Arizona: Noelle
Release Year: 2019
Directed By: Marc Lawrence
Starring: Anna Kendrick, Bill Hader, Shirley MacLaine, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Billy Eichner, Julie Hagerty, Jay Brazeua, Maceo Smedley, Diana Maria Riva, Ron Funches
You’re probably thinking, “Wait… Doesn’t Noelle take place in the North Pole?” And you would be right, because the Disney+ original Christmas movie does take place in the North Pole. Anna Kendrick stars as Noelle Kringle, the daughter of none other than Kris Kringle himself — a.k.a. Santa Claus. However, when Kris suddenly passes away five months before Christmas, his son, Nick (Bill Hader), must train to take over the role. Buckling under pressure, Noelle suggests that Nick take a break from preparations to clear his head before the big holiday. Little does she realize, Nick accepts her advice and doesn’t return to the North Pole.
Noelle tracks Nick down in Phoenix, Arizona, where he has hidden out as a yoga instructor with no intention of fulfilling his Santa Claus destiny. Suddenly, Noelle finds herself exploring a world unlike her own in the hilarious family comedy. Of course, Noelle was originally intended for a theatrical release but was instead released as an opening attraction for the launch of the Disney+ streaming service. The film earned mixed reception from critics, though its twist on the average mythological North Pole tale makes it an instant holiday classic. Journey from Santa’s Workshop to Arizona and around the world with the delightfully bubbly Noelle in the Christmas charmer.