'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...
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...