Movie and Television Reviews

Link: http://www.thenativitystory.com/

(for Christians)

(for pa...ahem non-Christians)

The Nativity Story is an account of Jesus' story from just before conception to his birth.

What I'm about to say should never leave your screen. As you know I have a reputation for being a very macho individual and if word gets out about what I'm about to utter, my ability to intimidate foes and awe friends will decline precipitously: I cried several times during The Nativity Story (not to self: delete this sentence). Then again, I'm a believing Christian. For non-Christians subtract a star and a half as I don't think you'll be tugging at your friend's shirt saying, "Oh my God, here comes the annunciation!"

The actors and actresses are all very good. Keisha Castle-Hughes especially emanates the quiet dignity appropriate for the mother of God. Unlike Mel Gibson's Passion, very little source material exists about the events portrayed on screen. Mike Rich, the screenwriter fleshed out the story admirably, providing believable filler such as the reactions of Mary's family to the announcement of her pregnancy and their incredulity at her explanation. The flight from Nazareth to Bethlehem privided some touching scenes of the Holy family acting ideally. Rich also speculated about the origin of the wise men, placing the start of their journey in Persia and assigning them the role of comic relief in the movie. I found the depiction of ancient Jewish life fascinating; we see religious teachers reviewing Bible verses with the village children and overhear the recitation of many prayers.

Non-Christians will find the story lacking in the huge conflicts and climaxes normal for an epic. We have Herod and his soldiers, but they don't feel very threatening in the movie. The movie ends peacefully and I was sad to see it go, a mark of quality for me.

I do feel an obligation to address the review of Michael Medved, a terrific writer and Talk Radio personality, but a scattershot movie reviewer. The lauder of the Star Wars, the Phantom Menace (Jar Jar) gave this movie a luke-warm review, which I can understand, but proceeded to offer two awful reasons as to why. According to Medved, the accents in The Nativity Story distracted him to which I can only summon a severe befuddlement; they were fine. He also complained about the Wise Men being too goofy, which I didn't think was the case. Had they been more imposing, they would have detracted from the story.