I was surprised greatly by this movie. As a nonbeliever, I thought that this was not apreachy movie. It really captured the message of Christmas without making it in your face. It was so refreshing to watch a good nature, well written movie. It had me crying at the end. Bravo to the creators.
Speaking from a perspective as someone who’s agnostic/borderline atheist I appreciate what the Erwin Brothers & their production company do with faith based/spiritual storytelling. The technical sides show that they’re well made (they started in music videos & commercials) and from the storytelling sides they don’t beat you over the head with its message & feelings. The Erwin Bros. are the first filmmakers to have a faith based 🎥 be shown in imax with “I still believe”.
I grew up loving this book. Our teacher read it to us in 3rd grade, and I fell in love with it. It's been a long time since I've seen a Christmas movie that was actually religious. Now, there's nothing wrong with secular Christmas movies, a lot of my favorites fall into that category, but it's nice to have a movie that takes a break from Santa and focuses on the religious reason for Christmas. And what a delight this movie is. It's very remineicent of the film A Christmas Story with the way it's structured, with the main character as an adult narrating the film,and the little cutaway gags. The film is very sweet and heartwarming, and has some pretty powerful moments. The whole cast is a delight, and don't miss a beat with the comedic timing, and the powerful dramatic moments. Religious films tend to have a negative reception, even among the target audience of Christians, because they are sterotypically heavy handed and can be overacted. I'm LDS/Mormon, and though we have made a fair share of some pretty entertaining films, we've also made some that are a bit hokey. Regardless of your Christian demonation, you can enjoy this movie. This is going to be a Christmas classic for decades to come. If you celebrate Christmas, it's a must see! A+ 10/10 5/5 stars
I already told my mom that I think a perfect Christmas present would be seeing this as a family in the theater. I’m so excited about it and excited for Dallas to be making his dream project.
I was lucky enough to attend an early premiere screening here in my town so I got to see the movie with some fun behind the scenes clips, and I enjoyed it a whole lot. This is a big reminder that kids say the darndest things and their words had the theater bursting out laughing multiple times.
I was able to see this today and it really is a “lightning in a bottle” moment. The material was very reminiscent of Jean Shepherd’s A Christmas Story ( I didn’t realize there was a book and tv movie that preceded this version, but it makes sense). The acting was top notch, the best of which were surprisingly the two main girls. It was well directed, well shot and incredibly sincere. By the end of it, I was fighting the urge to audibly sob. I cannot believe it, but as someone who sees most major releases and many of the limited releases, this is definitely in my top ten of 2024.
I got invited to an early screening with other industry professionals and really enjoyed it! The Wes Anderson inspiration is so obvious and makes the movie great. It was awesome to meet Dallas too. He is the best faith-based filmmaker working right now.
Interesting you think so. I saw the film today and not even once did I think of Wes Anderson. I'm surprised to see Dallas cite Anderson's films as an inspiration.
@sorenpx The scene where it stood out to me the most was when the mom was confronted by the other moms and the former play director. The moms all stood around the bed of the injured director. Everyone was in the center of the frame. They took turns speaking in a very Wes Anderson way. The set design had an almost cartoony and stylized look to it. But the main thing was the camera angles. I can see why it may not have jumped out right away. But that one scene made me lean to my wife and say "This looks like a Wes Anderson film"
During a recent church service, our pastor mentioned how much they enjoyed The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and expressed excitement about the new movie release. On a whim, my family and I decided to watch it to get into the holiday spirit. From the very beginning, the story deeply resonated with me, as it reflected a portion of my own childhood. Growing up on the "wrong side of town," I often felt looked down upon by the community. Watching the Herdman kids navigate the Christmas pageant brought back those emotions. It moved me so much that I found myself passionately explaining to my children how the movie captured the true meaning of the story. These kids, often seen as outsiders, understood the heart of Christ's birth better than the church members who struggled to show them love and acceptance. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is one of the best films I’ve seen about embracing those who are different and offering them a place in the community. It’s a beautiful reminder of what Christmas is truly about-grace, love, and inclusion.
