8.1 stars.
Ah yes, very nice change of pace, change of atmosphere, and theme. I feel this is not solely a Christmas movie, it's a drama about an unfortunate chain of events that usurps a man's happiness. Not your garden-variety holiday film. 'Noel Next Door' is a reprieve from the mundane viewings I've been exposing myself to for the past week. This is my new second favorite of the 32 Hallmark Christmases so far this year.
The leading man is a very good looking well known Hallmark guy, but this time he's a stroke victim, his left arm doesn't function very well, and he uses a cane. Our main gal likes him very much, and the attraction matures in the midst of difficult circumstances. She has not seen his really grouchy side, but everyone else who encounters him knows him as the neighborhood scrooge.
As the story continues, more and more unfavorable incidents are piling up against him, various incidents of scroogery. When she finds out he is the ugly and unapproachable beast that everyone else knows him to be, will she have ample patience and heart to forgive him and restore the relationship?
There are at least 3 laugh out loud comedy moments, and equally touching, tearful moments. This is not a sad movie, it started with a shade of melancholy and delivers a most inspiring conclusion. What a trip. Bravo!
A must see every Christmas.
