I started watching this expecting a typical TV movie of the week. Excellent writing, directing, and acting by a great cast make it so much more. "Noel" is a beautiful story that is set in New York City on Christmas Eve and follows several characters whose lives intersect including Susan Sarandon as a lonely single woman caring for a sick mother, Paul Walker as an engaged man who can't seem to feel secure in his relationship with his fiancée(Penelope Cruz), and Alan Arkin as a man with a past that he can't seem to move on from. Themes of loneliness, jealousy, regret, are covered as well as love, acceptance, and reconciliation. If you are looking for a feel good tearjerker to watch over the holiday, I highly recommend this under seen gem.
