The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Movie Review: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, directed by Dallas Jenkins, brings Barbara Robinson’s beloved 1972 book back to life, recounting the chaos and charm of a small-town Christmas pageant unexpectedly taken over by the rowdy Herdman children. Known as “the worst kids in the history of the world,” the Herdmans are a rough-and-tumble group of siblings with a history of bullying, stealing, and general mischief. Yet, as they bring their unfiltered personalities into the Nativity play, they challenge the community’s notions of faith, kindness, and judgment, sparking both laughter and introspection.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Movie Review
Jenkins, best known for The Chosen series, clearly has a deep reverence for this story, a project he has reportedly dreamed of bringing to the screen for over two decades. Staying true to the book’s theme, Jenkins crafts a warm-hearted tale about inclusion and understanding, depicting how even the unlikeliest individuals can have something meaningful to contribute. Jenkins’ adaptation retains the book’s central themes of kindness and empathy but expands on Imogene Herdman’s character arc to create a fuller narrative, especially in comparison to the 1983 television version. The movie runs longer than the book’s slim 50-minute predecessor, allowing for a deeper exploration of characters like Imogene, giving her struggles and transformation more weight.
Judy Greer and Pete Holmes star as Grace and Bob Bradley, Beth’s well-meaning parents. While Greer delivers a heartfelt performance as a mother who takes on the church’s 75th annual Christmas pageant at the last minute, her character feels somewhat thinly developed. Bob, played by Holmes, appears to have little role beyond providing mild comic relief and a Christmas ham, and his character, like many in the film, is portrayed with limited depth. Critics note that while this narrow focus on small-town life might resonate with some, it can also feel limiting, especially when tackling serious themes like poverty, exclusion, and redemption. The film attempts to address these issues but lacks the nuanced approach that would make these messages resonate on a deeper level.
The narrative structure, reminiscent of A Christmas Story, uses an adult Beth (played by Lauren Graham) to narrate the events, adding a layer of nostalgia. This perspective is both engaging and charming, allowing the audience to feel as if they’re being let in on a fond childhood memory. However, unlike A Christmas Story, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever demands a level of emotional connection from the audience that the film struggles to fully achieve. The film’s nostalgic tone is balanced with humor, yet it falters when trying to handle the more profound emotional elements of the story, particularly in the depiction of the Herdmans’ troubled background and their place within the community. Imogene’s character, skillfully portrayed by Beatrice Schneider, provides glimpses into the hardships faced by the Herdman children, subtly hinting at the difficult circumstances that contribute to their behavior.
At its heart, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever explores the concept of acceptance. Grace decides to give the Herdmans a chance in the Nativity play, believing that it aligns with the true spirit of Christmas and Christianity—welcoming the outcasts rather than casting them aside. This theme of inclusion is thoughtfully woven into the storyline, emphasizing the importance of extending compassion even to those who seem least deserving of it. Yet, the film’s execution has drawn mixed reviews. Some critics feel that while Jenkins effectively conveys this message, the overall approach feels oversimplified, especially when addressing the complex social issues faced by the Herdman children. Rather than offering a deeper critique of the community’s judgmental attitudes, the film often portrays the townspeople as flat caricatures who only briefly acknowledge the Herdmans’ struggles.
One significant critique is that the film glosses over the harsher realities faced by the Herdman children. While the audience is meant to sympathize with their plight, the movie skirts around the deeper implications of their neglected background, instead favoring a more sanitized portrayal. As one review points out, the community’s sudden acceptance of the Herdmans at the end feels disconnected from their years of ostracism. The film touches on themes of redemption and transformation but could have benefitted from a more nuanced exploration of the community’s prejudices and the challenges the Herdmans would likely continue to face.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2024) Trailer
Despite these shortcomings, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is not without its strengths. Jenkins infuses the film with a gentle humor and warmth that endears it to viewers. Grace’s interactions with the Herdmans bring light-hearted moments, while Schneider’s portrayal of Imogene adds a surprisingly heartfelt layer. Imogene’s honest reactions to the Nativity story bring a fresh perspective, allowing the audience to see the biblical tale from the eyes of someone unfamiliar with its traditions. Her confusion, and even anger, at the story’s injustices give the character a depth and sincerity that makes her the standout of the cast. Through Imogene’s unpolished curiosity, the film manages to offer an unexpected and moving take on the Nativity.
Jenkins also succeeds in creating a nostalgic yet timeless setting. The town, designed by Jean-Andre Carriere, feels frozen in a wholesome, small-town past that’s both charming and slightly idealized. However, this nostalgic lens occasionally works against the film, as the setting sometimes feels too polished, obscuring the grittier aspects of the Herdmans’ lives. While some may appreciate the film’s light-hearted and family-friendly approach, others may find this softened portrayal somewhat lacking, especially given the weighty themes at play.
In its effort to bring faith-based themes to the forefront, the film underscores the importance of seeing past superficial behaviors to understand the challenges individuals may be facing. Jenkins presents Christianity as something that should be questioned and re-examined, a bold move in a genre that often shies away from critical introspection. One review even suggests that this subversive element gives the film an edge over many other holiday movies, challenging viewers to consider whether their own beliefs are rooted in compassion or in rigid tradition. Yet, while Jenkins attempts to bring a fresh perspective, the film’s adherence to familiar tropes and clichés sometimes undercuts its more thought-provoking elements.
Ultimately, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a feel-good movie that, while imperfect, carries a message of kindness and inclusion that resonates. Although it falls short of fully addressing the social issues it raises, the film’s charm and heart make it an enjoyable family movie for the holiday season. Its message of compassion, especially towards those who are misunderstood or marginalized, is a timely reminder of the spirit of Christmas. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever may not be groundbreaking, but its warmth, humor, and dedication to its source material ensure it will find its place among holiday audiences. For viewers seeking a gentle, family-friendly film with a touch of nostalgia, Jenkins’ adaptation offers a comforting addition to the season’s Christmas movie lineup.
Top 7 Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
[The Best Christmas Pageant Ever] may not be the best Christmas movie ever, but it grabs your heart and makes you smile – Pete Hammond, Deadline Hollywood Daily.
Judy Greer and Pete Holmes lead a nostalgic new Christmas movie that doesn’t have the whimsy or emotional depth of a classic in the making – Mary Kassel, Screen Rant.
A wonderful, warm-hearted, and frequently hilarious family film – Mike McGranaghan, Aisle Seat.
The film endears itself by carrying its religious messages lightly, with humor, warmth, generosity – Nell Minow RogerEbert.com
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a new holiday classic, and I don’t say that lightly! It’s a charming new rendition of the original source, that’s here to remind us just what made the original story so special – Dan Tabor Cinapse
Top Movie Ratings
| 5 / 5 | |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 92% |
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