Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger!

Not normally one for writing film reviews but having just watched this with the kids felt compelled to defend it (to a certain extent).

The key word is KIDS film.Mine are 3 and 6 and they both sat laughing the whole way through and immediately wanted it on again when it finished.That,in my book,is a good enough measure of a children's film rather than expecting it to have lots of subtle gags that adults would appreciate.Having said that,being that I'm a bit silly natured myself,I found it amusing enough in places to keep me watching alongside them without wishing for the end too much.

The story line is beyond ridiculous but if you're after a good hearted film to get you in the Christmas mood with your kids you could do worse.

There are many out there who have no sense of fun anymore and have hammered this film.

The truth is it's not an Oscar winner but it's fun. We sat in a packed cinema screen of all ages who laughed their way through with a few tears in places and afterwards left feeling good.

That's what this film does and all those who have seen it I know say the same - yes it's silly and childish - but it's meant to be!

Ignore the so called film experts - we can all call ourselves that and justify it in some way - and just enjoy it for what it is, a simple film which doesn't take itself seriously with a great message running through it.

I only stumbled on this by accident, and that's why I never saw the first film. I bet it was better, since most "first parts" of a series of films is better than the follow-ups, but nontheless this was quite fun. I don't have kids, so I watched it alone - not even during Christmas-Season - and I still had fun for the most parts. With no expectations to it whatsoever, I was pleasantly surprised. What was a bit annoying are the endless singing-numbers at the end, though that's not at all due to the talent of the singers and dancers but for the needless dragging on. Saying I don't have kids doesn't mean I don't KNOW kids - I work with them, every agegroup, and therefor I can with confidence say that no teenager would be caught dead watching this. But kids up until nine or ten would probably laugh a lot. *I* did laugh a lot, which is due to the cast (especially David Tennant and Joana Page) and the sheer ridiculousness of the whole plot. Seven stars, because it does drag a bit and since what I personally would have liked to see more of was cut short due to having children perform on stage. Would have preferred more wilderness-adventures for myself in exchange. So. Seven. Not too shabby

So for all you miserable adults out there going "uh, I've wasted my money on this" well, perhaps you did, seeing as though you're 30 years old. This film is for children. For anyone aged between 4 and 12 really, though others will enjoy it too, unless your surname is Scrooge.

Good music in it, great acting from Tennant, some funny moments.

Yes, some of it was unrealistic and very silly, but most films are unrealistic. If you didn't enjoy this film in the SLIGHTEST, you obviously don't like Christmas much!

Well worth a watch.

Found the first 'Nativity!' film enjoyable for what it was. It was nothing mind-blowing, but achieved what it set out to do well and didn't try to be any more than it was. The same goes with its inferior but not that bad sequel 'Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger'.

'Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger' is easier to criticise and is far from a great film, or at least to me that was the case. Am not going to resort to spouting the ridiculous and untrue "it's a kids film" excuse, especially considering that it's a family film not a kids one so adults are more than entitled to judge. Plus coming from somebody who loves Christmas and a lot of festive films it is pretty condescending and immature to accuse those who didn't like it as much of being a scrooge. With that being said it will appeal to children, who are very likely to love it, while being more divisive by adult standards.

It is easy to see why 'Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger' has been criticised. The story is very silly and formulaic, even by younger viewer standards. It also suffers at times from pacing issues, some parts are too hectic and then other parts lose momentum and drag, including the once again over-extended finale.

The improvisatory nature of the script is not always as natural this time round, some awkward moments, and there is a tendency for the schmaltz to go too over-the-top and sickeningly twee. Marc Wooton was a scene stealer in the first 'Nativity!' film, here he wildly overplays and it is largely to do with how the character is written.

However, David Tennant is a very game replacement for Martin Freeman and Pam Ferris as ever is splendid. Up-staging them, and the best thing about the film, are the children, once again so easy in presence and with such great comic timing and individuality.

'Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger' looks nice enough in its own simple, un-flashy way. The music is very catchy and gives a real sense of Christmas and there is a nice spirit in the scenes where the pacing doesn't hinder it. The film does have a warm heart and sweet well-intentioned charm, along with some amusing, if not as sparkling as before, comic elements.

Overall, not great but not that bad. It's slightly above "on the fence" for me. 6/10 Bethany Cox