As a film enthusiast with a soft spot for heartwarming family flicks that resonate beyond the holiday season, I must say that “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is a delightful addition to my collection of feel-good films. Having grown up with a similar experience in a small town where church plays were an annual tradition, this movie stirred nostalgic memories and brought a smile to my face.
Originally a short story published in a magazine and later developed into a novel in 1972, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson has been a cherished holiday tradition ever since. The engaging central idea, which showcases Roald Dahl-esque comedic rudeness – the main characters are introduced as “the most terrible kids in history” – likely contributes to its lasting appeal among young readers. Additionally, it includes just enough heartwarming optimism by the end to win over parents.
In this first major film adaptation by Dallas Jenkins, who gained acclaim for his small-screen series “The Chosen” in the realm of faith-based entertainment, the roles are somewhat flipped. His movie, “Pageant”, might be overly emotional and educational a bit prematurely for audiences with shorter attention spans. However, this is a family-friendly film that has been well-received, earning $10.8 million on over 3,000 screens in its opening week of release, and undoubtedly will become a traditional choice for Christmas seasons ahead.
The story is told by Beth Bradley, a school child from the town of Emmanuel, who recounts her experiences with the infamous Herdmans – a group of six unruly children whose parents are rarely seen or heard. (Lauren Graham provides the voiceover as an older Beth reminiscing, while Molly Belle Wright portrays her younger self.) These troublemakers bully, they steal, they curse, smoke cigars, and light fires. When Beth’s little brother Charlie (Sebastian Billingsley-Rodriguez) is asked what he likes best about Sunday school, he truthfully replies that it’s because the Herdmans aren’t there. Unfortunately, his careless words lead the red-haired rascals to believe that church offers a bounty of free snacks and treats.
Consequently, they caused quite a stir by attending church services on one Sunday and then signing up for the annual nativity play the following week. For personal reasons, Imogene (Beatrice Schneider), known as the most stubborn of them all, determined to secure the role of Virgin Mary, while her siblings took on other key roles. This decision infuriated many, including the more pompous mothers who were accustomed to their children being in the spotlight. However, the Herdmans made sure no other child had the nerve to challenge them for a part by intimidating anyone who dared to compete.
Amidst the turmoil of this coup is Beth’s mother Grace (played by Judy Greer), who surprisingly takes on the role of director for the pageant following the absence of its usual strict leader due to an injury. Given that this event marks its 75th anniversary, there’s more scrutiny than ever before, with Grace finding herself under pressure to exclude the Herdmans before they cause havoc – as many anticipate they will. However, she resists, recognizing a glimmer of genuine, albeit unruly, curiosity in these wild children. Simultaneously, Beth moves towards a truce with her formidable foe Imogene. Naturally, after chaotic rehearsals, the final event on Christmas Eve seems to be careening off a cliff… only for it to miraculously turn out as the “best ever.
Previous versions of Robinson’s narrative, such as the stage play and 1983 TV special featuring young Fairuza Balk as Beth, often rushed the “bad” kids’ redemption, making it appear forced and conforming to storytelling norms. However, in Jenkins’ adaptation, the transformation of the Herdmans is more gradual, offering them a bit more complexity without excessive sentimentality. This change isn’t primarily about religious conversion but rather an understanding that they don’t need to be hostile towards a community that welcomes them, albeit in its own unique way.
This revised version retains much of the original’s essence, yet it could have streamlined some additions that felt excessive, especially toward the end where a poignant finale seems to slow down the overall pace, losing some initial energy after the midpoint. While older viewers might appreciate its more serious tone, younger audiences might have benefited from more humor to keep them engaged during the final half hour or so.
Luckily, Greer and Pete Holmes play Beth’s sympathetic but sometimes indecisive parents, keeping a light and cheerful atmosphere throughout. The other adult characters are appropriately cast, some more as caricatures and others less so, while the child roles are strong, with Schneider carrying the heaviest acting load competently.
In Jean A. Carriere’s production, the visual aesthetic of the movie, shot in Manitoba, beautifully captures a cozy, festive, small-town feel with snow, thanks to the skillful work of both C. Kim Miles in cinematography and the set design. The music by Matthew S. Nelson and Dan Haseltine enhances this Christmas atmosphere, featuring various carols sung by Blake Shelton and other talented artists.
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2024-11-15 10:16