I am glad that I couldn't have been more wrong. After seeing the 91% critics score, and 97% audience approval for the movie on Rotten Tomatoes, I was able to convince my wife, and two teenage daughters, to venture to the multiplex to check out a PG-rated live action film, and it wasn't even a Disney production.
The film is based on a popular 1972 short story written by Barbara Robinson, titled, Best Christmas Pageant Ever, about a gang of siblings called the Herdmans, who wreak havoc in school and throughout the community, and decide they want to be a part of a church's annual Christmas pageant. There are six Herdman kids, four boys and two girls, and despite their varying age and gender, all seem to enjoy fighting, stealing, cussing and basically anything abhorrent to kids and adults. The film is told through the eyes of Beth, a classmate of Imogene Herdman, the eldest of the Herdman kids, and daughter to Grace, the mother who decides to fill in for the lifetime pageant director. Beth sees the Herdman kids just like everyone else, troublemakers who have no business in church, let alone the Christmas pageant. After Beth's brother Charlie brags about after-church cookies, cake and desserts, the Herdmans decide to attend church to aide their sweet tooth.
The Herdmans hear about the upcoming Christmas pageant in church that Sunday, and return the following week to claim their roles. Imogene is the lone volunteer to play Mary, while her other brothers grab the roles of Joseph and the Three Wiseman, and her little sister. Gladys snags the part of the angel.
Grace already feeling the community and church pressure of directing the pageant, and the 75th anniversary of the annual event, has more added stress by the Herdmans occupying all of the lead parts.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER is a refreshing look at Christianity in its purest sense, adhering to the golden rule, and tending to the lost sheep. In spite of the pressure from several church members, Grace goes on with the Herdmans in the lead roles, telling Beth that Jesus came for all of us, including the Herdmans. Director Dallas Jenkins, most notable as the creator of the TV series The Chosen, along with screenwriters Platte Clark, Darin McDaniel and Ryan Swanson, craft the Herdmans as very unlikable, and often times unbearable. The foursome pull no punches, as we watch the kids lie, steal and cuss out their teachers. The kids use the Lord's name in vain in church on multiple occasions. Imogene goes as far as snatching a locket from Beth's neck, one that her mom gave her.
The Herdmans hear about the upcoming Christmas pageant in church that Sunday, and return the following week to claim their roles. Imogene is the lone volunteer to play Mary, while her other brothers grab the roles of Joseph and the Three Wiseman, and her little sister. Gladys snags the part of the angel.
Grace already feeling the community and church pressure of directing the pageant, and the 75th anniversary of the annual event, has more added stress by the Herdmans occupying all of the lead parts.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER is a refreshing look at Christianity in its purest sense, adhering to the golden rule, and tending to the lost sheep. In spite of the pressure from several church members, Grace goes on with the Herdmans in the lead roles, telling Beth that Jesus came for all of us, including the Herdmans. Director Dallas Jenkins, most notable as the creator of the TV series The Chosen, along with screenwriters Platte Clark, Darin McDaniel and Ryan Swanson, craft the Herdmans as very unlikable, and often times unbearable. The foursome pull no punches, as we watch the kids lie, steal and cuss out their teachers. The kids use the Lord's name in vain in church on multiple occasions. Imogene goes as far as snatching a locket from Beth's neck, one that her mom gave her.
With each passing scene, the edge of the Herdmans is gradually dulled, as we take a look into their lives. Their parents are never seen, we witness the jubilation as Beth's dad, Bob, delivers a Christmas ham to their home and Imogene reveals the real reason they want to be part of the play, as an escape from reality.
The performances are solid, lending authenticity to the film, whether its Judy Greer's earnestness as Grace, Molly Belle Wright's sincerity as Beth or the genuine anger, bitterness and sadness of Beatrice Schneider's Imogene. The supporting players are not as sharply defined, but rather colorful archetypes that serve a purpose. Imagine real-life Springfield residents from The Simpsons.
It had been roughly 40 years since I had read THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, so much of the film seemed fresh and new. I knew the jest of the story, and remembered how it played out, but I don't remember it having as grand of an impact, particularly the climatic moment. There are surprises throughout the movie, and of course, during the pageant, but the biggest surprise is the most unpredictable moment as Beth calls it, and the one that rings the truest and hits the hardest.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER is truly what Christmas is all about. A ticket to this holiday gem might be the best gift you give this season. A merry Christmas courtesy of the Herdmans.
It had been roughly 40 years since I had read THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, so much of the film seemed fresh and new. I knew the jest of the story, and remembered how it played out, but I don't remember it having as grand of an impact, particularly the climatic moment. There are surprises throughout the movie, and of course, during the pageant, but the biggest surprise is the most unpredictable moment as Beth calls it, and the one that rings the truest and hits the hardest.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER is truly what Christmas is all about. A ticket to this holiday gem might be the best gift you give this season. A merry Christmas courtesy of the Herdmans.
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