Really enjoyed hearing more of your thoughts on the film. I agree with your family it gets better with every rewatch. I’ve also connected with your sister and her love of it/the older version She even shared her list of book to film adaptions with me. She is really cool and fun to talk to about books & homeschooling. Nice Marvel hoodie during the commercial too. This will definitely be a family holiday favorite for us to rewatch every year. Thanks for your review!
I loved this movie so much! It was funny, moving, and engaging. My favorite scene is the library scene. There were people of all ages in my theater watching the movie including two teenage boys.
Yo, single dudes in your 20s who think this movie is not for you, go see it anyway, you might be surprised. Take that girl you like to see it with you too.
I'm probably gonna have to give this movie another shot because I wasn't the biggest fan of it the first time and I don't know if it's because it just wasn't for me or because I watched it with an obnoxious audience. But everyone seems to be getting really into it, even people outside the target audience, so I'm gonna give it another shot.
Both my daughter and I really enjoyed this movie. I'm not sure if it is going to have mass appeal, which I hope that it does, but I think families are going to love this. The characters were a blast and I thought Dallas Jenkins did a great job with this one.
Great Review Sean me and my family got the opportunity to see a early access screening of this and we absolutely loved it It’s Definitely Our New Favorite Christmas Film Well Done Dallas Jenkins ✝️😊
I haven't seen it yet, but I grew up watching the old tv movie every Christmas, so I couldn't wait to see it as soon as I heard Dallas was making a new one.
I’m gonna tell you guys straight up. I just got off a two month horror movie watching binge and I hardly ever go to church and I loved this movie. It was really a breath of fresh air and it was amazing so don’t think just because it talks about Jesus all through the movie don’t think you won’t like it because you absolutely will just watch this movie
I'm glad you and your family enjoyed this movie so much. I'll say as a frustrated church usher, misbehaving children frustrate me beyond enjoyment of any given project. It even holds back some John Hughes movies for me. A personal thing I admit but that's how I feel. Enjoy yourselves, guys!
I haven't watched it yet, but I was in the play many many years growing up (had solos & everything) I'm scared it's going to ruin my memories of doing the plays & them being such great memories of mine
I liked it. I noticed the quick cuts. It seems every 2 or three seconds the camera changes - very few cuts longer than 5-10 seconds. So felt a bit choppy. Small critique but was noticeable at least to me.
I was already a fan of Dallas Jenkins going into this film. I was expecting good things. But man I’m just exciting the film is so good. It really was well made. As someone who is a minister, I’ve seen people treat kids or anyone like the Herdmans with disdain in the past. But I’ve also seen churches treat those kind of people well. The kids in the film reminded of certain youth kids I have and my heart really went out. Also the pay off from certain arcs in this film was just so wholesome and I had an emotional reaction to it. I even took a date to this movie and she asked if I was alright lol 🤦♂️ But this was a great Christmas film for everyone and a great, not so overt faith based film.
At first I thought you were going to rate the original one from like the 80s but no, this is a new movie. I loved the older one so let’s hope this one is good.
1983 actually. But it's really good too. Also the dialogue is almost word for word in both that one and this newer one. It must be taken from the book.
When compared to the kinds of Christmas films that come out today, there’s no way this doesn’t get an A. Held up next to the classics that were mentioned in this review I see it being and A or a B based on taste
Hello, Sean. Dreamworks Animation have a lot of shows on Netflix. Would your kids be interested in doing a ranking of the Dreamworks Animation shows like Dawn of the Croods and The Mr. Peaody and Sherman Show?
