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Enjoyed it all the way through, yes it is a low budget film, it didn't suffer for, the family will love it....most of the characters are well funny.....nice one for Xmas.....well done Debbie. The introduction of the teaching assistant was fabulous, he and the kids quite rightly stole the film......we all wish we had someone like that at school. Te improvisation was excellent, the kids seemed to really respond well to what for most was an alien environment. The story line held up better than i expected but then i didn't go to see it, expecting to see a masterpiece. The scenes in the Cathedral were brilliant, also it was great to see so much of my home town in the film....and my sister!I would encourage everyone with kids go and see this film....you will enjoy it.

Nativity centres around a 30/40something primary school teacher who, being a loser in love, has allowed himself to become bitter and resentful towards his pupils.

Needless to say he needs to win back the love of his life and re-find his love for his job, and people in general.

It comfortably falls back on the rich British heritage for nicey nice romcoms and does a fair job. Not one aspect of any of the characters came as any surprise or helped to enrich a two dimensional plot - but who cares, its a Christmas heartwarmer and it does its job well.

Marc Wootton, in particular, was excellent as Mr Poppy and both his visual performance and his well drawn out character were responsible for the majority for the laughs - the remainder falling on the narrow shoulders of a funny looking kid, well cast for his comedic value, but possessed of a face that I was sick of seeing after 90 minutes of obvious set ups, but then that's probably because I'm as misanthropic as the lead character!

I took my seven year old daughter, and she absolutely loved it. If you're not a parent and hate children, this is definitely not for you. If, on the other hand, you love Christmas and still have a tender, warm spot in your heart then you could do a lot worse than to go and see this.

I don't get the level of hate this series of films seem to get, they're lighthearted, and make me laugh out loud.

Yes, you have to be in the mood for a bit of daftness, but let yourself go and have a bit of fun!

The first one in particular is really good, with a superb cast (it's like a who's who of British actors!), and Marc Wootton's Mr Poppy is a great comedy character. It's very, very British in tone which I love.

As for the kids, I don't find them annoying, which is unusual for me, so a big plus there!

Give the films a go, you might be pleasantly surprised.

This movie is playing on Showtime, and I've been laid up in bed with nothing much to do but read, surf the web and watch TV, so thank god for Showtime!! This movie initially was something I avoided, since I usually really hate kid movies. But strike that; I learned that I really hated *American* kid movies; British kiddie films (and romcoms) are so much better and much more fun. Although Brit humour is right up front, these movies tend not to be dripping with the kind of bottomless cynicism and coy promotion of greedy materialism that lies at the heart of most American movies aimed at the rated G set.

For example, in Nativity!, all the kids come from decidedly the underprivileged and underdog working classes, and their chief rival is a posh upper-class school. In an American film, the gold at the heart of the rainbow would have been literally that: gold. The kids would somehow end up fabulously rich at the end, and their poor, belabored working class parents would now able to buy them everything they could possibly want at Christmastime--the true American dream. In Nativity!, all they really want to do is put on a wicked good holiday show and maybe get their depressed teacher back with his girl. Christmas is not nearly as commercialized and monetized in Europe and the UK, and this aspect is very refreshing whilst watching a movie about the one season that American has utterly and completely ruined. I'm usually quite the grinch about our holiday season, but watching this movie made me happy that all the world is not American. (I'm waiting for someone to call me un-American and a Euro Socialist, hee hee) The musical scene at the end; the Nativity play in all its glory, is stupendous. Simply put, the songs are so catchy that I actually had to buy the soundtrack, which will be a neat from-leftfield addition to the usual hackneyed Christmas music selection. (Note to Americans: in general, the Brits have it all over us in the Xmas music department. They have a yearly holiday music competition, and some pretty great songs have come out of it. Whenever I play my Brit Xmas CDs, everyone is instantly singing along to songs they've heard for the first time, and asking me who it is.) The staging of the kids and the way they handled modernizing the nativity theme for the 7-13 set was really quite amazing. For instance, all of the kids want to please their parents who've never had a chance at anything grest, and want to play the Mary or Joseph role. So, the teacher devises a way in which they ALL can individually be Mary and Joseph in the staging of one of the central musical numbers. Great costumes and sets, and I liked that the kids were NOT too-cutesy, been-there-done-that Hollywood kid pros, as would have been the case in anything American. (One reviewer expressed relief in being able to take her pre-teen girl to see something fun that didn't feature Hanna Montana and shopping: too true!) Some of the kids really can sing, and the ones who are just OK make up for it in pure enjoyment of what they're doing. As others have mentioned, I LOVED the little sprite who played Bob, with his funny strong country accent and rock-n-roll attitude. I imagine I'll be seeing more of that kid; he's too cute and full of a natural energy to slip through the cracks.

