Review of Nativity! (2009) by John R — 08 Dec 2009

This was THE perfect Christmas film! After last year's appalling excuse for a festive flick in the guise of "4 Christmasses" and wasn't really expecting great from this.... especially since it was written by those that were responsible for Confetti....

But! This was so fantastic! Just genuinely nice. The screening I was at had an old couple, families, some rather typical teen-types and they all lapped it up and enjoyed it, and surely that's all you can ask for?

Martin Freeman was hilarious. It would've been easy to give his role to the likes of Ricky Gervais, but he nailed it, and should probably do more leads in things. I found him to be completely believable. Haven't looked at the cast list yet for this, but the bloke that was the teacher's assitant was also great fun. I thought he may prove to be annoying and overtly flamboyant and stereotypical, but he was charming and really challenged Martin Freeman's role and showed a softer side.

Tis always lovely to see Pam Ferris too - she aces family films! And Alan Carr was in it for just the right amount of screen time, any more and it would've clouded the film for what it was and not just 'another' British comedy. Brilliant.

But the real stars of the show were the children, and my God were they fantastic. All of them were just outstanding and it looked like they were having so much fun. I especially loved the little lad that wanted to be an in-keeper because "they swear a lot"... and was it just me, or did he look A LOT like a baby Simon Pegg?!

So yes - I laughed, I cried, I came out feeling positively festive and really enjoyed myself. I'd recommend this to all. You can't help but love it.