There are some likable aspects to this film, but also some things I wasn't such a big fan of. What I liked most was Justin Hartley. He's a commanding presence on the small screen. You can count on good acting and charisma with him. He's a consistently believable character all throughout this story. Interestingly, The Noel Diary showed restraint in places where it could have really stirred up those feel-good, warm and fuzzy feelings in us. And then in other places, it didn't show restraint where it should have. For example, the primary romance isn't the sweetest as it feels a bit wrong at times given that one of the two protagonists is engaged to someone else throughout the whole movie. The deceit and cheating taking place definitely weakens the romantic aspect of the film, which is a major aspect. The other major aspect is the theme of abandonment and reconciliation with parents. This is handled better, though not utilized to its full potential. Still, with all the Christmas decorations and snowy scenery, it's very watchable if you're in the mood for a simple little Christmassy film to enjoy at the end of the day.
189 Reviews
I really enjoyed this!
arod_8528 November 2022
I expected a dreaded Hallmark movie with a very weak plot but decided I would give this a shot due to Justin Hartley. I ended up enjoying it. It is a very simplistic movie, but it is far better than anything you would find on the Hallmark channel. It's a sentimental holiday movie that feels very Nicolas Sparks-esqe. There is a believable chemistry between both the leads but because I need to fill up IMBD's 600 character requirement, my only critique would be that maybe the female lead needed to be slightly older because the male lead looked closer in age to the female lead's mother. However, that was not enough to keep me from enjoying it. She was a great actress. Still a very sweet movie that I thoroughly enjoyed.
HOW DOES IT END LIKE THAT??????
berengeredarmont1 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I actually quite liked the movie throughout. It is better than most Netflix movies out there, but SERIOUSLY?!?! Rachel doesn't meet her mother.... No no, after being prepared to drive (for how ever long) to try and find her last address or her even just her name then take back the car (for how ever long) to reach someone that might know where she went 30 years ago, she decides she is contempt enough after reading her diary. Her mother is very much alive and willing to meet her long lost daughter, and the fact that we meet her is even worst. That was the whole point of the story. SO disappointing. I had a complet case of "unfinished business" when the credits rolled.
A very pleasant surprise
Rachelle876524 November 2022
I was binging some cheesy Christmas movies and I saw this and I thought ok sounds like another typical 4, 5 average I'll pass the time.
I was surprised, it was a really very nice movie. I even shed a tear there at the end.
I really liked it. Great movie, great acting. It touches on so many painful subjects but not in a heavy way. The actors are all great, nothing cheesy and it does have a Christmas vibe to it. Ok well maybe a few scenes were slightly cheesy but the rest is really good and sad , that I was really thrilled and smiled at those cheesy moments. I finished the movie having a lot of thoughts about my own life and the people in it, so relatable. Definitely not what i expected feeling after a Christmas movie.
I was surprised, it was a really very nice movie. I even shed a tear there at the end.
I really liked it. Great movie, great acting. It touches on so many painful subjects but not in a heavy way. The actors are all great, nothing cheesy and it does have a Christmas vibe to it. Ok well maybe a few scenes were slightly cheesy but the rest is really good and sad , that I was really thrilled and smiled at those cheesy moments. I finished the movie having a lot of thoughts about my own life and the people in it, so relatable. Definitely not what i expected feeling after a Christmas movie.
A Decent Cut Above
posti-215-23155029 November 2022
... the standard Christmas romance. The story had some depth and inspired real feeling and empathy for the two leads, each of whom was trying in their own way to resolve past traumas.
The cast were uniformly strong, and the leads had a believable chemistry. Both were likeable but imperfect (again, unusual in this genre but a welcome change!) Particularly enjoyed Bonnie Bedellia's turn as the romantically-inclined neighbour.
This movie managed to draw me in and make me care what happened to its characters - a sure sign of competent writing and acting.
Please Netflix - more like this! Real life has its challenges, as do real people, but they're so much more interesting than the standard Christmas movie versions we get served up.