Part of Nativity's charm is that it looks like an average TV drama, especially initially with its TV actors and production values, but as the film goes on you start to realise that this is so much better than a TV comedy drama Christmas special on BBC2. "Nativity!" is a Christmas classic, it's something adults and children can equally find funny with it's charming characters and uplifting spirit.

Martin Freeman plays a likably grumpy teacher who doesn't think much to Christmas after his girlfriend left him to be a Hollywood producer on Christmas day. Enter the star of the show Mr.Poppy! The amazingly hilarious dim-witted teaching assistant who plays a classic comedy character who you can't help but love. Mr.Shakespeare is also a brilliant panto villain who leads his fairly accurate, if not belated, private school to win 5 star reviews. That is until Mr.Poppy blurts out to everyone Martin Freeman's lie that a Hollywood producer is coming to film their pathetic attempt of a nativity.

From here on it's a fight to put on the best nativity play the world has ever seen and try to attract Hollywood to come and see them. "Nativity!" is so sickly you need a bucket ready at the end of the film, as you're stomach starts to dance around. But is also so amazingly uplifting that you can't help but love it! It's completely over the top nonsense with plenty of "as if!" moments but that's all part of the charm. Alan Carr also plays a brilliant nativity critic.

You'll be lucky to find a more jolly, funny and charming Christmas film than this. It's brilliant British comedy with a fantastic cast that will have you howling with laughter. The final 20 minutes feature incredibly catchy songs and hundreds of health and safety knock-outs. Some might say that it gets a bit too much, but for me it was pure charming escapism. "Nativity!" isn't perfect but I think that's the message of the film, nothing's perfect, just take things for what they are.

I actually really enjoyed this film. It had nothing really going for it, it was unrealistic, If half of what happened had happened in real life there would be actual criminal proceedings. The characters (namely the children) changed part way through, going from completely untalented, to very talented. Some of the acting was terrible, despite the number of famous names in it, although some of the children were pretty talented. There were also some major plot holes. However, despite this, the film was genuinely enjoyable, and leaves the audience with a real warm feeling inside. It was funny, and I was really glad that I went to see it. I wouldn't recommend it for any other time than the few weeks leading up to Christmas though.

Nativity is a lovely family film that can be enjoyed by all. No it's never going to be an Oscar winning film but for nice entertainment this film can not be beat. It is perfect for Christmas.

The plot is simple and Martin Freeman is impressive as the lead teach trying to stage a great nativity play and the kids playing his pupils all bring their own charm to the piece.

Ashley Jensen and Pam Ferris add their own talents to the proceedings while Alan Carr is ... well Alan Carr. Special credit must also go Marc Wootton playing Mr Poppy who steals every scene he is in while also forming a nice double act with Freeman.

Overall a film well worth finding.

Finally decided to write a review in the lead up to Christmas to get used to the layout. And what better film to review than a Christmas film like 'Nativity!', being somebody who likes Christmas films and some of the cast members.

'Nativity!' turned out to be a nice charming film. Not a Christmas cracker by all means, there are better Christmas films out there ('It's a Wonderful Life', the Alastair Sim 'Christmas Carol' and the original 'Miracle on 34th Street'). It's also hardly a piece of coal at the bottom of your stocking, there are also far worse of anything to do with Christmas like 1991's 'The Christmas Tree' and 'The Christmas Foal'. 'Nativity!' clearly knew what it wanted to be and never tried to do any more than needed, also achieving the main objectives of a successful film.