...an (A-) for a CHRISTIAN movie from Sean Chandler? Oh, happy day! But hey, you're an honest critic. And you don’t have respect of persons when it comes to movies, Christian or not, and that's awesome! I normally don’t pay attention to Christian critics on movies, like Dove Reviews, because they tend to be more focused on the morality rather than the story. I'm pretty critical of Christian movies myself, as I'm a Christian as well. I do hope many non believers checkout this movie if they choose to. One of the excuses I hear about defending badly written Christian movies is the whole "well, if it helped someone out, then it did its job." Well, how many people did it turn away because of how poorly written it was? How many atheists were rightfully angered at how they were presented, how awful and cringey were the dialogue, etc. I hope this movie will witness and entertain non-believers and edify and entertain the Christians.
So I guess I might be in the minority with my thoughts on it(as it seems everyone in the comments likes it),but like this movie is so bad it's good,like 'The Room'. I couldn't help but laugh at how bad the acting was,how terribly paced it was,and how it doesn't take any risks at all other than the poor kids being in the play. Like seriously,I'm of the belief that besides Pete Holmes(who is arguably the best person in this movie),nearly all of the cast ESPECIALLY THE KIDS hadn't had much big time acting experience prior to this. The only positive I'll say is the last few minutes of the movie are kinda good,notably the redheaded girl crying while holding the fake baby,but that's it. I'd say that if you want to see a laughably bad movie,give this a watch. Oh,and I'm Christian btw,in case anyone wants to use the "you must be a hateful atheist" comeback. 🤣
It was 'alright'. Looking past the clear christian propaganda stuff in the movie, and below average writing, and amateur grade cinematography, it was alright. Good moments here and there. But between the few good moments, was just blatant propaganda. Wild stuff. 4/10 and that's generous imo
You were really clutch8ng at straws fir your "BAD" section of your review. You could of cut that out and kept your review shorter but nice review overall. Thank you PS Nice seeing you review godly films like this and not evil like Terrifier 3
Bruh, I'm a single dude in my mid 20s and still thoroughly enjoyed this movie
Same! I think anyone can appreciate it!
Im single in my 30's and loved it!
Im 42, single, and enjoyed this movie. Cheers
Same I really liked it too
That’s interesting. I’m 26 and was terribly bored and cringed out throughout the entire film.
I hope Dallas Jenkins can do more feature films in the future after the chosen because bros got talent
He’s still making spin off shows of the chosen
@@colergg fr fr
I was surprised greatly by this movie. As a nonbeliever, I thought that this was not apreachy movie. It really captured the message of Christmas without making it in your face. It was so refreshing to watch a good nature, well written movie. It had me crying at the end. Bravo to the creators.
Speaking from a perspective as someone who’s agnostic/borderline atheist I appreciate what the Erwin Brothers & their production company do with faith based/spiritual storytelling. The technical sides show that they’re well made (they started in music videos & commercials) and from the storytelling sides they don’t beat you over the head with its message & feelings. The Erwin Bros. are the first filmmakers to have a faith based 🎥 be shown in imax with “I still believe”.
That’s true!
How can you be agnostic or borderline atheist!?
You're living proof of God. His amazing creation.
Thanks for reviewing!! Love the channel and love Dallas’ work!
Appreciate it
I grew up loving this book. Our teacher read it to us in 3rd grade, and I fell in love with it. It's been a long time since I've seen a Christmas movie that was actually religious. Now, there's nothing wrong with secular Christmas movies, a lot of my favorites fall into that category, but it's nice to have a movie that takes a break from Santa and focuses on the religious reason for Christmas. And what a delight this movie is. It's very remineicent of the film A Christmas Story with the way it's structured, with the main character as an adult narrating the film,and the little cutaway gags. The film is very sweet and heartwarming, and has some pretty powerful moments. The whole cast is a delight, and don't miss a beat with the comedic timing, and the powerful dramatic moments. Religious films tend to have a negative reception, even among the target audience of Christians, because they are sterotypically heavy handed and can be overacted. I'm LDS/Mormon, and though we have made a fair share of some pretty entertaining films, we've also made some that are a bit hokey. Regardless of your Christian demonation, you can enjoy this movie. This is going to be a Christmas classic for decades to come. If you celebrate Christmas, it's a must see!