The cast were uniformly strong, and the leads had a believable chemistry. Both were likeable but imperfect (again, unusual in this genre but a welcome change!) Particularly enjoyed Bonnie Bedellia's turn as the romantically-inclined neighbour.
This movie managed to draw me in and make me care what happened to its characters - a sure sign of competent writing and acting.
Please Netflix - more like this! Real life has its challenges, as do real people, but they're so much more interesting than the standard Christmas movie versions we get served up.
Better than most Netflix Christmas movies this year
ericalandreth26 November 2022
I'll admit, after Lindsay Lohan and Freddie Prinze Jr, Netflix was really dropping the ball on this year's cookie cutter Christmas films. But I am a glutton for punishment, so I, of course, had to watch this one immediately. The cast is great. I loved Bonnie Bedelia's character especially. I enjoyed the storyline. The acting was mostly good. The one major negative for me was the terrible editing. There were some really awkward camera zooms and just choppiness throughout and the cgi was unbearable at times. It was really distracting for me. I also really didn't buy the romantic chemistry between the main characters at all. Still, I was happy to see something a little different from the typical holiday film, as this movie delved into some heavier emotions; grief, abandonment, etc, which was a change of pace needed in this genre I think. All in all, worth a watch in my opinion.
The Tree in The Picture!
p-dinning28 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Just a few things wrong with this movie: 1/ It took over a week before Jake was informed of his mother's death. 2/ Why was it a big deal with Rachel being multi lingual ? 3/ They were sleeping in a car in cold winter conditions. 4/ when Jake and his Dad reunited after 35 years there was no emotion. 5/ Jake and his Dad decorated the Christmas tree while Rachel was outside. 6/ Rachel read Jakes book before her mothers precious diary. 7/ The cheating was deemed acceptable. 8/ Having been desperate to find her mother Rachel didn't contact her when she found out where she was. 9/ What was the big deal with the necklace Rachel's Dad gave her!. 10/ The worst part of all was when the neighbour gave Jake the picture she'd painted of the house...with the tree added to it. The tree that Jakes brother had fallen out of and died!.
Enjoyed it way more than I expected to
jessi-18-11334224 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I watched this because it popped up as a Netflix suggestion and soon found myself completely captivated by the main actors' chemistry. In a genre that is usually under-scripted and cheesy, I found this to be the opposite- it is a sincere, compelling story that comes off so genuinely, and it was beautifully acted. The result is a film that is simply endearing to watch from start to finish. Really worth the watch if you feel like a heart warming classic romance to get lost in.
Vague spoilers ahead:
The "love triangle" could have resolved in a less morally sketchy way in the end, but somehow you're rooting for the main characters so much that you'll forgive it.
Vague spoilers ahead:
The "love triangle" could have resolved in a less morally sketchy way in the end, but somehow you're rooting for the main characters so much that you'll forgive it.
Heartwarming
albertval-6956027 November 2022
It's a heartwarming story; a feel-good story as most Christmas tales are although one
might find it a bit cheesy.
The premise is rather unusual. How a diary could turn strangers into sweethearts, reconcile estranged relatives, and make a child fully understand her mother who abandons her is something to root for. And the movie brings out all the elements that make it a gem.
Justin Hartley and Barrett Doss have undeniably good chemistry on screen which makes their scenes together quite entertaining.
The soundtrack helps to energize it, and the cinematography captures the Christmassy feeling and tone.
There are many remarkable, quiet Christmas stories out there. This is one of them.
The premise is rather unusual. How a diary could turn strangers into sweethearts, reconcile estranged relatives, and make a child fully understand her mother who abandons her is something to root for. And the movie brings out all the elements that make it a gem.
Justin Hartley and Barrett Doss have undeniably good chemistry on screen which makes their scenes together quite entertaining.
The soundtrack helps to energize it, and the cinematography captures the Christmassy feeling and tone.
There are many remarkable, quiet Christmas stories out there. This is one of them.
