283 reviews
6/10 - started off really cheesy, but got significantly more heartfelt and memorable when Anna Kendrick was given a script worthy of her talents during the final act
- JoBloTheMovieCritic
- Nov 29, 2019
- Permalink
I thought it was decent for a Disney Christmas movie. It has some pretty good humor. It also has originality. I saw it on Disney+ on Nov. 13, 2019 a day after they just launched it for streaming and good graphics. I enjoyed it, but it's not on my list of favorites for holiday movies. I would recommend watching it once for sure. I gave it a solid 7 because of the humor. It made me laugh and laughing is therapeutic for me.
I actually really enjoyed this movie. Anna Kendrick is charming as always and Bill Hader is just awesome! The movie reminded me a little of Elf (which is my favorite Christmas movie). I'm sure I'll be watching Noelle every Christmas now.
- shaylad2055
- Nov 16, 2019
- Permalink
In Noelle, Bill Hader and Anna Kendrick play Santa Claus's children, Nick and Noelle. When they're father dies, Nick reluctantly takes the family job of Santa, and yet ...
If you don't know where this movie is going in the first 10 minutes then you've never watched a movie before. The whole thing is a predictable mash-up of previous Christmas movies, taking elements of Elf's fish-out-of-water concept and mixing it in with a standard "save Christmas" plot.
So yeah, it's easy to criticize. And honestly, when a friend recommended it I only watched it begrudgingly. But it's actually tremendously fun.
Kendrick is adorable as the wide-eyed innocent, Hader is excellent as the freaked-out son, and there's a hilarious bit about the problems of using predictive analytics to determine whether children are naughty or nice.
The main issue with the movie is a certain laziness, with plot points thrown in and then ignored and with Shirley MacLaine's character never quite coming to life. It's a shame, because with a somewhat tighter, more thoughtful script this could have been every bit as good as Elf.
Anyway, ignore the haters, this is a solid Xmas movie.
If you don't know where this movie is going in the first 10 minutes then you've never watched a movie before. The whole thing is a predictable mash-up of previous Christmas movies, taking elements of Elf's fish-out-of-water concept and mixing it in with a standard "save Christmas" plot.
So yeah, it's easy to criticize. And honestly, when a friend recommended it I only watched it begrudgingly. But it's actually tremendously fun.
Kendrick is adorable as the wide-eyed innocent, Hader is excellent as the freaked-out son, and there's a hilarious bit about the problems of using predictive analytics to determine whether children are naughty or nice.
The main issue with the movie is a certain laziness, with plot points thrown in and then ignored and with Shirley MacLaine's character never quite coming to life. It's a shame, because with a somewhat tighter, more thoughtful script this could have been every bit as good as Elf.
Anyway, ignore the haters, this is a solid Xmas movie.
Below average Christmas movie. Just watched it because of Anna Kendrick. Great actress and very funny. Some actors are really bad in this movie. And Bill hader is not given anything to do. What a waste. Story is very standard and offers nothing new to the Christmas movie world. IT Has the Christmas vibe big it alsof feels like a money grab. Everything rests on the talent of Kendrick.
- tvalstar99
- Dec 13, 2021
- Permalink
- Gwendlyn007
- Jan 5, 2020
- Permalink
If it wasn't for having stars like Anna Kendrick and Bill Hader in this, it for sure would have been an Disney Channel movie. It is very cheesy and very predictable. And the CGI, while not the worst thing I have ever witnessed, is clear they didnt have a big budget. And if those Disney Channel type of movies are your jam, then sure I think you'll like this. But there was too many times for me where I was cringing over the dialogue (lots of christmas related puns) or over things happening in the plot. I think the actors did the best they could with what they were given and there were certain little moments here and there that I liked but overall....not the best film. But I suppose if you are looking for something "safe" to watch this Christmas with your family, then its fine.
