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Review: ‘Best Christmas Pageant’ is a Warm, Witty Classic

Review: ‘Best Christmas Pageant’ is a Warm, Witty Classic

Last updated on: November 5, 2024 at 12:22 pm by DeWayne Hamby

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Review: ‘Best Christmas Pageant’ is a Warm, Witty Classic 2024-11-05T12:22:01-04:00 DeWayne Hamby

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Trust me, there’s no better way to kick off the holiday season than with the delightful new film “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” releasing this week by Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company. Directed by Dallas Jenkins and starring Judy Greer, Pete Holmes, Lauren Graham, and a cast of talented young actors, it’s an instant classic that channels the warmth, humor, and heart of the best Christmas movies.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” – Beatrice Schneider as Imogene Herdman and Judy Greer as Grace in Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

While the holiday traditions—gifts, gatherings, holiday tunes, and even the nativity scene—are central to this story, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is ultimately about acceptance and grace, especially toward those who seem the least lovable. Jenkins, known for infusing New Testament virtues into pop culture, delivers a story that’s as countercultural as it is timeless. You can feel his passion in every frame; he handles this cherished story with such care and skill that it sets a new gold standard for holiday films. Audiences will feel their hearts soften as they watch the story unfold.

Despite its thoughtful themes, the film is thoroughly entertaining and often laugh-out-loud funny. Judy Greer is the anxiety-ridden mom who musters up the nerve and spite to direct the town’s Christmas play. Pete Holmes, the ensemble’s resident comedian, plays the calm, collected dad, occasionally tossing out hilarious one-liners. Yet it’s the younger actors who steal the show, bringing their own charm and humor to the screen.

The child performers are nothing short of remarkable, especially Beatrice Schneider as Imogene, the tough and scrappy ringleader of the Herdmans. Her transformation from bully to spiritual seeker is captivating, and it’s impossible not to root for her. Watching the film for the second time, I was struck by the raw emotion in the scene where Imogene cries—it’s a powerful moment that captures the essence of grace and redemption and the beauty of a softened heart.

As a fan of both Christmas movies and faith-based films, I recognize I’m the ideal viewer for “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” and it more than delivers. But judging by the glowing early reviews and enthusiastic audience response, this heartwarming story is poised to become a beloved staple for families everywhere, creating lasting memories for generations to come. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is a holiday home run, destined to be a new tradition for Christmas movie fans.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” based on the book by Barbara Robinson, adapted for the screen by Ryan Swanson, directed by Dallas Jenkins and starring Judy Greer, Pete Holmes, Elizabeth Tabish, and Lauren Graham, releases Nov. 8 from Lionsgate Studios and Kingdom Story Company.

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