‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ instant holiday classic (2024)

by: Rick Bentley

Posted: Nov 8, 2024 / 09:17 AM PST

Updated: Nov 8, 2024 / 02:28 PM PST

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is the first feature film since the release of “A Christmas Story” in 1983 that should become an automatic addition to any future “must see” holiday film list. This production – based on the book written in 1972 by Barbara Robinson – is as funny as it is warm and as faith confirming as it is an indictment of how the true meaning of Christmas can get lost in the hustle of the season.

The small community of Emmanuel, U.S.A. is preparing to stage its 75^thanniversary Christmas pageant. The previous 74 have become a mundane repeat of the even more mundane presentation the year before. But the show must go on because the town needs the revenue.

An accident leaves the longtime pageant director sidelined. Grace (Judy Greer) steps up to agree to directing the performance for the very first time with help from her daughter Beth (Molly Belle Wright) and husband Bob (Pete Holmes). The job seems simple enough if Grace follows the plan from past years.

That changes because of the Herdmans who are described as being absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. Lured by the promise of snacks at the local church, the six siblings show up at the auditions demanding to get all of the key roles in the story of the birth of Jesus.

This sends fear through the community as the children have become the town bullies showing no sign of any parental interest or concern.

The leader of the brat pack, Imogene (Beatrice Schneider), intimidates her way into landing the role of Mary. Her brother will play Joseph with other siblings portraying the Three Wise Men and an angel.

If this all sounds familiar, there was a film adaptation of the book in 1983 starring Loretta Swit.

In this latest version, director Dallas Jenkins sets a light tempo in the first half by giving the Herdmans room to run roughshod over everyone. It is not until Imogene accidentally reveals the real reason that she wants to have the role that the movie begins to find its emotional depth.

What starts out as a gambit to get food becomes a learning experience for the much-feared siblings. Having never been exposed to the story of the birth of Jesus they show a deep curiosity to know more and with that comes change.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” never drifts into deep philosophical discussions about religion and faith. Those elements are very present, but the film is structured more with a love your neighbor touch than a lecture your neighbor approach. Not shying away from the spiritual message in the movie elevates the film over the kind of cookie cutter holiday movies churned out by cable channels.

The core of the movie comes down to the fight between Grace and the rest of the community as to how to deal with the rowdy crowd. Everyone wants them kicked out of the play but Grace – with some moral support from her daughter – decides turning them away would be missing the point of the whole story.

Greer’s performance is a holiday treat because she finds the sweet blend of being committed enough to handle the big project but just shaky enough to have concerns. The work by Pete Holmes as her loving husband is a perfect match because he doesn’t swoop in to save the day but just stands ready to help in any way possible.

Beatrice Schneider and Molly Belle Wright deliver performances that compliment and contrast each other. The more antagonistic Beatrice makes Imogene, the more Molly cranks up the caring parts of her role. Neither ever takes it too far as to make the roles more cartoonish than real.

The only real weakness is the slight cheating when it comes to the parents of the Herdmans. The absence of parents might be excused away once or twice but they are never shown and that doesn’t ring with the same truth as the rest of the movie.

That is a small complaint for a movie that is an instant holiday classic that is suitable for every member of the family. It is an early holiday gift.

Movie review

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Grade:A-

Cast:Judy Greer, Molly Belle Wright, Pete Holmes,Beatrice Schneider, Lauren Graham, Elizabeth Tabish

Director:Dallas Jenkins

Rated:PG mild humor

Running time: 99 minutes.