Review of The Nativity Story (2006) by Stelp. — 01 Dec 2006

There's something missing from this film, even though the quality is good and the Biblical storyline is accurate. There seems to be little sense of purpose in the acting, and the cinematography adds to the drab feeling.

..no vibrant colors at all, even with the Wise Men and their outfits. Way too much brown and gray. Even the greens were flat. At least some vibrant colors could've added some spark to this dull visual spectacle.

Even critical parts, like the angelic appearances and the Holy Spirit appearing in the form of a dove, come off flat. The flights of the dove almost look like file footage! You're hardpressed to know if it's a dove or a pigeon.

It's strength is in the Biblical storyline, but unfortunately, the screenplay and the acting don't flesh out the urgency of the story. I really appreciated the focus on Joseph's character as a young man.

..character in the sense of the man himself, and his importance in this story. If there's one thing the movie exposes, it's the background story of this man who lived through such an historic event.

And you're able to feel a bit of the tension and fear of the unknown that both he and Mary experienced. As a young couple from a small village, they truly had to trust God that everything happening to them was working together towards the birth of Jesus, the Savior for all mankind.