A+ 10/10 5/5 stars
I already told my mom that I think a perfect Christmas present would be seeing this as a family in the theater. I’m so excited about it and excited for Dallas to be making his dream project.
Yes! My extended family is going to see it together over Thanksgiving.. I can’t wait to see what they think of it.
Appreciate the thoughtful review!
I was lucky enough to attend an early premiere screening here in my town so I got to see the movie with some fun behind the scenes clips, and I enjoyed it a whole lot. This is a big reminder that kids say the darndest things and their words had the theater bursting out laughing multiple times.
I'm sold! Going to stop this and come back after watching with my family.
Just saw this movie with the family and it was a really good Christmas movie. Probably going to be a classic. Very wholesome and innocent!
I was able to see this today and it really is a “lightning in a bottle” moment. The material was very reminiscent of Jean Shepherd’s A Christmas Story ( I didn’t realize there was a book and tv movie that preceded this version, but it makes sense). The acting was top notch, the best of which were surprisingly the two main girls. It was well directed, well shot and incredibly sincere. By the end of it, I was fighting the urge to audibly sob. I cannot believe it, but as someone who sees most major releases and many of the limited releases, this is definitely in my top ten of 2024.
I got invited to an early screening with other industry professionals and really enjoyed it! The Wes Anderson inspiration is so obvious and makes the movie great. It was awesome to meet Dallas too. He is the best faith-based filmmaker working right now.
Interesting you think so. I saw the film today and not even once did I think of Wes Anderson. I'm surprised to see Dallas cite Anderson's films as an inspiration.
@sorenpx The scene where it stood out to me the most was when the mom was confronted by the other moms and the former play director. The moms all stood around the bed of the injured director. Everyone was in the center of the frame. They took turns speaking in a very Wes Anderson way. The set design had an almost cartoony and stylized look to it. But the main thing was the camera angles. I can see why it may not have jumped out right away. But that one scene made me lean to my wife and say "This looks like a Wes Anderson film"
@johnsonhansen233 That's interesting. Thanks. Now that you point it out, I can see it.
During a recent church service, our pastor mentioned how much they enjoyed The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and expressed excitement about the new movie release. On a whim, my family and I decided to watch it to get into the holiday spirit. From the very beginning, the story deeply resonated with me, as it reflected a portion of my own childhood.
Growing up on the "wrong side of town," I often felt looked down upon by the community. Watching the Herdman kids navigate the Christmas pageant brought back those emotions. It moved me so much that I found myself passionately explaining to my children how the movie captured the true meaning of the story. These kids, often seen as outsiders, understood the heart of Christ's birth better than the church members who struggled to show them love and acceptance.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is one of the best films I’ve seen about embracing those who are different and offering them a place in the community. It’s a beautiful reminder of what Christmas is truly about-grace, love, and inclusion.
I love the Chosen! I love Dallis!!! I got to hear him speak at BYU just recently!!!!
Can't wait to watch this one!
Really enjoyed hearing more of your thoughts on the film. I agree with your family it gets better with every rewatch. I’ve also connected with your sister and her love of it/the older version She even shared her list of book to film adaptions with me. She is really cool and fun to talk to about books & homeschooling. Nice Marvel hoodie during the commercial too. This will definitely be a family holiday favorite for us to rewatch every year. Thanks for your review!
I loved this movie so much! It was funny, moving, and engaging. My favorite scene is the library scene. There were people of all ages in my theater watching the movie including two teenage boys.
Wife and I watched it today and we both enjoyed the film. Your review is spot on
Yo, single dudes in your 20s who think this movie is not for you, go see it anyway, you might be surprised. Take that girl you like to see it with you too.
So excited! Love The Chosen, read the book, watched the old movie. Can’t wait!
I'm probably gonna have to give this movie another shot because I wasn't the biggest fan of it the first time and I don't know if it's because it just wasn't for me or because I watched it with an obnoxious audience.
