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Ah, the holiday season—it’s that time of year when the world’s obsession with holiday movies kicks into high gear. Sure, we all love a good rom-com filled with cheesy moments and predictable plots, but let’s shake things up a bit this year. Enter “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” a refreshing twist on the holiday film that’s sure to stand out from the crowd.

TRAILER

Set in the nostalgic ’70s, the film is narrated by adult Beth (played by the fabulous Lauren Graham) but is seen through the eyes of her younger self (Molly Belle Wright).

Picture a modern twist on Ralphie’s perspective in “A Christmas Story,” but with a lot more chaos and a lot less pink bunny suit. This unique storytelling approach brings a delightful authenticity to the experience.

Now, let’s dive into the setting: a small town facing a not-so-small problem. Meet The Herdmans, a rowdy group of kids with absentee parents, notorious for making life miserable for everyone around them. If there’s one thing they excel at, it’s stirring up trouble—especially during the holiday season, when tensions can run high.

The town’s long-standing tradition is an annual Christmas Pageant that depicts the birth of Jesus, starring the local kids. For 75 years, the production has followed the same script—until disaster strikes when the pageant’s director breaks both legs. Enter Grace (Judy Greer), Beth’s mom, who reluctantly steps in to save the day. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t go quite as planned, leading to a series of unexpected events.

In a hilarious twist, Beth’s brother accidentally reveals the church’s abundant snack supply, catching the attention of Imogene (Beatrice Schneider), the Herdmans’ fearless leader and the town’s biggest bully. Naturally, she decides that church is her new hangout, dragging her siblings along for the ride. The town can’t fathom the idea of these kids being part of the pageant, and chaos ensues as the Herdmans take center stage.

Beatrice Schneider as Imogene Herdman and Judy Greer as Grace in Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Photo Credit: Allen Fraser

What sets this film apart is its ability to tackle deeper themes. While the narrative revolves around the birth of Jesus, it also delves into the importance of acceptance and community. The Herdmans are the ultimate outsiders, and instead of being welcomed, the adults in town resort to gossip and judgment. Grace, with her fitting name, strives to bring a little “grace” to their lives, highlighting the need for compassion.

As the Herdmans engage with the pageant, their genuine curiosity about Jesus and his story shines through. They even seek out library cards to read the Bible—who would’ve thought they were interested in learning? Watching their transformation from mischievous troublemakers to kids eager to understand their place in the story adds a heartwarming depth to the film.

At its core, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is a family-friendly film that resonates with audiences of all ages. Picture “Dennis the Menace” colliding with Christmas, seasoned with heartfelt moments that capture the essence of childhood. The film ultimately delivers a powerful message: the holidays are not just about romance, consumerism, or an over abundance of Christmas aesthetics. It is about fostering a community filled with love, compassion, and acceptance.

So, gather your loved ones, grab some popcorn, and let this film remind you of the true spirit of the season.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is in theaters November 8th