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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 getting.Read full review
.THIS IS A WONDERFUL "SLEEPER" OF A CHRISTMAS MOVIE. I SAW IT ON CABLE LAST FALL AND ADDED IT TO MY "DVDs WANTED LIST" OF GREAT DVD'S I'D LOVE TO ACQUIRE. I WAS CHECKING MY LIST IN EARLY JANUARY AND WAS THRILLED TO FIND IT AT SUCH A REASONABLE PRICE! WHO WOULDN'T LOVE THIS MOVIE WHEN THERE IS A CAST WITH THIS MUCH TALENT? LOVELY SUSAN SARANDON PLAYS A PROFESSIONAL WOMAN WHO IS A VERY LONELY DIVORCEE TENDING TO HER MOTHER WITH ALZHEIMERS. SHE DUTIFULLY VISITS HER HOSPITALIZED MOM EACH DAY BRINGING LITTLE DECORATIONS AND TRYING TO GET HER TO REMEMBER PAST CHRISTMAS' FILLED WITH JOY BUT NOTHING SEEMS TO WORK. BEAUTIFUL PENELOPE CRUISE IS FANTASTIC AS USUAL, PLAYING A YOUNG WOMAN FROM A LOVING FAMILY THAT BREAKS HER ENGAGEMENT ON CHRISTMAS EVE BECAUSE HER FIANCE (PLAYED BY HANDSOME PAUL WALKER), HAS MAJOR JEALOUSY PROBLEMS. THEN THERE IS AN UNBILLED ROBIN WILLIAMS WHO PLAYS AN EX-PRIEST. SARANDON MEETS HIM VISITING A DYING FRIEND ACCROSS THE HALL FROM HER MOTHER. TOP ALL THIS OFF WITH ALAN ARKIN AS A CONFUSED BARTENDER WHO STAULKS CRUISE'S BOYFRIEND BELIEVING THAT HE IS HIS REINCARNATED WIFE. ADD A HUGE CAST OF FRIENDS, MEDICAL PERSONNEL, FAMILY AND STRANGERS AND YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS STORY FILLED WITH SADNESS AND HUMOR. YES, IT MIGHT BE A TWO HANKY FILM. BUT THAT'S THE WAY ALL THE GREAT CHRISTMAS STORIES ARE. THIS GREAT ONE CENTERS ON PEOPLE WHO ARE VERY LONELY DURING THIS GREATEST OF ALL HOLIDAYS. IT IS THE KIND OF FILM THAT TENDS TO RENEW YOUR FAITH IN PEOPLE AND MIRACLES. AFTER ALL, CHRISTMAS IS SUPPOSED TO BE ABOUT A WONDERFUL MAN WHO TAUGHT MANKIND ABOUT LOVE, GENEROSITY, FAMILY, AND FORGIVENESS. IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THAT. AND FOR ALL YOU GUYS OUT THERE: NO, THIS IS NOT A CHICK FLICK. IN MY HUMBLE OPINION, IT'S A FAMILY FLICK THAT DESERVES TO BE PULLED OUT EVERY YEAR ALONG WITH "A CHRISTMAS STORY" AND "IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE." I FELT I HAD TO OWN THIS DVD SO I COULD SHARE IT WITH ALL OF MY FRIENDS. I HOPE YOU WILL FEEL THE SAME WAY. I GIVE IT FIVE THUMBS UP, OR FIVE STARS OR WHATEVER YOU PREFER. -irene (dba reenerbean)Read full review
Favorite Christmas movie
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
another movie with paul walker.only issue is do not have closed capation
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
You know that any movie that has a contest for 'Why I hate Christmas' is going to be no joyride. The movie's tagline is that Miracles can Happen. Well, the characters simply get too beat up during the movie to make the minor miracles at the end worth the heartache. The one nice storyline was between Sarandon and Williams. This was unexpected and pleasant. Otherwise, not an uplifting Xmas movie to watch with the whole family around the fireplace.
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