The Christmas Pageant No One Expected

Barbara Robinson's "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, " initially a magazine story turned novel in 1972, has been a holiday favorite for decades. The story's charm lies in its Roald Dahl-esque humor, with the Herdman kids, dubbed the "worst kids ever, " wreaking havoc in their town. This year, director Dallas Jenkins brings the tale to the big screen with a heartwarming twist. The Herdmans, known for their mischief and troublemaking, stumble upon a church event and decide to take part in the annual nativity pageant. Led by the tough Imogene, they claim all the major roles, causing chaos among the townsfolk. Beth Bradley, a fellow student, watches as her mother Grace, the new pageant director, struggles to manage the Herdmans and the expectations of the community. As rehearsals begin, Grace sees a glimmer of genuine interest in the Herdmans, despite their unruly behavior. Meanwhile, Beth starts to form an unlikely friendship with Imogene. The road to the Christmas Eve performance is filled with mishaps and laughter, but surprisingly, the show turns out to be the "best ever. " Jenkins' film offers a gradual transformation for the Herdmans, showing they don't need to be adversarial toward the community. The film, however, could have been tighter, as the emotional climax slows down the pace. Younger viewers might find the latter half a bit preachy and less humorous than the first. Judy Greer and Pete Holmes shine as Beth's parents, bringing a lighthearted touch to the film. The production design and cinematography create a cozy, snowy-small-town atmosphere, perfect for the holiday season. The soundtrack features Christmas carols by Blake Shelton and other artists, adding to the festive feel.