subplots soon to collide, a strange bartender (Alan Arkin) divulges how his past was forever altered by someone he thinks is Mike, while another Alzheimer's visitor, Charlie Boyd (Robin Williams, uncredited) helps Rose accept the possibility of miracles in an uplifting climatic twist. Though some of the storylines inch toward the improbable, the film manages to veer just to the right of maudlin. Instead, it arrives as a heartwarming, life-affirming tale that tugs at the heartstrings (with a haunting musical score by the famed Alan Menken). Grab some 'nog and a hanky. (Rated PG for sensuality, language, and some intense thematic material) --Lynn Gibson

Product Description
Joy is just around the corner when Susan Sarandon, Penelope Cruz, Paul Walker, and Alan Arkin fill out an all-star cast in this holiday classic. As five strangers come together on Christmas Eve, a story of peace, companionship, comfort, love, and healing unfolds against the backdrop of New York City. Noel, with its stunning cast and inspirational story, proves miracles are closer than you think.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Worthwhile Year-round Movie, December 1, 2004

By	D. Hupp "Hup234" (Woodbridge, VA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Noel (Flexplay 48-Hour DVD) - Amazon.com Exclusive (DVD)

I think the film has some good acting by Paul Walker, Susan Sarandon, and Penelope Cruz and some enjoyable plot twists that 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, but 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.

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Christmas Movie, Great Technology, November 29, 2004

By	filmcritic-9 (Brooklyn, NY, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Noel (Flexplay 48-Hour DVD) - Amazon.com Exclusive (DVD)

This is a very good Christmas movie. It is sentimental, heartwarming and uplifting, and it perfectly fits the holiday spirit. The acting is great, especially Susan Sarandon and Paul Walker, and even though Noel is technically excellent, it feels like a labor of love rather than a big Hollywood production.

I watched Noel on a Flexplay disc, and I was very impressed by this technology. I understand why some people want to collect DVDs that will last for ever, but I rarely watch movies again, so I rent most of my movies. I got the Flexplay disc instead of a RENTAL, and if I had rented the DVD I would have it for less than 48 hours (until midnight of the next day), my time would start the moment I walk out of the video store, the DVD would probably be scratched, it would be about the same price (my store charges $4.25 for new releases), and I would still need to take it back. If this was a regular DVD for such a new movie, it would probably cost more than $18. I used to give Blockbuster coupons as stocking stuffers, but Noel will do nicely this year.

I wouldn't order a DVD by itself and pay $2.98 shipping for a $4.99 product, but ordering together with other items I can get free shipping, so that is not an issue.

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars spirit of christmas, November 18, 2004

By	Richard Clair - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Noel (Flexplay 48-Hour DVD) - Amazon.com Exclusive (DVD)

This is a great xmas pic. The cast is incredible. Susan is flawless. Paul Walker is a revelation in a great dramatic romantic role. Penelope sambas! The stories are real and touching. Six very new york characters, each searching for someone on a christmas eve, find one another on christmas day. Great viewing cuddled up on the sofa with a date or the entire family. Cinematography and music are academy award caliber.