As a seasoned movie buff who has spent countless winter evenings cozied up with a cup of hot cocoa and a heartwarming holiday flick, I can confidently say that my anticipation for “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is at an all-time high. Having grown up on classics like “A Christmas Story,” the nostalgic charm of this film seems to resonate deeply with me.
As Halloween wraps up, we’re moving into the festive season of our 2024 movie calendar. You’ll find a plethora of Christmas movies coming to your screens, fortunately there seems to be some options for children too. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” hits theaters on November 8, and early reviews suggest it’s an enjoyable adaptation of Barbara Robinson’s book. Although it has its imperfections, critics agree that it captures the essence of what Christmas truly stands for.
In the movie, Judy Greer and Pete Holmes play leading roles, with the plot revolving around a church’s Christmas production and a group of six mischievous children from the town who decide to join in. It appears that valuable life lessons will be imparted through this narrative. Nell Minow of RogerEbert.com has given it 3.5 stars out of 4, suggesting that this assumption is correct. The critic praises the film for its radiant message of hope and kindness, stating that it effectively conveys these themes in her review.
The reason Robinson’s book remains a beloved classic, passed down through generations, is that it offers a delightful mix of mischievous children, a caring family for warmth, and poignant moments for motivation. Each element is depicted with care and thoughtfulness. Its messages about how showing kindness and embracing diversity can enrich both the giver and receiver are valuable, but its quiet reminder to approach even age-old stories with renewed interest and empathy might be even more significant.
Mary Kassel from ScreenRant expresses doubts, stating that the portrayal of a whole town of Christians, who are supposedly kind and compassionate, hating six poor children contradicts the film’s main theme. The movie The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, despite failing to delve deeply into its subject matter, still manages to maintain a certain level of heartwarming appeal that will draw an audience. Kassel gives the film a score of 4 out of 10.
For those seeking a heartwarming and faith-based Christmas film this holiday season, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is worth watching. The ending is poignant, and the child actors’ performances are so charming that they can get away with excessive shouting. Despite being somewhat forgettable, the movie exudes an irresistible feel-good vibe, which is especially valuable during the cold winter months. With its flaws notwithstanding, there’s no doubt that this film will resonate with viewers and be cherished for its nostalgic value and emotional impact.
As a fan, I concur with Robert Kojder from Flickering Myth that while the upcoming family-friendly movie has its imperfections – such as the narration by Lauren Graham reminiscent of “A Christmas Story” feeling unnecessary at times and certain darker aspects being sidestepped – it still manages to be “unexpectedly beautiful.” Kojder further points out…
This classic tale, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” not only serves as a heartwarming, thought-provoking holiday narrative that embodies the true essence of the season, but it also offers a valuable lesson for children – that with effort, people can transform and change for the better if they address the underlying reasons behind someone’s troublesome or unkind behavior. Furthermore, this story presents an unexpectedly enchanting exploration of art, storytelling, and the enduring strength that lies within these creative expressions.
According to William Bibbiani from The Wrap, the movie isn’t just about a typical tale of misbehaving children in a church play; instead, director Dallas Jenkins delves deeper into the subject matter. This comedy not only provokes thoughtful questions about Christianity but also provides convincing responses. In essence, Bibbiani suggests that the film offers more than just humor – it tackles significant Christian themes and provides solid answers to them.
Each year, an overwhelming number of Christmas movies flood the market, making it increasingly difficult to separate the mediocre from the exceptional. However, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” stands out as a remarkable gem among them. It’s not just another holiday movie; it’s a smart and contemplative piece that delves into the essence of Christmas, illustrating how easily one can become engrossed in the material aspects and forget the significance behind it. Frankly, we didn’t need another Christmas movie. We needed this one.
Pete Hammond from Deadline finds similarities to “A Christmas Story” and suggests that “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” could become a classic itself. According to Hammond, this faith-based film stands out as one that “doesn’t force a sermon upon you.” Rather, it touches your heart and brings a smile to your face. Further praise from the critic states:
As a dedicated viewer, I can’t help but express my admiration for “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” Its exceptional production design and captivating cinematography, coupled with an intelligent narrative that never patronizes its viewers, truly sets it apart. The cast is simply outstanding, particularly the unforgettable Herdmans, led by the charming Schneider and the scene-stealing Kynlee Heiman, who, at such a young age, manages to captivate with her lack of front teeth and a rebellious spirit that echoes through the scenes. This audacious gang is hard to forget! Greer and comedian Pete Holmes as her supportive husband Bob make a perfect duo, and Wright delivers a performance that perfectly complements the story. Yes, it presents an idealized vision of life, but if you’re seeking an early dose of Christmas cheer, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is undoubtedly the way to go.
Prior to its theater release on November 8, the movie titled “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” currently boasts an outstanding 84% score on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer. It remains to be seen if this film will eventually rank among the greatest Christmas movies of all time.
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2024-11-07 23:37