Thoroughly enjoyable schmalzy comedy for all the family at Christmas. Martin Freeman is brilliant as the uptight but heartbroken Paul Maddens, a primary school teacher. His head allocates him as director of the school's Nativity play, and gives him a new and rather juvenile classroom assistant, Mr Poppy.

All slightly surreal, although the children are a delight- not stage-trained but ordinary children who produce a wonderful pageant at the end. Apparently the film was not scripted, so there's a lot of improvisation - and it works brilliantly.

Definitely recommended for the whole family if you want an enjoyable Christmas film which has an important message not just about the real meaning of Christmas, but about the potential disasters that can arise from telling lies.

Longer review here: https://suesdvdreviews.blogspot.com/2021/12/nativity-martin-freeman.html ( )

Outstandingly entertaining Christmas movie - great cast, original music, witty script. It's in my top 5 Christmas movies list ( )