‘Christmas, Again’ Opens In Los Angeles Laemmle Noho 7 on Friday, December 11th
For a fifth consecutive December, a heartbroken Noel returns to New York City to work the night shift at a sidewalk Christmas tree lot. Devoid of any holiday spirit, he struggles to stay awake during the long, chilly nights in his trailer, while the daytime traffic keeps him from getting any real rest. As he slowly spirals into despair, he comes to the aid of a mysterious young woman in the park. Her warming presence, matched with some colorful customers, help rescue him from self-destruction.
Review: By Paul Booth
The film a Christmas, Again movie existing largely on the periphery and it is just the right mix of chilling and tasteful. Christmas, Again manages to be on target with its message and avoid Holiday sap. Unless due to being a Christmas movie, the moments are saved (if only) when necessary. This is a movie you can watch again and cry or smile. It reminds you there is more to Christmas than ourselves.
We learn from Noel, a heart-broken Christmas for a Veteran, who returns to NYC and is living in a trailer and working the night shift. Like too many Veteran’s , he is forced, to push himself. The director and writers captured the exact-nuances of PTSD servicemen or have served themselves. This could also have become something used to inspired.
The film never drags, is entertaining snd educational (I hope they show this in schools). There are wonderful moments created by writer-director Charles Poekel and his excellent cinematographer Sean Price Wiliams who really worked his shadows and color schemes to avoid most movie cliches for this genre.
Lastly, a great cinematic nuance happened in the writing. In my experiences going to NYC; there is a heavy white collar-blue collar style in the air and of regular clothes. Noel decides to walk around in flannel, which is another superb tactic to be yourself. The director also knew his ’70s films, with the grit of costume, story and additional characters. Not to mention, the brilliant use most characterization in ’70s movies, where the characters stay the same. It is why we love Pacino, we always “get” Pacino.
‘Christmas,Again’ Opens in Los Angeles at the Laemmle Noho 7 on Friday, December 11th
Also available on iTunes and select digital / cable platforms