Heartwarming cheaters more like it
irishuskyforever29 November 2022
Why are so many films like this where 1 if not both of the main characters have partners and then end up in romantic scenarios with a stranger and just throw their committed relationships out the window. Like has anyone ever heard of being a decent person and I don't know breaking it off with your fiancé , partner or spouse before you go out of your way to pursue someone? The girl ( 2nd main character) is totally engaged and goes out of her way to be in inappropriate scenarios with this other guy. I hate media making this okay . Iike really ?? We're supposed to root for the cheaters??? What !!
Very sweet movie
dancinqueen-3860327 November 2022
The bad reviews of this movie crack me up ... saying there are plot holes and bad script so hilarious. Obviously none of these people have ever seen or grown up with hallmark movies... which this one is actually much better than a hallmark movie with some great acting. Feel good Christmas movies are perfect for this time of year to spread cheer and happiness. Hartley is so sweet and relaxing to watch in this movie and I loved the love interest as well! And don't get me started on the cute dog Ava! She was so cute! I appreciate the sweet neighbor and him taking the step to visit his father. If you're looking for a sweet movie that will leave you feeling good and getting you into the Christmas mood watch this!
not bad at all
mergawi24 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The scenery and the acting was phenomenal i really think they did a great job at captivating the audience through the mystery of the characters and their background story for some time.
The story was mediocre and wasn't that much of a suspense you pretty much know how the movie will end 30 minutes in and it ends exactly the way you think it would.
The shooting was extra amazing and it definitely had that christmasy feeling which i liked very much especially in this time of the year.
The piano scene was also soothing to the eye and the ear, when Jake saw his father i hoped their encounter would've been more intense with more emotion but it was kinda meh
congratulations to the directors and the actors tho great film over-all a solid 7.5 out of 10
P. S./ shoutout to Ava, an Oscar worthy actress really.
The story was mediocre and wasn't that much of a suspense you pretty much know how the movie will end 30 minutes in and it ends exactly the way you think it would.
The shooting was extra amazing and it definitely had that christmasy feeling which i liked very much especially in this time of the year.
The piano scene was also soothing to the eye and the ear, when Jake saw his father i hoped their encounter would've been more intense with more emotion but it was kinda meh
congratulations to the directors and the actors tho great film over-all a solid 7.5 out of 10
P. S./ shoutout to Ava, an Oscar worthy actress really.
Let down.
Whitneywest1028 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
It had everything there to be great. But then it just felt like a lot was done for over an hour for things to be wrapped up in unconventional ways. I know that's where my low rating comes from and I'm guessing others too. You only see Jake with his dad for a short time, Rachel never actually connects with her mom, and then to top it off Jake and Rachel don't actually cement anything final on camera. I would have been 100% okay with not getting the romance part because I'll get my overdose with Hallmark but to never see Rachel and her mom together?! Unforgivable. I get what the message is but I'm a human living in 2022, I want my payoff if I'm committing my watch time. Love the leads and supporting cast. Loved the setting. Loved the acting. But overall, this missed the mark for me.
IT PROMOTES CHEATING?
andrewchristianjr28 November 2022
Certain elements may be formulaic and you know where it is heading, but it is a very pleasing balance of drama and romance. There're some inconsistencies and promotes cheating. Would explain considering she left her fiance for a man she spent 3 days with.
Synopsis: When best-selling author Jake Turner (Justin Hartley) returns home at Christmas to settle his estranged mother's estate, he discovers a diary that may hold secrets to his own past and that of Rachel (Barrett Doss) -- an intriguing young woman on a mission of her own. Together, they embark on a journey to confront their pasts and discover a future that's totally unexpected.
Synopsis: When best-selling author Jake Turner (Justin Hartley) returns home at Christmas to settle his estranged mother's estate, he discovers a diary that may hold secrets to his own past and that of Rachel (Barrett Doss) -- an intriguing young woman on a mission of her own. Together, they embark on a journey to confront their pasts and discover a future that's totally unexpected.
Highly Predictable But Heartwarming
Hammer-Rocks30 November 2022
Just like most of the movies in this genre, this feel-good movie's outcomes are utterly predictable. But the journey to predictability is a good one.
