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Review: A family of misfits tests the spirit of charity in ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’

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Review: A family of misfits tests the spirit of charity in 'The Best Christmas Pageant Ever'

As a movie enthusiast who’s seen my fair share of Christmas films, I must admit that “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is like a time capsule from my childhood. The story, based on Barbara Robinson’s novel, has been around since 1972 and it shows in its nostalgic charm.

This year, the Christmas season has arrived ahead of schedule with “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” a film adaptation by Dallas Jenkins of Barbara Robinson’s 1972 novel. Many films profess to embody the genuine spirit of Christmas, but whether you’ll be looking forward to unwrapping this one on Christmas day largely depends on your patience for mischievous children and stories that blend faith with comedic family antics.

Robinson’s book was transformed into a 1983 television movie featuring Fairuza Balk, and Jenkins intentionally evokes nostalgia from the ’70s and ’80s, making his movie a period piece. The narrative, spoken by Beth (Lauren Graham), is essentially a retelling of a childhood tale that serves as the film’s voice-over.

In a different phrasing: The movie saves revealing the character Beth, an adult, until the end, but it might have benefited from introducing her earlier with a framing device, as the script relies heavily on voice-overs that don’t feel connected to their speaker. This adaptation feels generic and overly dependent on a famous narrator. By giving more screen time to Graham’s Beth, the film could create a stronger connection to modern audiences and make us care about this timeless tale.

Molly Belle Wright portrays young Beth, but it’s the crucial role that Judy Greer takes on, effectively supporting and driving this production. As Beth’s mother, Grace, she steps up to direct their small town’s well-known Christmas play after a mishap occurs with the longstanding director. Her leadership coincides with the arrival of a troupe of rowdy siblings, the Herdmans, who are infamous as the “worst kids ever.” Having heard rumors about snacks, they show unexpected interest in church and the annual pageant.

The unruly Herdmans, spearheaded by the fiery eldest sibling Imogene (Beatrice Schneider), are infamous for their smoking, thieving, and disorderly behavior. They forcefully claim the main roles and offer a unique take on the content. Despite the churchgoers’ disdain towards the Herdmans, it’s clear that these children are neglected. This creates an unusual atmosphere in the film, as people seem appalled by kids who are evidently struggling to survive, making it difficult for viewers to find humor in their mischief. However, the movie effectively portrays how religious groups can lean towards judgment and rejection instead of nurturing acceptance.

Title “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” sets out to be a comedy akin to “The Bad News Bears,” then unexpectedly switches direction to become a heartwarming story about a motley crew of unconventional characters who help a community rediscover the true spirit of Christmas. The production falls short on the comedic aspect, but manages to deliver the heartfelt message, thanks largely to Greer’s earnest portrayal. She is responsible for guiding her daughter (and the audience) through the realization that the Herdmans’ unusual interpretation of the Christmas story mirrors the genuine event: a humble, struggling family of refugees chosen by God to welcome Jesus into the world. “The Herdmans are just as much Jesus’ family as anyone else,” she reminds her daughter. It turns out this unruly group of kids doesn’t only enlighten Grace but also influences everyone in their congregation.

The movie’s narrative can be considered quite thin, but it’s adorned with period attire and hairstyles. The overall vintage feel is created through a muted color scheme that doesn’t quite blend well with digital cinematography and low lighting. Jenkins’ direction is adequate at most, and the style lacks the charm of authentic nostalgia, instead appearing dull.

For family-oriented, religious holiday films, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is a decent choice, even if it may not appeal to every young viewer due to its focus on emotional depth rather than boisterous fun. Nonetheless, it’s important to recall that Christmas symbolizes much more than elaborate performances, and the traditions we uphold stem from tales of unity and generosity – lessons that are always worth revisiting.

Katie Walsh is a Tribune News Service film critic.

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2024-11-08 22:01

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