Based on the bestselling children’s book, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER is the story of six misfit children who take over the lead roles in their town’s 75th annual Sunday school Christmas pageant. Nobody is ready for the mayhem and surprises that ensue. Watch this touching family film in theaters starting November 8th!
Synopsis
The Herdman kids are the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, they steal, they bully, they hit other kids. So no one is prepared when this outlaw family sneaks into church searching for snacks one Sunday morning, and they end up walking away with the lead roles in the Christmas pageant! Not to mention, their wild antics cause havoc throughout the play’s production.
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 less than amused. But the play’s mischievous stars might unwittingly teach a community the true meaning of Christmas. Also featuring Lauren Graham (“Gilmore Girls,” “Parenthood”) as the narrator, and Kirk B.R. Woller (“The Chosen,” “The X-Files”) as Pastor Hopkins.
This Christmas film from Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company is directed by Dallas Jenkins (“The Chosen”) with a screenplay by Ryan Swanson, Platte F. Clark, and Darin McDaniel, based on the beloved children’s classic by Barbara Robinson. Buy tickets today to see THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER in theaters on November 8th!
Review
I was skeptical at first about how THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER was going to come across on the big screen, but it worked out well. There’s a bit more depth and heart and it’s more grounded than the trailer would suggest.
This is not your typical sentimental Christmas movie. Nor is it a religious drama. It’s a nostalgic, heartwarming tale about an unchurched group of children who become the focus of the Nativity story, retelling it in their own unique way.
The Emmanuel church congregation doesn’t like anything to be different. They want to do everything the same way every year, and they’re worried that the pageant will be a big disaster if changes are made. But it’s not right the way the hoity-toity women talk condescendingly about the Herdman family, just because they live on the wrong side of the tracks.
None of the Herdmans had ever heard the Christmas story before. Their interpretation of the tale has a lot of people up in arms. An angel with superhero powers? Deep down, those kids just might have good instincts!
The Herdmans were famous for never sitting still, and yet when they heard the Nativity story read to them out of the Bible, they hung on every word. Especially the oldest sibling, Imogene (Beatrice Schneider), whose probing questions showed that she really took everything seriously.
“Why didn’t Mary get to name her own baby?”
“Maybe someone will finally tell that innkeeper off, and get the baby out of the barn.”
When the Herdmans heard that a play is like a movie that’s live on stage, Imogene was determined to be in it, telling her siblings, “They get to change who they are and be someone else. That’s what we get to do.”
Instead of just going through the rote motions of putting on a play like the other kids do every year, the Herdmans went to the library and researched the Nativity. They checked out Bibles, picture Bibles, and books. Before, the only way for the pageant to work was without the Herdmans. Now, the only way for it to work is with them.
It seems fitting that teenage Imogene wanted to be Mary. Imogene says “OMG” but is reprimanded. “Imogene, I told you not to take the Lord’s name in vain. How can you be Mary if you’re offending everyone?” Someone else said, “You don’t look like any Mary I’ve seen before.” But Imogene realized that Mary was both sweet and tough. “The real Mary didn’t care what anyone thought of her and did the hard thing, even though it was scary.”
The actual pageant is full of surprises for everyone, starting with the Herdmans themselves, as they set out to make a difference and ultimately lead the town in finding the true meaning of Christmas. “It was about a new baby and his dirt poor mother and father who were in a lot of trouble. No money, no place to go, no doctor, nobody they knew, no respect. But they were the ones God chose to help change the world.”
This charming story delivers a fresh perspective on the Nativity and is a beautiful reminder that God loves everyone. Much of this movie was done in a humorous manner, but there was definitely a serious element to it. The Herdmans not only make this year’s pageant the most unusual one anybody has seen, they make it the best one ever!
This movie is 98 mins long. It’s rated PG for thematic material and brief underage smoking. (It shows a teen girl smoking a cigar.) THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER was filmed on location in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It looks like it’s supposed to take place in the 1970s, judging from the cars and clothing styles. Which makes sense, since the original book was written in 1972. Visit the official movie website here.
About Kingdom Story Company & Lionsgate
Founded by Kevin Downes, Andrew Erwin, Jon Erwin, and Tony Young, the Kingdom Story Company brand is synonymous with hope, bringing inspiring content to the big screen. In an exclusive partnership with Lionsgate, Kingdom Story Company creates life-changing content with faith, inspiration, and positive impact. Lionsgate is a Canadian-American entertainment conglomerate that operates the largest independent motion picture company in the world.
Giveaway
Have you read the book? Do you plan to see the movie? The sponsors are giving away a $10 Amazon gift card to one lucky Homeschooling Teen reader! Simply leave a comment below for a chance to win. NOTE: This giveaway is limited to U.S. winners only, who haven’t already won another giveaway for this campaign. Winners will need to submit their FULL NAME and email address by 11:59 pm on 11/10/24. We will not be able to accept winners submitted after this date. (Comments are moderated, so please be patient for yours to show up if you haven’t commented before.)
Trailer
Disclosure
Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
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This looks like a fun movie for the Christmas season! Thank you for doing the giveaway!
I would love to see this movie.
I would like to see this with my grandchildren!
Congratulations, Terri! You’re the winner of this giveaway! Check your email (including spam/junk folders) for the $10 Amazon gift card.
I would love to watch this with my entire family. We love Christmas themed movies especially during his time of year.
I have not yet read the book but I plan to see the movie in the theater with the kids it looks so so fun.
I have not read the book but I would like to watch the movie. My family really enjoys any and all Christmas movies and this looks to be a great watch.