It's not perfect. The story is very predictable in places, with it not doing much new with some of its elements. The film also has times where momentum is lost, with the finale for example going on longer than needed. Am not a massive fan of Alan Carr, so was not sure what to make of his small role.

There is so much to enjoy in 'Nativity!'. In particular the splendid cast. Martin Freeman is in a role that he's perfect for. Marc Wooton is clearly enjoying himself and has his fair share of scene-stealing moments. Pam Ferris seems to do no wrong, and a big shout out has to go to the children. They are so natural and have great comic timing, they not only are more than a match for the adults but even upstage them.

'Nativity!' looks nice enough in its own simple, un-flashy way. The music is very catchy and gives a real sense of Christmas, while for all the story imperfections the film has a lot of spirit and energy throughout.

A decent script always helps, and 'Nativity!' has that. It has sparkling comic elements and a very warm heart and sweet charm, without being too sentimental.

In summary, while not mind-blowing 'Nativity!' is a festive charmer that makes do for the festive season and the lead up to it. 7/10 Bethany Cox

Saw Nativity! at a preview screening with my kids and it is a complete delight! It's a rare example of a film for kids that delivers laughs and emotion and hits all the right buttons, but in a fresh and original way that also has a lot for adults to enjoy. I was surprised to be so drawn in by a film that is clearly aimed at children and I'm not ashamed to say I had lump in my throat by the end.

The kids in the film are natural - and hilarious - and the original songs are terrific - we'll be tracking down the soundtrack album! Kids, Christmas, a love story and a musical all rolled into one - what more do you want for some great holiday entertainment? I wouldn't be surprised if this becomes a great 'British Classic' for many Christmases to come - it certainly deserves to be.

It's easy to bash on Nativity because it's not a very well-made movie. However, it's difficult to bash on Nativity because of the adorable children and a heart-warming message. And the actual musical the kids perform is pretty entertaining. I have no idea how this movie spawned a franchise, and I probably won't watch any of the sequels, but I'm not mad I spent 105 minutes watching this.

There's a great idea for a film lurking in Nativity. A semi-improvised comedy built around the premise of two rival drama teachers going head- to-head during Christmas play season, there's an absolute wealth of potential to be had here. Plus it has Martin Freeman doing that perpetually exasperated thing with lots of familiar faces from the British comedy scene, some genuinely likable young kids and a charming, Richard Curtis-vibe underpinning it. What could possibly go wrong?

Well, somehow the pieces just don't come together. It's lacking in laughs or memorable dialogue and is filled with scenes that don't just stretch credibility, but rip it to pieces like the family cat getting into the Christmas presents. Teachers encourage mass brawls between two primary school classes, sneak kids into the delivery room at a maternity hospital and even abduct two ten year olds and fly them to California with no repercussions from the parents at all. Well they did bring them back, so I guess it's all okay.

There's a chance for a rousing finale with the final production as well but it outstays its welcome for too long. And that's without mentioning Mark Wootton's infuriating teaching assistant Mr. Poppy, a passive- aggressive man-child more juvenile than the ankle biters he's supposed to be looking after. By the time he's dangling a child from a Cathedral spire it all becomes clear, this is more "Surviving Christmas" than "It's A Wonderful Life." Just play trivial pursuit with your nan again.

This film leaves you with a warm feeling in your heart.

I don't agree with some of the minor negative comments on this forum. This is a simple easy to watch film and you should not try to over analyse it like some have done.

The plot is simple, the kids are fantastic and Bob steals the show as well as your heart.

Yes this is a low budget film but they must have had loads of fun making this film.

If you want to see a film that makes you feel good then this is the one for you.

