Nativity!
Nativity!

Movie spotlight

Nativity!

2009
Movie
106 min
English

Paul, charged with directing his school's Nativity play, falsely boasts that his ex-girlfriend plans to turn the production into a film.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes68%
Google Users84%
Director: Debbie IsittGenres: Comedy, Family, Musical

Plot Summary

A jaded and creatively stifled primary school teacher, Mr. Poppy, dreams of his play being turned into a Hollywood film. He tells his class that their Nativity play will be reviewed by the Hollywood producers, leading to a series of chaotic and heartwarming events as they strive to create the most spectacular nativity play ever. The film follows the imaginative Mr. Poppy as he enlists the help of his students and others to achieve this ambitious goal.

Critical Reception

Nativity! received a generally positive reception from critics and audiences alike, particularly for its family-friendly humor and heartwarming performances. While some found its plot somewhat predictable, its charm and comedic timing were widely praised. It became a popular holiday film for families in the UK.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its genuine heart and laugh-out-loud moments.

  • A charming and funny family film with a feel-good message.

  • Relies on a predictable but endearing plot and energetic performances.

Google audience: Audiences particularly enjoyed the film's humor, the performances of the child actors, and its overall festive and uplifting spirit. Some viewers found the plot a bit simplistic but appreciated its ability to entertain the whole family.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

Director Debbie Isitt initially developed the story as a stage musical before adapting it into the film, and the musical versions have since been performed extensively, especially around Christmas time.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
r96sk

r96sk

Silly and stupid, but it has a charm to it. <em>'Nativity!'</em> is not a film to be taken seriously, though there is entertainment in there. Martin Freeman does well as the flawed Mr. Maddens, while Marc Wootton fully commits to the rol...

John Chard

John Chard

As warm and as enchanting as a Whisky Mac. He's a failed actor, his girlfriend has left him and gone to make it big in America, and now, school teacher Paul Maddens has to direct the Nativity play. Worse still, after a little white bragg...