Mrs. Worthington's Party

Am I the only one who thinks Mr. Wall looks like Mr. Redford? The film was very well done. I enjoyed it. I also love that it was a family project.

I agree with all of the positive things I've seen in the other comments. This is such a quality work. I wasn't 100% sold on the Father Simeon performance, but I still enjoyed him.

I didn't see it as anti-Catholic mainly because there are only two representatives of the church in the movie. They are clearly meant to represent two uncommon extremes. There is a business side to ministry and that can easily come off as cold or harsh, but this movie is about the character. He is cold and harsh. Those are the characteristics that lead him to the position he holds.

Besides, are we to believe that there are no men in the ministry such as these? Are we to believe that everything is so perfect in the church (any church) that there is no room for criticism? I agree that the movie could have been set in any denomination, but who has prettier sets than the Catholics? I can only accuse this movie of being honest.

I was fortunate enough to screen "Noelle", then Mrs. Worthington's Pary, at the "Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival". I was not sure what to expect from a movie written, directed and starring the same person. The first thing I noticed was the enormous amount of people that were coming into the screening. There must have been almost 600 people for the showing. From the start the Cinematography was purely outstanding. The film was shot on 35mm and was absolutely beautiful. The scenery was breathtaking, the music magical and mysterious, a true testament to great Independent Film making. The acting also greatly surprised me as the movie was comprised of all unknown actors. The performances were very strong all the way down to the beautiful ghostly child. The movie uses Priests as the main Characters and thoughtfully takes you through a true to life journey of problems and circumstances that any everyday man or woman could relate too. The wonderful writing and story gently and magically carry you through the movie like a journey back in time to the great Holiday Classics long gone. I found myself deeply involved in every Character and every aspect of the story, a credit to David Wall's writing and directing. I do not wish to give away any of the story, as that would be tasteless. I can tell you that if you are looking for a true Holiday movie, with a wonder inspiring story that is destined in my opinion to become a Holiday Classic, then you owe it to yourself to see this movie.

As the movie was ending, I looked over to my right to notice a man in his sixties gently wiping away tears from his eyes, just as I had done. The lights went up and to my surprise everyone was still there. As the music stopped, all 600 people stood almost in unison for a standing ovation. I had already been to six screenings with barely a round of applause at the ending of each. It seemed as if every single person got it and felt the same thing. This was a great movie. Last I could not help watching as a Catholic Priest made his way to David Wall in the lobby outside the theater. I was curious what he thought of the movie since the movie revolved around Priests. As I stood near, the Priest walked right up to him, grabbed his hand and arm, and said thank you with glossy eyes. I was amazed. Even the Priest loved the movie. The movie went on to win "Best Director" and a nod for "Best American Indie".

There are many things you could say about this movie, "Wonderful" is all that comes to mind.

Until the little girl whispers in David Wall's ear.

I was coming down with a cold last Saturday, and I didn't want to be bothered with anything other than streaming something to take my mind off my rapidly-filling sinuses.

On Prime Video, the ad for David Wall's indie film "Noelle" caught my attention because it didn't look anything like the 87 other Hallmark love-amongst-the-fake-snow wallows. My wife and I watched it, and we couldn't figure out if the movie was supposed to be in the Maritimes, Wales, or some alternate-reality state in our Union.

Noelle is a dry, somewhat humorous, and confusing joy. I sat there harumphing at the infuriating main characters' inability to seal the deal, to get me to buy totally into the story and suspend disbelief. Yet, I stuck with it, and as the story of a diocesan hatchet-man who is sent to close down a tiny-town parish church and finds out he really shouldn't be a priest unfolds, I began to appreciate the deeply-embraced Catholicism of the movie. The idea that a man can be a priest and despise the transactional humanity of his ministry is so foreign to me that I had to see how this movie, made for what appeared to be about a $143, resolved the large and small conflicts.

I wasn't sure if I could say I liked Noelle until the little girl whispered in the priest's ear. All of a sudden I had to grab a paper towel.

And it wasn't to mop up snot.

Once again after reading the all horrible reviews, i was compelled to write a review. Evidently the religious theme has sent some viewers into orbit. Believe it or not, pastors/priests are people too. They have feelings. They get angry. Sometimes they abuse alcohol. The key thing to take away is pastors are human. They're not godlike creatures that never commit any wrong. And questioning faith, showing all things good and bad to it isn't the horror some of the other reviews have made it out to be. If your faith can't stand up to the hard light of day aka a few questions, you have a more serious problem than a movie.

Onto Mrs. Worthington's Party.

I saw this on Tubitv and it was under the title Noelle and i must say i prefer Noelle much more. The movie starts out very cold, very much based in the everyday world with very little holiday spirit. A small church is under review and could possibly be closed by the end of the year if the auditor deems it necessary. This causes a flurry of activity and emotions, both in the community and the pastors.

I loved this movie. There was so much personal growth made in the characters. This wasn't your typical holiday movie and thank God for that. One can only see so many girl sees guy, hates guy, loves guy, gets guy, saves Christmas formulas until your brain rots. :)

Merry Christmas everyone.