?? $2,ltzy as Christmas movies get, "Noel"
is as counterfeit as spray-on snow. Set on
Christmas Eve and continuing through
Christmas day, the drama introduces us to a
motley group of New Yorkers who hate their
lives or circumstances. There's the
long-suffering woman (Susan Sarandon)
whose life has been reduced to taking care of
her Alzheimer's afflicted mother. There's the
insecure cop (Paul Walker) whose
pathological jealousy jeopardizes his
impending marriage to his fiancée (Penelope
Cruz). And there's the old man (Alan Arkin)
who insists the policeman is the reincarnation
of his dead wife. All of them will learn a lesson
this Christmas and become happier human
beings in the process. Utterly devoid of
genuine emotion or warmth, "Noel," which
marks the directorial debut of actor Chazz
Palminteri, is too sappy for words. Where's
"Bad Santa" when you need him?
Starring
Susan Sarandon, Penelope Cruz,
Paul Walker and Alan Arkin. Directed by Chazz
Palminteri. Written by David Hubbard.
Produced by Howard Rosenman, Al Corley,
Bart Rosenblatt and Eugene Musso. A
Neverland release. Drama. Unrated. Running
time: 96 min
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