It felt like “Christmas in July” when I was offered an opportunity to view this forthcoming holiday film. It was (and still is) hot for the season here in Texas, but after viewing the film, it left me in better spirits all around. I have not read the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson that this film is based on, but I just might do so before the holidays. I am curious how the six Herdmans children are described in the book as the six child actors who portray the characters in the novel are excellent in their roles. They truly show the audience what their daily reality has led them to be to this date.
As described in the release received, “The Herdmans are absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, they steal, they bully…and now they’ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant.” The screenplay is by Ryan Swanson, Platte F. Clark and Darin McDaniel and the adaptation is directed by Dallas Jenkins (“The Chosen” TV series). The Best Christmas Pageant Ever follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for snacks and walk away with the lead roles in the town pageant.
The pageant has been an annual event in the city for decades, but the lifelong director is unable to continue this year. At a church meeting, a volunteer raises her hand to take on the task of directing the event. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time; she and her daughter Beth (Molly Belle Wright) and husband Bob (Pete Holmes) are overwhelmed. This is a great story about Grace and her family, as it is about the children who the town prefers to kick out. Beth knows the children from school, but soon learns more as she sees how the other adults behave and about the children and their home life. Wait until you see how the play’s cast unwittingly teach a community a thing or two.
The movie features Lauren Graham as the narrator, Vanessa Benavente (“The Chosen”), Sebastian Billingsley-Rodriguez as Charlie, Beatrice Schneider as Imogene, among many others.
This family drama is one you may want to place on your calendar, as it has dramatic scenes but don’t be surprised when you have scenes that will have you chuckling or giggling in your theater seat. There are more than a few times the writers throw in a few gems, just as life is – sometimes emotional and other times you just want to laugh out loud at how things go. Sometimes, it is good to change things up with a new perspective, especially when someone has dominated how the play is done for way too long.
Produced by: Kevin Downes, Jon Erwin, Andrew Erwin, Darin McDaniel, Chet Thomas, Daryl Lefever
Official Site: https://bestchristmaspageantever.movie/
Rating: PG for thematic material and brief underage smoking
The film opens in theaters on Friday, November 8th 2024.
Source: Lionsgate
###