When Barbara Robinson wrote The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in 1972, it became somewhat of a phenomenon–from being taught in elementary schools and middle schools to now having multiple adaptations to a variety of screens, including churches. I, myself, even performed in a production that my church put on more than 15 years ago where I had a small speaking role. It is a timeless story about learning the true meaning of Christmas, but how does this adaptation stack up as a film?
The story, which is told from the perspective of Beth Bradley, played by a very charming Molly Belle Wright, tells the story of her mother, Grace (Judy Greer), and her efforts to put on the annual town Christmas pageant after the usual director is put out of commission. Complicating matters is the arrival of the Herdmans, a group of siblings who terrorize the town and end up taking over the play. However, their questioning of the story and genuine interest in something that most Christians take for granted ends up leading the rest of the town toward remembering the true meaning of Christmas. Faith-based movies like this, even with the best of intentions, have had a spotty track record, as many often favor getting their message across rather than making a solid film with good filmmaking. However, I do believe that there has been a streak of recent films like The Case for Christ, American Underdog, and especially Jesus Revolution being genuinely good films. I can safely add this film to that list, and it may very well be the best one I have ever seen. Beyond that, it is a wonderful Christmas movie that could make for a great trip to the theater with your family and maybe even become a perennial favorite.
One of my favorite aspects of the film is how funny it is. I went into the theater believing that I would find the film to be cute and fun for families, but I genuinely laughed out loud a number of times. Credit must be given to screenwriters Ryan Swanson, Platte Clark, and Darin McDaniel, who imbue it with plenty of witty asides and a willingness to poke fun at the Christian church in some ways, such as how, even as Christians, we can become sidetracked with pageantry and tradition that we often need to be reminded why we celebrate the holiday in the first place. In addition to that, this is a very well-cast production, with each person perfectly bringing to life what is asked of their character. In particular, Greer and Pete Holmes are wonderful as Grace and her husband, Bob, delivering punchlines with aplomb but also getting a few heartfelt moments that actually register with the audience. I also would like to give a shoutout to Danielle Hoetmer and Lorelei Olivia Mote as Mrs. Wendelken and her daughter, Alice, who hilariously and perfectly embody the sort of fussy, stuck-up churchgoers that require the occasional life lesson.
The true heart of the film, however, lies with the Herdmans, and while most of them are painted with broad strokes, their leader, Imogene, is given a more fully rounded character than even what she had in the book. She presents a very tough exterior, but every now and again she says something that completely catches you off guard with how sad it is, and by the time her character arc reaches its emotional climax, it feels genuine and earned. In fact, it even moved me to tears. That is a credit to director Dallas Jenkins, best known for the television series The Chosen, for mostly not overplaying the emotions of the situation and to actress Beatrice Schneider, who plays Imogene, giving the single most impressive performance of the film.
Honestly, this film had no real right to be as good as it was, and I cannot wait to watch it again, whether it be in the theater for a second time or during the next Christmas season. I hope faith-based movies like this can continue to make quality products in addition to telling stories with messages that are very dear to those who are making them. As someone who has not seen The Chosen, Jenkins’ directorial work on this film does make me want to check it out, and I hope some of you will end up making this film an annual part of your Christmas movie rotation because I think it deserves it.
Photo by Jacob Mash