Nativity! (2009)

Yawn. Poorly Filmed Snooze Fest.

It's funny watching the elements come together in this complicated scam. On one hand, the set-up isn't quite as complex as it seems, but there's an easy sense of fun in every exchange.

A film with more than the usual spoiler issues. Talking about it in any detail feels akin to handing you a gift-wrapped present and saying, "I hope you like it -- It's a thriller about a diabolical secret experiment."

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

There's a great idea for a film lurking in Nativity. A semi-improvised comedy built around the premise of two rival drama teachers going head- to-head during Christmas play season, there's an absolute wealth of potential to be had here. Plus it has Martin Freeman doing that perpetually exasperated thing with lots of familiar faces from the British comedy scene, some genuinely likable young kids and a charming, Richard Curtis-vibe underpinning it. What could possibly go wrong?Well, somehow the pieces just don't come together. It's lacking in laughs or memorable dialogue and is filled with scenes that don't just stretch credibility, but rip it to pieces like the family cat getting into the Christmas presents. Teachers encourage mass brawls between two primary school classes, sneak kids into the delivery room at a maternity hospital and even abduct two ten year olds and fly them to California with no repercussions from the parents at all. Well they did bring them back, so I guess it's all okay. There's a chance for a rousing finale with the final production as well but it outstays its welcome for too long. And that's without mentioning Mark Wootton's infuriating teaching assistant Mr. Poppy, a passive- aggressive man-child more juvenile than the ankle biters he's supposed to be looking after. By the time he's dangling a child from a Cathedral spire it all becomes clear, this is more "Surviving Christmas" than "It's A Wonderful Life." Just play trivial pursuit with your nan again.

Paul (Martin Freeman) was once an aspiring actor, like his friends. One man, Gordon Shakespeare, became a topnotch drama teacher and puts on an annual Nativity Play (very big in Britain) that garners lots of attention. Another friend and love interest, Jennifer, is in Hollywood, now a bigwig producer. But, alas, poor Paul. He is now an upper elementary teacher in a private, Catholic school, where his salary is low and his dreams have been dashed. Enter Mr. Poppy (Marc Wootton)! He is an unconventional teacher's aide that has been deposited on Paul by the well-meaning principal, Mrs. Bevan (Pam Ferris). It seems Poppy is a relative of hers and she's trying to help. Also, Mrs. B announces that Paul will be the director of THEIR school's Nativity Play this time round. Paul is flummoxed and irritated, none of his students seem to be able to sing or act. Neverthess, they adore Mr. Poppy at first sight and, in truth, his odd ways excite them to do better work. One day, most unluckily, Paul runs into the snooty Mr. Shakespeare, who tells of his future, elaborate productions. Loosing control, Paul blurts out that, well, Hollywood in the form of Jennifer is coming to see HIS, Paul's, play. What a fib! Word gets around soon, thanks to Mr. Poppy, who overhears the conversation. Newsfolk descend on Paul's school to find out more. But, how long will it be before the truth comes out? Will it cost Paul is job? This is one funny British Christmas film. Unlike the States, where religious presentations are forbidden under the Bill of Rights, Brits put on pageants each year honoring the true meaning of Xmas, the birth of Christ. (See Love Actually). Only, there is always a fresh take, an added sparkle. Paul's play is no different, sporting new songs and new characters, complete with real barnyard animals. There are FOUR kings in Paul's show, for example, in order to give a shy boy his chance. Mr. Poppy's lyrics and brainstorms also make for a unique re-telling. As such, Freeman and Wootton are perfect foils for each other, the one a straight arrow, the other a different drummer, and both give hilarious performances. All other cast members, including Ms. Ferris, are wonderful, too, as are the darling kids. Then, too, production values, from sets to costumes to script/direction add to the overall merriment here. Therefore, as one might guess, this viewer recommends a showing of Nativity in the near future of most film fans.

Whats not to love about this movie? the adult performances are fine (martin freeman doing his usual spot on job), but it's the performance of the kids that have you crying with laughter one minute and just crying the next. This was an unexpected pleasure and an absolute joy from start to finish. This has definitely gone to the top of my "must watch at Christmas" list!! I defy anyone to watch this and not feel the emotions well up (in a good way!) as they view it! If for nothing else, then watch this movie for the last thirty minutes or so to see the nativity play in its full amazing show. Anyone with kids knows what its like to sit through these events, but you'll wish this is how your kids had done it!

This is a truly lovely film about being human and striving for the divine - wonderful way to spend your time (with/withoutkids) during the Christmas season. The only problem is that it contains inaccurate information about the birth of Christ. Like many pop culture stories, they make Mary & Joseph teenagers. While Mary was, Joseph was a widower in his 80s. Since the time of Solomon there were virgins living in the temple, the daughters of kings and priests. Mary was one, dedicated to the temple at 3. When they matured, at about 13, they were married, but Mary insisted on remaining a virgin, per her deceased parents' wishes. The elders had to find a man to entrust with Mary. Praying for guidance, an angel appeared to the high priest and told them to put their walking sticks in Holy of Holies and God would make a sign to let them know who would be chosen to be Mary's husband. Joseph, who had not wanted to be included, owned the staff that flowered and had to take her to his home in Nazareth. Mortified because he had grandsons older than Mary, he left her with his womenfolk and went away to work for 6 months. When he returned home, he heard the "good news". Otherwise, very sweet movie!