Noelle

Noelle is a heartwarming and delightful family-friendly movie directed by Marc Lawrence and released in 2019. The film stars the immensely talented and charming Anna Kendrick, who fans will recognise from her roles in "Pitch Perfect" and "Up in the Air". She is aptly supported by comedy powerhouse Bill Hader (“Superbad”, “Inside Out”) and the legendary actress Shirley MacLaine (“Terms of Endearment”, “The Apartment”).

A unique take on the age-old narrative about Christmas, Noelle flips the tale on its head as it takes the viewers on an extraordinary world that exists beyond the comfort of the North Pole. In the magical atmosphere of Santa’s village at the North Pole, Noelle (Anna Kendrick) and her brother Nick (Bill Hader) Cringle have grown up amidst the joy and merriment of Christmas. Their lives have always been extraordinary because of their father's impressive role—Santa Claus himself.

Turn of events lead to Nick being put in charge of the family business. Sudden responsibility brings insurmountable stress, as he now needs to fulfill the daunting task of becoming Santa, something that he finds increasingly difficult to cope with. Noelle, in a bid to help her brother, suggests that he should take a weekend off for relaxation before the big Christmas Eve night. This advice, unfortunately, backfires when Nick vanishes, leaving no trace behind.

Fearful of the implications this could have on Christmas and its future, Noelle decides to venture out of the North Pole for the first time in her life. Accompanied by her childhood nanny, Elf Polly, played by MacLaine, she embarks on a mission to the bustling, chaotic outside world to find her brother and bring him back in time to save Christmas. Her enthusiastic, Christmas loving nature is put to the test as she ventures into the modern world with all its cynicism and lack of holiday spirit.

Kendrick seamlessly embodies the role of Noelle, encapsulating her infectious enthusiasm and innocent charm perfectly. Her comic timing and overall performance steal the show, with the upbeat, optimistic character being the beacon of positivity that everyone needs to see in a holiday movie.

Bill Hader impressively displays the uncertainty and pressure of a man who is expected to fill in the shoes of his larger-than-life father but feels woefully inadequate. His struggle and journey touch the hearts of audiences. The sharp humor he instills in his performance is commendable, keeping viewers engaged and entertained.

On the other hand, Shirley MacLaine brings in a touch of wisdom and experience with her role as Elf Polly. She provides the grounding force throughout the film, anchoring the whimsical characters and bizarre adventures. MacLaine effortlessly portrays the loving yet stern figure, delivering some of the movie’s most memorable moments.

Together, the cast and narrative of Noelle brilliantly highlights the love, kindness, and merriment associated with the holiday season. It brings forth the spirit of Christmas, reinforcing the belief in miracles and the joy of giving, while humorously exploring the concept of long-established norms and the courage needed to challenge them. Further, it stresses the importance of family, and how bonds can evolve and adapt during challenging times.

The movie is beautifully shot, with wonderful cinematography that truly captures the magic and sparkle of Christmas. The snowy landscapes of the North Pole are a sight to behold, as is the bustling city life that Noelle explores during her mission.

While Noelle is indeed a fun-filled Christmas tale with a good measure of quirkiness and charm, it offers more than just holiday cheer. It is an adventurous journey – a story of discovery, personal growth and revolutionizing long-standing traditions. It reminds viewers about the importance of family, friendship, belief, and above all, the magic of Christmas. Featuring enchanting performances by an excellent cast, Noelle is sure to capture your imagination and warm your heart. The movie's captivating performances, compelling storyline, and valuable lessons make it a film that can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages, not just during the holiday season, but all year round.