- mr_bickle_the_pickle
- Nov 12, 2019
- Permalink
I was excited for Noelle despite the reviews, and after watching, I still don't understand all the ridiculously critical reviews. This is a Disney Christmas movie targeted for kids for goodness sake. The plot to me is a mix between Elf, and The Santa Clause, and it honestly is better than MOST of the Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel. It is a light-hearted fun movie and I love what the movie conveys even though most of the negative reviews are based around the fact that its "too feminist". The movie is showing young girls that their capabilities are endless, and that being a girl shouldn't hold them back from being whatever they want. The fact that so many people take issue with that is sad and ridiculous.
- tfrasier-68666
- Nov 14, 2019
- Permalink
This is a feel good family film about the Santa Claus family. It mostly is for children and teens.
Noelle is like "Elf Light." It's the same basic fish-out-of-water premise, but it's not as clever of a story. Plus, Anna Kendrick doesn't quite have the same childlike innocence & energy of Will Ferrell. The heart of this movie is more successful than its humor. It hits the emotional notes well, even when the jokes are landing flat. However, it tends to get heavy-handed at times and seems to make up rules as it goes. It kept me entertained, but I'm not going to re-watch this movie each Christmas.
- cricketbat
- Dec 14, 2020
- Permalink
Ipad commercials throughout the entire movie.
Is this what Disney has become, hidden advertising in their movies.
- Christian1DK
- Dec 9, 2019
- Permalink
I'm not one to write reviews often. Disney has captured a cute and enjoyable amount of Christmas spirit with this movie that was helped along way by Anna Kendrick. A Christmas movie should do one simple thing ... give you the feels ... The feels are delivered here.
I started watching this with certain trepidation - one likes to see lighthearted and fun Christmas movies at this time of year, but they usually end up being so cheesy and bad that you stop watching them after ten minutes. Not this time: Noelle manages to be fun and entertaining all the way through and even the bad jokes fit the mood perfectly. Unfortunately, the movie is also riddled with advertisements and pointedly long shots at certain storefronts and their logos. Somehow, they have tried to mix an endearing message of Christmas love and helping those who are less fortunate with an exceeding amount of commercialism.
- MSusimetsa
- Dec 23, 2020
- Permalink
I never felt immersed in this movie the way I would in many others. As others started it is very boring and definitely has an agenda and that agenda is not to entertain. However the reason I couldn't get into it was the overboard advertisements and product endorsements. There is actually a line where Shirley McClain's character jumps out and asks if Anna's character likes her Supercuts haircut. I could probably recite more of these than the plot since that seemed to be the main point. iPods, Petco, etc... I actually commented that I'd rather watch a Hallmark movie and I am not a fan.
How MANY times can they mention Apple and Ipads.... I wonder how much money Apple paid Disney for this advertisement disguised as a movie..
Its a nice funny movie but would have been better without the Apple placement
Just like every other Christmas movie ever! Of course we know what's going to happen...of course the writing is hokey...of course the comedy is cheesy....and of course you have to suspend ALL reality.
I almost shut this movie off three times, but I stuck it out and I'm glad I did. Anna is, I'm sorry, one of the cutest actresses of all time, and she did a really good job with this from start to finish. This movie probably would have gone straight to the trash heap without her.
Is it a new classic? I don't know. All I can say for sure is that the last half got legs, and actually made me feel like a Christmas should make one feel. A little happy, a little sad, and a little nostalgic. Overall, it was a cathartic experience, just like a Christmas movie should be.
"It will fit you, when you fit it".
I almost shut this movie off three times, but I stuck it out and I'm glad I did. Anna is, I'm sorry, one of the cutest actresses of all time, and she did a really good job with this from start to finish. This movie probably would have gone straight to the trash heap without her.
Is it a new classic? I don't know. All I can say for sure is that the last half got legs, and actually made me feel like a Christmas should make one feel. A little happy, a little sad, and a little nostalgic. Overall, it was a cathartic experience, just like a Christmas movie should be.