I didn't have high expectations, but it was truly enjoyable. I didn't sign up to a Michelin star meal, didn't expect it either. It's like eating some nice sausage rolls. Satisfying and makes you happy. But you knew what to expect. And sometimes you need some comfort food. Good for the soul in the end even if you know there are better things out there. But time to time that's all you are craving. Nothing too heavy.

Premiering on BBC2 over the Christmas period, I decided to catch-up with it even if I disliked the look of it from the trailer over two years ago. My first impressions were wrong.

Freeman plays his hassled teacher role straight (and very believably) so it's up to Wooton to be the clownish man-child, providing most of the laughs although Freeman has hilariously great 'WTF?' expressions in reaction to his co-star's antics. Ferris is the head, who's like the typical didactic staff member, who just wants to keep everything under control. Carr plays an exaggerated version of himself as a critic, Jensen is sweet as Freeman's ex, Watkin's plays his role broadly, pretty much a panto villain and the kids are alright, with the smallest boy stealing the show at nearly every opportunity. Those who remember Britain's Got Talent from the first series will spot some familiar faces.

The pacing is pretty good and it never felt plodding anywhere, so kudos for the editing - some shots could've been a bit longer, so I could've appreciated a scene more. It does have a very televisual look, as I said and the two primary schools must be the smallest I've ever seen as apart from the main two classes, the schools look pretty empty, so maybe they couldn't they afford extras? The plot is predictable, it had some some manipulatively mawkish scenes (although one main one actually did make me cry as the actor's voice faltered while he was talking) and it did go beyond 'suspension of disbelief' for the ending, but with that exclamation mark in the title, this was always going to be a festive farce, not to be taken too seriously.

The songs remind me of the cheerful exuberance some of Brittania High's songs had, so the Christmas primary school version of that is what the original music reminded me of. I didn't dislike any and would consider buying the OST.

Overall: When the laughs come, it delivers and it had a high laugh count, for me. The drama side isn't so great and feels contrived due to clunky writing. Some of the youngsters have good comic timing and are actually pretty natural when they aren't looking lost/gurning in a scene. But, like Teachers main focus, this about the adults and the kids are just ancillary members. In tone, it's sort of like a spin-off Waterloo Road - The Primary Nativity. It zips along nicely, has a joyful, likable soundtrack and although it had no real reason to be released in cinemas, it's better than I thought it would be and will become an annual watch in my home - 6/10.

What starts out as a bit of a run-of-the-mill comedy about a small school putting on a Nativity play ends up as something totally different. Yes, it's (for the most part) fairly easy stuff to watch with, it has to be said, some nice performances. I thought Martin Freeman (pre-Bilbo) did a very good job and Marc Wootton, although I found his character a bit creepy, was also pretty good. No, for me, the stars of the show were the kids (too many to name individually here sadly). They did a very good job in all the events leading up to the end, but really shine in the performance of the play (which is really great by the way!). I guess the film did its job and gave me that feel- good factor I have been missing! Would I watch it again… Well maybe just the last quarter when I need a little boost!...

SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 7.1/10

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

Martin Freeman does the heartbroken awkward British man with ease. He has played the same guy in a number of movies. The story is heartwarming and the kids are cute and endearing. My Poppy brings lots of laughs as does Alan Carrs character. The Movie has a typical romantic storyline and fits into the cheerful Christmas vibe we have come to expect in British festive movies. The plot puts me in mind of the more recent animated movie SING and culminates in a big extravaganza which is welcome and would not struggle to amuse even the most miserable of humbuggers. A fun family movie. Not an annual watch for myself like Scrooged or Muppet Christmas Carol. But decent enough for a 6.

A good feel good cheesy Christmas movie. Martin Freeman was great as the grumpy teacher who hated Christmas after a break up with Ashley Jensen. Mark Wooten as Mr Poppy was over the top but so great at the role. The stars of the show were the kids. I smiled and had a lump in my throat at times and had a happy ending as all good Christmas movies should. The nativity was a great success.

Very pleasant and Heart warming movie. As usual, excellent performance by Martin Freeman but Marc Wootton was so on to it. Kids played a major role which bring this movie to life.