If you've had a bad day, or simply want to be uplifted, this movie is the perfect one for you. I won't spoil it and mention anything that transpires from the movie, I'll let you discover that for yourself, but there are no surprises, nor big plot twist. This is just a good wholesome heartwarming movie which I wish the real world has more of.
The actors, set and directing was first class. I thought the two actors playing the two main protagonists did an exceptional job in bringing their characters to life. They were relatable and easy to endear oneself to both.
VERDICT: A good viewing for the whole family and/or loved ones.
If you've had a bad day, or simply want to be uplifted, this movie is the perfect one for you. I won't spoil it and mention anything that transpires from the movie, I'll let you discover that for yourself, but there are no surprises, nor big plot twist. This is just a good wholesome heartwarming movie which I wish the real world has more of.
The actors, set and directing was first class. I thought the two actors playing the two main protagonists did an exceptional job in bringing their characters to life. They were relatable and easy to endear oneself to both.
VERDICT: A good viewing for the whole family and/or loved ones.
Good movie, overdone trope
shadows-1788726 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The movie was really enjoyable and all the actors did a good job. I just wish they would abandon the "girl is engaged but finds a charming new guy and after a few days abandons the fiancé" trope. In this case, there was zero respect for the relationship she spends the entire "first date" glamorizing. She doesn't tell her fiancé what she's doing, she admits she was thinking about sex with the new guy since she met him - what?? And they demonize the original guy because he was worried about gas money - not exactly abusive.
The entire movie could have been done without the side story of the engaged girl. It was pointless and quite frankly I'm so tired of this trope. Maybe do a movie where the couple who has lost the spark gets it back rather than just jumping to the next bachelor you happen to meet.
The entire movie could have been done without the side story of the engaged girl. It was pointless and quite frankly I'm so tired of this trope. Maybe do a movie where the couple who has lost the spark gets it back rather than just jumping to the next bachelor you happen to meet.
Did nobody read the script?
bcarsonmail-948-20971826 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This could have been an unassuming little rom-com if somebody had bothered to read the script and fix it up before filming. The thing was littered with laughable plot holes. Why had our highly educated professional linguist heroine never heard of our hero (an internationally famous author whose work had been translated into 30 languages and whose face was plastered over every billboard in the city)? The basic premise that the abandoned daughter was trying to find her birth mother was just forgotten about when her location was found. The daughter never went to meet her (a one line reference was shoved in "I'm sure something will work out). The protagonists appear to need no sleep, food or comforts. The heroine was left out in a car in the freezing cold all night and then left outside the house all day (still with no food, heat or toilets) while the hero spent hours chopping down a Christmas tree and reconciling with his father while they decorated said tree indoors. Meanwhile she shivers outside. The birthday scene in the small town Bed & Breakfast was laughable. The room suddenly became a five star hotel suite with hundreds of candles, room service which could deliver a gourmet meal, champagne and celebration birthday cake with no notice. Bizarrely the heroine had somehow managed to straighten her long very curly hair in the blink of an eye. This process actually takes hours at a professional salon (oh and it was curly again in the morning). I found that scene very questionable. Was the director trying for "love transforms woman into magical princess"? Implying that the African-American heroine's hair wasn't already beautiful, which it was. And why was everybody holding their coats and jackets closed in the freezing outdoors? Zip them up! Or were all the zips broken? Lastly the thing was littered with pointless conversations and references that served no purpose in the plot. A whole scene where the heroine shows off her proficiency in several languages - just because. A scene where our hero discusses his back story with a former school mate, why? We have already heard at length why he went away and what he has been doing. Altogether a very annoying movie.
Finding Noel
megan_chatterton27 November 2022
A famous author learns his mom has died and returns to his hometown to clean up her house. In the process he meets a woman looking for her birth mom and believes she had ties to his family.
I liked this movie a lot other than the pretty quick ending. Justin Hartley is really underrated as an actor. It was nice to see him out of Randall's shadow on This Is Us. The Vermont and Massachusetts winter scenery was beautiful and the cast dynamic was solid. The plot was simple but mostly believable.
