The Nativity Story

The story of Christ has been filmed more times than perhaps any other subject in history. The phenomenal success of Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ shows that the movie-going public has not lost its enthusiasm for Biblical films. The Nativity Story is actually refreshing in that its not just another Jesus biopic, but rather focuses on Mary and Joseph. The story is known by almost everyone: a young Mary, having been blessed by the Holy Spirit, becomes pregnant to the dismay of her family. The conflicted Joseph resolves to stand by his wife and the two travel to Bethlehem, while avoiding Herod’s soldiers, where Christ is finally born. Director Catherine Hardwicke (Thirteen, Lords of Dogtown—both films that deal with teenage outcasts) has made her most lavish production to date. She has hired some diverse talent, including New Zealander Keisha Castle-Hughes (Oscar nominee for Whale Rider) as Mary, Guatemalan actor Oscar Isaac as Joseph, and Iranian actress Shohreh Aghdashloo as Elizabeth. Although the film is nice to look at, it is still overwhelmed by many flaws. The visuals effects can be hokey at times, particularly whenever the Angel Gabriel appears; the roles of the three wise men are relegated to comic relief (which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it does give them the impression of being somewhat less wise); and Mary is incredibly underwritten as the main character. Castle-Hughes does the best she can with the role, but the script seems to sidestep any reaction she might have to the importance of her condition. Joseph’s story, as a result, becomes much more engaging and he is the only character that will consistently hold your interest through the duration of the film.

Directed by Catherine Hardwicke.
Written by Mike Rich.
Starring Keisha Castle-Hughes, Oscar Isaac, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Ciaran Hinds and Alexander Siddig.

Rated PG for some violent content. 101 min.

**½ so says The Fish