Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: A NEW ORLEANS NOEL [New Orleans Film Festival 2022 - New Orleans, Louisiana]

The context of Christmas movies is contemplated in a notion of redemption but also acceptance. With "A New Orleans Noel", the angle of a Louisiana thought process makes it an essential addition in a way to the New Orleans Film Festival. Even though a lot of the B roll stock for the films was shot in New Orleans, the bulk of the narrative (because of COVID and likely budgetary reasons) was shot in Mississippi. That said the feeling works succinctly in context to the film which follows a career women/interior designer (Keshia Knight Pullam) who is hired to help redo a house for a local culinary legend (who is based on Loretta Brown who is famous for pralines in the NOLA area). Brown herself died recently but her family was out in force at the screening, lending their support.

Pullam (known obviously from "The Cosby Show") knows how to play the right level of vulnerable and strong to make this kind of Lifetime film work. "Noel" knows what it is and is great in providing a positive story that, though the characters have some trauma, can overcome them to become more balanced human beings. Brad James, who starred in a few productions for Tyler Perry, creates a nice balance to Pullam's Grace as Anthony, both a competitor for work (and also the grandson of Patti LaBelle's Brown character) as well as a romantic foil for her. LaBelle also has a similar suitor from the past in the form of Tim Reid and these romantic interludes and comedy do their job justly. "A New Orleans Noel" has a bit of love to it while being positive and understanding exactly how and what story it is trying to tell. B

By Tim Wassberg