The Noel Diary movie review

MOVIE TITLE: The Noel Diary

This romantic drama is now available exclusively on Netflix.

RATING: TV-14

LENGTH: 1 hour 39 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: B

IN A NUTSHELL:

This feel-good holiday rom-com is based on the book by Richard Paul Evans. The film is directed by Charles Shyer who co-wrote it with David Golden.

THINGS I LIKED:

Justin Hartley makes for the perfect rich bachelor in movies. He also worked as the executive producer of the movie.
Barrett Doss is absolutely lovely and has a gorgeous singing voice. What a delightful surprise!
Beautiful and unexpected musical number. I need to learn how to play the piano. My parents forced me to take lessons when I was a little girl, but I wanted to be out dancing instead, so I quit after a year or so. I wish I had understood the power of music back then.
There’s an interesting mystery to solve.
The tree in the picture was such a tenderly-sweet detail.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Some weird, choppy editing moments.
Movies like this set up unrealistic expectations in many ways. For example, what hotel rooms come with fireplaces or trays of candles?
The friendship between the two characters feels benign for the majority of the movie. Then suddenly, the romance takes over hard and fast all while one of the characters remained engaged to someone else.
It’s very cheesy and predictable.
Some ineffective green-screen moments.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

THEMES:

FUNNY LINES:

None worth noting.

INTERESTING LINES:

“The best way out is always through.” – Robert Frost
“Why is it a long shot?” – Jacob Turner (Justin Hartley) “Isn’t everything?” – Rachel (Barrett Doss)
“I guess the universe really does reward the brave.” – Jacob Turner (Justin Hartley)
“You know that saying, ‘Time heals all wounds’? It doesn’t.” – Jacob Turner (Justin Hartley)
“Guess life’s all about the chase, huh?” – Rachel (Barrett Doss)
“Like Kerouac said it. ‘It all ends in tears anyway.’” – Jacob Turner (Justin Hartley)