But everyone seems to be getting really into it, even people outside the target audience, so I'm gonna give it another shot.
Aww...This looks like my kind of movie. Definately going to see it!
Both my daughter and I really enjoyed this movie. I'm not sure if it is going to have mass appeal, which I hope that it does, but I think families are going to love this. The characters were a blast and I thought Dallas Jenkins did a great job with this one.
Great Review Sean me and my family got the opportunity to see a early access screening of this and we absolutely loved it It’s Definitely Our New Favorite Christmas Film Well Done Dallas Jenkins ✝️😊
I haven't seen it yet, but I grew up watching the old tv movie every Christmas, so I couldn't wait to see it as soon as I heard Dallas was making a new one.
I did not want to watch this movie at all but then my mom brought me and then I loved it I even almost cried 😭
Great review. Really loved this movie. Hits you in the feels a few times...
Im seeing it Friday, have my ticket booked already and will promote it to customers who come into the cinema I work at too.
Took my grandma to see it this afternoon I thought this was a great movie I’m 25 and my grandma loved it!!
We want Sean Chandler reviewing The Chosen
Yes!!!!
Yes!
Absolutely! 👍
I’m gonna tell you guys straight up. I just got off a two month horror movie watching binge and I hardly ever go to church and I loved this movie. It was really a breath of fresh air and it was amazing so don’t think just because it talks about Jesus all through the movie don’t think you won’t like it because you absolutely will just watch this movie
🔥🔥🔥
I'm glad you and your family enjoyed this movie so much. I'll say as a frustrated church usher, misbehaving children frustrate me beyond enjoyment of any given project. It even holds back some John Hughes movies for me. A personal thing I admit but that's how I feel. Enjoy yourselves, guys!
Hoooo weeeee, looks like I’m having a double feature this weekend for both this one and Heretic.
Yeah, I hope you have a blast!
I’ve been a fan of your channel for years! Love all your reviews, and excited to check this movie out!
Sean I love your takes! Could you maybe review the chosen next I would love to know your opinions!
Please do, I looked to see if you have any videos about The Chosen and couldn’t find any. I always enjoyed watching Durbania’s takes on the episodes.
I think this will be a new Christmas Classic , loved the movie
Anybody remember Bart smoking a cigar in the grocery store in a season 2 Simpsons episode?
Hoping to check it out!
Both the wife and I loved it!
Love Judy Greer I will watch her in anything.
I haven't watched it yet, but I was in the play many many years growing up (had solos & everything) I'm scared it's going to ruin my memories of doing the plays & them being such great memories of mine
I liked it. I noticed the quick cuts. It seems every 2 or three seconds the camera changes - very few cuts longer than 5-10 seconds. So felt a bit choppy. Small critique but was noticeable at least to me.
The Chosen is the best, and I'm excited to go watch it on Saturday. I see my local theater has added showings. That is a good sign.
I watched this movie on Tuesday and I love this movie
Oh I loved this book and the tv special. I can’t believe they came out with a feature film
I was already a fan of Dallas Jenkins going into this film. I was expecting good things. But man I’m just exciting the film is so good. It really was well made.
As someone who is a minister, I’ve seen people treat kids or anyone like the Herdmans with disdain in the past. But I’ve also seen churches treat those kind of people well. The kids in the film reminded of certain youth kids I have and my heart really went out.
Also the pay off from certain arcs in this film was just so wholesome and I had an emotional reaction to it. I even took a date to this movie and she asked if I was alright lol 🤦♂️
But this was a great Christmas film for everyone and a great, not so overt faith based film.
warmed my heart like the book
Have you ever seen the british Christmas movie 'Nativity'? Martin Freeman is in it. Very cheesy, very british but pretty good
I've seen it. I like it but Paul (Martin Freeman) is kinda hard to like at times.
i saw it today i love it and book a new classic
the book
I am pretty excited to check this out I'll be watching it either Saturday or Sunday with my fiancee
At first I thought you were going to rate the original one from like the 80s but no, this is a new movie. I loved the older one so let’s hope this one is good.