As I said, my only complaint was the shotgun ending. Act 3 felt criminally short in comparison to the rest of the movie.
I liked this movie a lot other than the pretty quick ending. Justin Hartley is really underrated as an actor. It was nice to see him out of Randall's shadow on This Is Us. The Vermont and Massachusetts winter scenery was beautiful and the cast dynamic was solid. The plot was simple but mostly believable.
As I said, my only complaint was the shotgun ending. Act 3 felt criminally short in comparison to the rest of the movie.
Slightly better than a Hallmark movie (except the ending)
junemo29 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Not that I've seen that many Hallmark movies, but this one had potential, despite the lead characters having zero chemistry. Besides isolating Rachel outside in a car for extended periods of time, the main gripe I have with this movie is the unsatisfactory ending. I was expecting something along the lines of Jacob getting into a car accident and being tended to by Rachel's mom at the hospital, where mother and daughter finally meet and reconcile. And then Rachel realizing her love for Jacob. But instead we get a very clipped ending of Rachel on the street, smiling at Jacob. Did they run out of funds or something?
Cheating is not cool
magnoliacream29 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I had been able to finish 80+ episode dramas but could not finish this 1.5-hour movie. There was zero chemistry between the leads and one of them was cheating on her fiancé who she was bad-mouthing to an almost stranger. No matter how bad the fiancé was, and he was not even that bad, a decent person would end a current relationship first before embarking on a new one. And the male lead was well aware of her engagement yet had no compunction being romantic with her while her fiancé was enthusiastically planning an engagement party.
I also found it absurd that Rachel, whose supposedly main purpose in stalking Jake's house then driving from Massachusetts to Vermont with him was to find her mother, would take days to read her mother's diary but took one night to read Jake's novel that looked like it had more pages than the diary. There are many more absurdities, e.g., how could they sleep in the car in freezing weather, that turned me off.
The only reason I did not give this a 1 star was because of the Christmas theme. I could never totally thrash anything in this genre.
I also found it absurd that Rachel, whose supposedly main purpose in stalking Jake's house then driving from Massachusetts to Vermont with him was to find her mother, would take days to read her mother's diary but took one night to read Jake's novel that looked like it had more pages than the diary. There are many more absurdities, e.g., how could they sleep in the car in freezing weather, that turned me off.
The only reason I did not give this a 1 star was because of the Christmas theme. I could never totally thrash anything in this genre.
Nice film starring This Is Us star Justin Hartley
lisafordeay14 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The Noel Diary is a 2022 festive film based on a novel by Richard Evans and stars Justin Hartley and Barrett Doss. Directed by Charles Shyer(who I believe is married to Nancy Meyers who directed The Parent Trap) the movie is about a young man named Jake Turner(Hartley) is a best selling novelist who travels to seek a will made by his late mother. Things take a turn when Jake meets a young woman named Rachel(Doss) who has a hidden past and the two set off to discover the truth behind his mother's will and her own past.
For a Netflix original I found myself fully invested with this film. Sure its predictable as I knew what was going to happen but still I really liked it. The chemistry between the two actors was nice and the story was very nice too. Will most definetly be revisting this film again.
For a Netflix original I found myself fully invested with this film. Sure its predictable as I knew what was going to happen but still I really liked it. The chemistry between the two actors was nice and the story was very nice too. Will most definetly be revisting this film again.
Nice story, weak ending
ekunk23 December 2022
This movie had much better acting than many in the genre, especially Christmas movies. I have no problems with predictability or plot holes, it's to be expected. My main complaint is that the ending was not satisfying...there were several plot lines for Rachel where it would have been more satisfying to have seen and experienced the resolution. I've not read the book, so am not sure whether the original work had a little more depth or complexity that could have been incorporated in to 'what happened next.' I definitely would have given one more star for 5 more minutes of substance at the end or even some future scenes (video or still photographs) mixed in with the credit.