What a delightful film! I watched it on a recent flight, thinking I'd go for something light that would keep me awake, not expecting too much really, and then I was absolutely delighted by this feel-good movie! Great and very convincing performance by Martin Freeman. And "Mr. Poppy" (Marc Wootton) is an absolute joy to watch. But it's definitely the children that make this film so special. Some of them are absolutely hilarious.

Great soundtrack, too. Songs that stick in ones mind even long after watching the film.

This is truly one of the best, most heartwarming and most enjoyable Christmas films I've ever seen, and it goes to show that a director doesn't need a huge budget to put together a film that is a joy to watch for everyone - children and adults alike!

Once upon a time, Paul Maddens (Martin Freeman), his girlfriend Jennifer Lore (Ashley Jensen), and self-obsessed Gordon Shakespeare (Jason Watkins) used to be struggling actors together. Paul decides to be a school teacher and his girlfriend Jennifer heads off to Hollywood. Gordon joins a rival private school and produces the best nativity play. Paul hates Christmas and is forced to run his school's nativity play with Mr. Poppy as his assistant. When he's confronted by Gordon, he brags that Jennifer is returning with her Hollywood production staff to turn the play into a huge blockbuster. Mr. Poppy starts running around turning it into a media circus.

This is like a light weight School of Rock with a grumpy Freeman lead. The premise is very ridiculous but the movie doesn't care. If one can accept the premise, this is good clean fun. I would just have fewer kids so that they can be real characters instead of being adorable props. I've never seen Marc Wootton in anything. He's ridiculous and grinds me down until I have to laugh at him. Freeman and Jensen rounds out a pretty good comedic cast. The kids are great taking down Freeman and being generally adorable. There is some real fun to be had.

I hate children singing and this is 100% children singing all the way through. Grim

Nativity is heartwarming and completely joyful.

It's about a teacher, Mr Maddens, who is so stressed about organising a Nativity play and meeting an old rival, that he tells the huge white lie that a Hollywood Studio, headed by his ex girlfriend, is coming to see his Nativity Play in Coventry! The lie spirals out of control and soon parents are asking if their kids are going to need Hollywood agents.

I loved the teachers, the British humour and of course the kids.

I was hooked into the world from the word go. I loved the rivalry between the two schools. The introduction of Mr Poppy created even more of a spark. The trip to Hollywood is hilarious and the 20 minute musical finale is stunning.

I took my 9 year old and her mates and they loved it. It's so rare that we can enjoy a film together that isn't about shopping and starring Hannah Montana!

I want to find out if there is a soundtrack.

It's so good to see a film that is just simply joyful. I think it's appeal will last for years.

There's not much to it but the performances are solid enough and the film is endearing and has a heart. Give it a bash, but keep your expectations in check.

'Nativity!' while specifically aimed towards children, is without doubt an emotionless and embarrassing tale of how a group of narrowly intellectual adults attempt to bring 'Hollywood stars' to Coventry in a bid to see their Nativity performance.

While you cannot fault 'Nativity!' for keeping to its target audience with its content, it's so innocent it rapidly becomes cringing. The apparent jokes and humour all revolve around stereotypical school children immaturity and this is unlikely to please anyone who has been through (or going through) puberty.

Humour was appallingly below par, even for the average key stage two citizen, however the negatives do not halt there. The narrative has no emotional grapple with the audience as Martin Freeman's Paul Maddens attempts to rekindle his relationship with Ashley Jensen's Jennifer Lore whilst making his school production a success in the eyes of Alan Carr's local newspaper critic. It's premise is quite enjoyable however Debbie Issit manages to make a mockery of anyone with average intellects with a collection of dreary sing-a-longs patched together with a story you can't care much about.

'The School of Rock' is an example of a similar scenario with a similar tale. However, this was exemplary with Jack Black excelling in the leading role. This was a much more cohesive piece as it was hilarious while it also had a strong leading role alongside some admirable performances from the children.

And then there was 'Nativity!'. Well...