Noelle

Written and directed by Marc Lawrence, Noelle follows Anna Kendrick’s Noelle, the daughter of no less than Santa Claus, as she’s forced to embark on a rescue mission after his brother (and santa replacement) (Bill Hader’s Nick) vanishes from the North Pole. It’s an appealing premise that’s employed to passable yet rarely enthralling effect by Lawrence, as the movie, which runs a palpably overlong 100 minutes, is rarely able to elevate itself to the level of its talented roster of performers – with star Kendrick’s personable work certainly matched by an eclectic supporting cast that includes Billy Eichner and Julie Hagerty. Lawrence’s ongoing efforts at evoking the tone and feel of an old-school Christmas story generally fall flat, and it’s worth noting that the picture is ultimately at its best when focus on the central character’s fish-out-of-water exploits (albeit to a degree that isn’t as effective or entertaining as in Jon Favreau’s Elf). Noelle has obviously been designed to appeal primarily to small children and the movie does, on that level, obviously succeed, although it’s difficult, in the end, not to wish the movie had aimed higher given the ample talent in front of (and behind) the camera.

**1/2 out of ****