Noel (2004)

User Rating:

6.3/10   

Director:

Chazz Palminteri

Writer (WGA):

David Hubbard (written by)

Release Date:

26 November 2004 (Italy)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

Miracles are closer than you think

Plot:

Five New Yorkers come together on Christmas Eve, seeking a miracle.

Plot Keywords:

Christmas | Hospital | New York | Handcuffs | Father Son Relationship

Cast

Susan Sarandon	...	Rose Collins
Paul Walker	...	Mike Riley
Penélope Cruz	...	Nina Vasquez
Alan Arkin	...	Artie Venzuela
Marcus Thomas	...	Jules Calvert
Sonny Marinelli	...	Dennis
Daniel Sunjata	...	Marco
Chazz Palminteri	...	Arizona
Rob Daly	...	Paul
John Doman	...	Dr. Matthew Baron
Carmen Ejogo	...	Dr. Matthew Batiste
Billy Porter	...	Randy
Donna Hanover	...	Debbie Carmichael
Merwin Mondesir	...	Glenn
Una Kay	...	Helen

MPAA:

Rated PG for sensuality, thematic material and some language.

Runtime:

96 min

Country:

USA | Canada

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

UK:PG | Singapore:PG | Canada:PG (Ontario) | USA:PG (certificate #41001) | Iceland:L | Malaysia:(Banned) | Australia:PG | South Korea:12 | Finland:K-3 | Argentina:Atp | Brazil:Livre

Filming Locations:

Montréal, Québec, Canada

Company:

Neverland Films

Trivia:

Throughout shooting the film on location in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Susan Sarandon would catch a 45-minute flight from New York City (where she lives) to Montreal. One return flight from Montreal turned into a reported 14+ hour ordeal due to a blizzard that shutdown most of the East Coast.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Rose enters her office, she hangs up her red beret on a coat hanger. She hangs her jacket up on the same hanger, and as she walks to her desk the beret falls off. However, after she has sat down at her desk, the beret appears back on the coat hanger.

Quotes:

Artie: I thought I was never gonna see you again.
Mike: Hi. Long time no see. Should I get the nurse?
Artie: No. What are you still doing here?
Mike: I was waiting for you to wake up.
Artie: Thanks so much for helping me out. I'm - I'm very, very grateful.
Mike: Your welcome. Artie, listen to me. I want you to know something. I forgive you.
Artie: Huh?
Mike: You understand? It's over. I forgive you for everything.
[Artie starts to cry and Mike kisses his forehead, sniffling as well, then he sees Artie's son, Paul]
Mike: Looks like there's someone here to see you.
[...]

Movie Connections:

References One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

Soundtrack:

O Christmas Tree

A touching gift for the holiday season

After 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.