Review of Nativity! (2009) by Daniel A — 13 Dec 2010

It sure is slow to get going, but once the brilliantly overblown finale kicks in, Nativity! becomes the festive treat it was destined to be.

There's often a feeling with Christmas films that as long as they're warm and well-meaning then it doesn't really matter about their flaws. Well this is certainly the case with Nativity! which sees a Grinch-like primary school teacher, played by Martin Freeman, having to direct his school's nativity play despite a hatred for all things Christmassy. Naturally the children are a motley crew, and to make things worse he also has to deal with a barmy teaching assistant whose flamboyance and immaturity are an apparent source of constant entertainment; either that or he's just really annoying.

The stars of this film are undoubtedly the kids. Gap-toothed, snot-nosed and very cute, director Debbie Issit has done a fine job of rounding up a group of kids who are charismatic but natural. These children feel like they actually go to a state primary school, rather than Sylvia Young's which would have been a disaster for the film had they been obviously stage-schooled.

As such the extended final act which features a nativity play that bears very little resemblance to anything I participated in as a child, is a certified hit. It contains enough sparkle and childish charm to help cover the fact that the first hour of the film was only partially entertaining, having taken a long time to tell very little story. It will undoubtedly have children and adults alike tapping their toes and laughing along with the original songs and impressive staging.

Thus Nativity! is best saved for Christmas Day afternoon, when everyone's so full of turkey they can snooze through the first hour, and wake up for the finale that will leave everyone from your baby nephew to your granny filled with Christmas cheer .