Noel

Noel features a sterling cast including: Susan Sarandon, Robin Williams, Alan Arkin, Penelope Cruz, Paul Walker and Marcus Thomas. It was also the directorial debut of actor Chazz Palminteri.

Set on Christmas Eve in New York City, "Noel" tells the story of a group of strangers whose lives are filled with the struggles of family life and personal issues eating away at them. Rose (Susan Sarandon), Nina (Penelope Cruz), Mike (Paul Walker), Artie (Alan Arkin), Jules (Marcus Thomas) and Charlie (Robin Williams) each have difficult and painful realities facing them. But this Christmas Eve, their lives will change. Answers will be found through those fears, and though unusual acts of the unexplainable. Sadness too, will begin to step away as hope, healing and love takes its place.

I wholeheartedly enjoyed "Noel" for the beautiful and moving performances of the ensemble cast, and for the powerful direction, which captured those troubled and heartfelt emotions.

Although "Noel" is set in tones of darkness, loneliness and sadness, it is in those truths where personalities live and grow, and ultimately, where they will gain new perspective on their futures.

"Noel" gave each of us viewers an early Christmas gift. It demonstrated that the unselfish act of showing kindness to a person in need can make wonderful difference in that person's life. Sometimes this is so amazing that it can be called a miracle, and our world can never have too many miracles.