"It will fit you, when you fit it".
It's not the best film of the year and it is not trying to be. So I rated it accordingly. It think it does very well what it intends to do.
- UncleKingpin
- Nov 13, 2019
- Permalink
I wanted to like this movie. Anna Kendrick and Bill Hader are awesome but the script was obvious and predictable, it fell short of funny and I think we should all just pretend it didn't happen.
- sethsnyder-07248
- Nov 15, 2019
- Permalink
I wasn't expecting much, but was pleasantly surprised. A tad cheesy, but most Christmas movies are. It was adorable, sweet and had lovable characters.
- christinabagnaschi
- Nov 24, 2019
- Permalink
It's a classic silly story about Christmas so there's not much to expect from it. Anna Kendrick was cute as always and that's all I can add.
- jordymadueno
- May 16, 2020
- Permalink
If you are desperate for Xmas films and don't require much more than something nice to look at (excepting the CG, which looks like it belongs in another world, along with the badly backlit characters through the entire film) then you will probably like this. It has costumes and some colourful scenery.
If you require something more from your holiday fare then give it a pass.
My main complaint is that the movie flatlined from start to finish; there were no moments of wonder or joy, no lead up to a fun conclusion, nothing. It feels like someone boring telling a story, talking to you in a monotone on and on.
Its a shame because it could have been a decent little film. But it's not.
Everyone else who purchased Disney streaming has watched Noelle or will watch for the upcoming Holiday season. I really had no expectations of loving this Christmas movie but it turned out to be a cute and fun retelling of a story we all know. Great Movie for families.
Anna Kendrick was just right for this role, she was a joy to watch and was so cheerful..
- BurberryGal
- Nov 12, 2019
- Permalink
Noelle is the worst of all Christmas tropes all jumbled together. Written by committee? Check. Sponsored by Apple, Hilfiger and a Phoenix megamall? Check. And you can bet your bottom dollar the producers or writers live in Phoenix, or there's some monetary incentive provided by the city for its senseless inclusion in this catastrophic failure that is, to date, the worst and most corporate Christmas movie I've ever seen.
Save yourself the aggravation and enjoy Elf or Jingle All The Way with your loved ones instead.
Save yourself the aggravation and enjoy Elf or Jingle All The Way with your loved ones instead.
- fraze-307-720256
- Nov 25, 2019
- Permalink
As the lead character, Noelle is a refreshing symbol of female strength and ambition. Anna Kendrick brings a sweet sense of humour to the role, at times genuinely making me laugh as the cute and loveable Noelle. I can't help but compare her naivety, and of course her obsession with Christmas, to that of Buddy the Elf, although she does also demonstrate wonderful tenacity and intuition.
Making new Christmas films can be a risk as there are so many iconic seasonal favourites to compete with. Noelle isn't massively different to Christmas tales we've seen before, but has its own sweet twist which I thoroughly enjoyed. It had the heartfelt warmth you expect from a Christmas film, without being overly cheesy. I also loved that it acknowledged those less fortunate at Christmas, and demonstrated the true meaning of Christmas. A perfect Christmas film to enjoy with the family 🎄
Making new Christmas films can be a risk as there are so many iconic seasonal favourites to compete with. Noelle isn't massively different to Christmas tales we've seen before, but has its own sweet twist which I thoroughly enjoyed. It had the heartfelt warmth you expect from a Christmas film, without being overly cheesy. I also loved that it acknowledged those less fortunate at Christmas, and demonstrated the true meaning of Christmas. A perfect Christmas film to enjoy with the family 🎄
- IMDbabe1807
- Jan 2, 2021
- Permalink
Well that must one of the most boring christmas movies i have seen in my life. The characters don't connect at all and yeah girls do everything better and men are lazy. They totally forgot that christmas is a team effort. Why couldn't sis and bro work together to save christmas. What a letdown.