LNice try, but the book is better than the movie; read that instead
iamvirtue31 December 2022
I wanted to like this movie because I am a Richard Paul Evans fan. I remember listening to the audiobook of this story a few years ago. In the book, the plot points are dealt with reverently and innocently (an Evans hallmark), unlike the writers of the screenplay who added characters that were not in the book and behaviors that were not in the book. They also left out some important reunions! Huh?!? All of this was very disappointing. I'm not sure Evans signed up for any of it.
In addition, there was a gloom hovering over the entire film. I'm not sure there was a sunny day anywhere. Every day was gray and snowy. The original story (as Evans wrote it) was about joy, forgiveness, and reunion.
Lots of missed opportunities. Skip this one and go to the library, a used bookstore, or Amazon and read the book instead. It's much better.
In addition, there was a gloom hovering over the entire film. I'm not sure there was a sunny day anywhere. Every day was gray and snowy. The original story (as Evans wrote it) was about joy, forgiveness, and reunion.
Lots of missed opportunities. Skip this one and go to the library, a used bookstore, or Amazon and read the book instead. It's much better.
Cute Christmas Movie.. But Was Wishing For More
ALTrebor12 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This movie had such a sweet story line.. I loved the concept but there were parts that made it confusing. Loved Justin Hartley in this role, he's very charismatic and of course not bad at all to look at.. same goes for Barrett Doss- Beautiful and has such a warm feeling about her. My problem was with the chemistry they had together. (and yes I agree with others wasn't happy about the cheating)
The scene with them sleeping in the car all night and Rachel being left outside in the snow.. that was unrealistic. I was frustrated watching Jacob and his father decorating the tree knowing she was outside just sitting there.. if it was me left out in the winter I wouldn't be smiling lol but seriously I wanted to enjoy that father/son moment but all I could think of is if she was okay out in the frigid cold. I did like the adoption part of the story.. as I am adopted and understand that constant feeling of wanting to know, I found that part of the storyline touching. I was however disappointed when they didn't show the reunion between Rachel and Noel.. that would of been special to watch. I didn't particularly love the end.. I see what they were doing.. but just a little more would of made it feel like the audience got some closure. Besides that loved Ellie and all the beautiful scenery. Overall it was a cute Christmas movie but just lacked some common sense moments and some gaps that if filled would of made it so much better. On a side note Ava was so so cute!!
The scene with them sleeping in the car all night and Rachel being left outside in the snow.. that was unrealistic. I was frustrated watching Jacob and his father decorating the tree knowing she was outside just sitting there.. if it was me left out in the winter I wouldn't be smiling lol but seriously I wanted to enjoy that father/son moment but all I could think of is if she was okay out in the frigid cold. I did like the adoption part of the story.. as I am adopted and understand that constant feeling of wanting to know, I found that part of the storyline touching. I was however disappointed when they didn't show the reunion between Rachel and Noel.. that would of been special to watch. I didn't particularly love the end.. I see what they were doing.. but just a little more would of made it feel like the audience got some closure. Besides that loved Ellie and all the beautiful scenery. Overall it was a cute Christmas movie but just lacked some common sense moments and some gaps that if filled would of made it so much better. On a side note Ava was so so cute!!
Lots of snow....but it clearly wasn't winter.
juliebdobbs1 December 2022
I liked the movie. The story was good and different from typical holiday movie. Acting was was very good and characters were believable. A god mix of poignant dramatic moments and some moment of levity. It did have a typical holiday movie scene with the most picturesque town holiday celebration, but it was truly so beautiful I want to go there. .
However, I have a BIG problem when movies try to fake the season. Netflix, please film these movies in the correct season. I appreciate your attempt to cover all the leaves on the trees with snow, but there were still leaves on the trees! And it obviously wasn't cold. Please do better.
However, I have a BIG problem when movies try to fake the season. Netflix, please film these movies in the correct season. I appreciate your attempt to cover all the leaves on the trees with snow, but there were still leaves on the trees! And it obviously wasn't cold. Please do better.
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