This one is MUCH better than the older one. The kids in this one are amazing! ❤
I watch the TV movie every year
This movie was great
Vettaiyan review pls
Ok, you really made me feel my age. The book came out 50 YEARS AGO?????????? It was 1972---that was 50 years ago??????
Hey Sean, have you seen conclave or we live in time?
No. If I’d seen them they would have been in my monthly ranking
they were both great
You should react to the original 1988 version. It's on RUclips.
1983 actually. But it's really good too. Also the dialogue is almost word for word in both that one and this newer one. It must be taken from the book.
@chrismulwee4911 They're both taken from the book and play.
Great review. It was a B - for me.
When compared to the kinds of Christmas films that come out today, there’s no way this doesn’t get an A. Held up next to the classics that were mentioned in this review I see it being and A or a B based on taste
Hello, Sean. Dreamworks Animation have a lot of shows on Netflix. Would your kids be interested in doing a ranking of the Dreamworks Animation shows like Dawn of the Croods and The Mr. Peaody and Sherman Show?
It was a fair movie but overall i was disappointed...... Although the last 30 minutes of the movie was emotional, powerful for sure
Hey Sean, did you know that this movie is produced by Lionsgate’s Christian Company, Kingdom Story Company?
That makes sense
@ But I am glad you enjoyed it.
This was one of the least enjoyable movies of the year for me. The entire thing I felt was boring and cringe
Great video. God bless you brother. Jesus saves!!! I would love to see a video on your top ten favorite Christian films.
Sean 2 big Bollywood movies came out last friday was looking forward to your reviews. Check them out if they play in a theater near you
...an (A-) for a CHRISTIAN movie from Sean Chandler? Oh, happy day!
But hey, you're an honest critic. And you don’t have respect of persons when it comes to movies, Christian or not, and that's awesome! I normally don’t pay attention to Christian critics on movies, like Dove Reviews, because they tend to be more focused on the morality rather than the story. I'm pretty critical of Christian movies myself, as I'm a Christian as well.
I do hope many non believers checkout this movie if they choose to. One of the excuses I hear about defending badly written Christian movies is the whole "well, if it helped someone out, then it did its job." Well, how many people did it turn away because of how poorly written it was? How many atheists were rightfully angered at how they were presented, how awful and cringey were the dialogue, etc.
I hope this movie will witness and entertain non-believers and edify and entertain the Christians.
So I guess I might be in the minority with my thoughts on it(as it seems everyone in the comments likes it),but like this movie is so bad it's good,like 'The Room'. I couldn't help but laugh at how bad the acting was,how terribly paced it was,and how it doesn't take any risks at all other than the poor kids being in the play.
Like seriously,I'm of the belief that besides Pete Holmes(who is arguably the best person in this movie),nearly all of the cast ESPECIALLY THE KIDS hadn't had much big time acting experience prior to this. The only positive I'll say is the last few minutes of the movie are kinda good,notably the redheaded girl crying while holding the fake baby,but that's it.
I'd say that if you want to see a laughably bad movie,give this a watch.
Oh,and I'm Christian btw,in case anyone wants to use the "you must be a hateful atheist" comeback. 🤣
Meh. I thought it was ok
@@andreimcallister1365 hi sorry of I’m annoying you but I wanted to ask in no order who are your 10 favorite tv show heroes?
It was 'alright'. Looking past the clear christian propaganda stuff in the movie, and below average writing, and amateur grade cinematography, it was alright. Good moments here and there.
But between the few good moments, was just blatant propaganda. Wild stuff. 4/10 and that's generous imo
Stopped wathcing a third of the way in. Movie wasnt terrible, but it was getting increasingly preachy which I dont enjoy at all.
You were really clutch8ng at straws fir your "BAD" section of your review. You could of cut that out and kept your review shorter but nice review overall. Thank you
PS Nice seeing you review godly films like this and not evil like Terrifier 3