Full disclosure: I am a Roman Catholic, raised by devout parents and taught by dedicated clergy. I happen to subscribe to the view that the "war on Christmas" is part of a larger, not necessarily connected, movement whose chief side effect is to eliminate or diminish the chief underpinnings and foundations of western Judeo-Christian society. Lawsuits against Nativity displays are, to me, the handiwork of unhappy zealots.
Having said all that, this film was earnest but profoundly flawed.
First, I didn't appreciate the swipe against the Catholic Church's hierarchy (bishops with high hats and scepters) during the St. Nicholas segment. I do like the St. Nicholas story, but it was contrived here with the original St. Nicholas doing a "ho-ho-ho" (I am not kidding) just before being told by his assistant to start the deliveries (presumably of gifts).
Second, if indeed the simplicity of the original Nativity is to be stressed, with Jesus born to Mary and Joseph in a cave, laid in a feeding manger, then perhaps they should have cast a Mary who had not just had her nails done. There they were, as Mary was holding the Christ child, each nail impeccable - and painted. And their garments? Perfectly clean, even looking like they'd just been ironed.
Third, don't direct so that we can see the direction. Head turns, puzzled looks, earnest looks . . . I shouldn't be hearing in my head the director's exact stage directions. "OK, look right at him then turn away."
Fourth, this was not about Saving Christmas. This was about explaining our modern celebration of it - it's already been saved, judging from the frequent references to it being celebrated the world over.
I liked Noah. I liked Narnia. I like the Hobbit movies.
I did not like this one.
Having said all that, this film was earnest but profoundly flawed.
First, I didn't appreciate the swipe against the Catholic Church's hierarchy (bishops with high hats and scepters) during the St. Nicholas segment. I do like the St. Nicholas story, but it was contrived here with the original St. Nicholas doing a "ho-ho-ho" (I am not kidding) just before being told by his assistant to start the deliveries (presumably of gifts).
Second, if indeed the simplicity of the original Nativity is to be stressed, with Jesus born to Mary and Joseph in a cave, laid in a feeding manger, then perhaps they should have cast a Mary who had not just had her nails done. There they were, as Mary was holding the Christ child, each nail impeccable - and painted. And their garments? Perfectly clean, even looking like they'd just been ironed.
Third, don't direct so that we can see the direction. Head turns, puzzled looks, earnest looks . . . I shouldn't be hearing in my head the director's exact stage directions. "OK, look right at him then turn away."
Fourth, this was not about Saving Christmas. This was about explaining our modern celebration of it - it's already been saved, judging from the frequent references to it being celebrated the world over.
I liked Noah. I liked Narnia. I like the Hobbit movies.
I did not like this one.