Roger Moore of Movie Nation doesn’t mince words when he describes Netflix’s new holiday flick “The Noel Diary” as a “flavorless variation on formula.” And he’s not wrong. Based upon Richard Paul Evans’ 2017 novel of the same name and directed by Charles Shyer, of “Father of the Bride” and “Baby Boom” fame, the film centers around handsome best-selling author Jacob Turner (Justin Hartley) as he returns to his childhood home at Christmastime following the unexpected death of his mom. While cleaning the place out, he meets Rachel Campbell (Barrett Doss), a disarming stranger seeking information on her biological mother, who, it turns out, was Jake’s nanny. Her hunt leads the two on a snowy road trip, during which they, of course, fall in love, Rachel’s engagement to another man and Jake’s eternal bachelorhood notwithstanding.
“The Noel Diary” hit the streamer last week and, despite decidedly bad reviews and a rather pitiful 57% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes, is holding firm to the Number One spot. Strung together with sappy dialogue, flimsy character development and a distinctly unfulfilling ending, the movie leaves much to be desired. But at least the backdrop is picturesque, with Jake and Rachel traversing a handful of charming New England towns, each perfectly dusted with snow. Cast and crew did not have to travel far and wide to capture the varied scenery, instead utilizing the state of Connecticut to play not only itself but New York, Vermont and Chicago, as well.
Jake’s mom’s supposed Bridgeport, Conn. house can actually be found in Westport at 8 Washington Ave., looking far less worse for wear than it appeared onscreen. The bookstore where Rachel picks up a copy of Jake’s first novel, “Green Eyes of Paris,” is RJ Julia Booksellers in Madison. And the gorgeous Candlelight Village Inn where the two spend a romantic night is, in truth, a private residence known as the John Hoyt Perry House, located at 134 Center St. in Southport.
The spot that most caught this writer’s eye, though, is the streamlined bachelor pad that Jake and his beloved dog Ava (played by an adorable Australian Shepherd named Skye) call home. Shown briefly at the beginning of the film in what amounts to a scant four minutes of screen time, the striking midcentury leaves a definite cinematic mark, nevertheless! Said to be located in New York, the residence can actually be found about 50 miles north of Manhattan on a woodsy block in New Canaan.
