Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts

Thursday, January 16, 2025

The Sound of Music (1965)

In Austria 1938, Captain Georg Von Trapp, a widower, runs his home like the ship he once commanded although, that changes when Maria arrives from the abbey to be his seven children's new governess. She is surprised to learn she's the latest in a long line of governesses seen off by the children, but Maria soon finds that all they need is a little love to change their attitudes. She helps reintroduce them to singing, and through her, music is brought back into the hearts and home of the Trapp family. The Sound of Music is undoubtedly one of the most significant musicals of all time and the most beloved. It has not only firmly remained a classic after all these years but still looks phenomenal now. Its visuals are breathtaking with a superb direction that brings us countless beautiful shots. Whether it be the sweeping shots of the luscious mountain landscapes or even the mere stills of such grandiose locations as the villa and festival stage, this film is inundated with stunning imagery worthy of a theatrical presence. Further shaping the movie are those in the foreground, Maria and the Von Trapp family. We follow Maria who leaves her life in the abbey as a nun to aid the family of Captain Von Trapp. I adored these characters whose interactions and moments together were extremely captivating and brought to such life by their respective actors/actresses. Julie Andrews (Maria) has such a magnificent singing voice that elevates every scene to peak delight which, only blossoms greater when combined with the children, Liesl, Friedrich, Louisa, Kurt, Brigitta, Marta, and Gretl. There are a plethora of songs throughout in which to hear their exquisite voices with so many memorable classics from 'My Favourite Things', 'The Sound of Music', 'Do-Re-Mi', 'The Lonely Goatherd', 'Sixteen Going on Seventeen', 'So Long, Farewell' and more. The songs have even surpassed the movie becoming so universally known that people who haven't even seen it likely know them. Plus, there are plenty more songs featured like those from the Nuns and Mother Abbess with 'Maria' and 'Climb Ev'ry Mountain'. However, the ones I was most captivated and surprised by were from that of Christopher Plummer (The Captain). He has such a voice I was simply blown away by his performance and subsequent songs, with my favourite being the somewhat emotional 'Edelweiss'. As well as being so captivating in terms of the music, each was equally so in the story. Now, the movie is based upon the real story of the Von Trapp family singers, however, naturally, there have been alterations to the cinematic telling, which comes in at a pretty lengthy timestamp. Although, when I watched it again recently I hardly noticed. There wasn't any feeling of it dragging or taking too long. So it comes as no surprise when I say I loved the story. I most enjoyed watching Maria attempt to connect with the children who make the matter difficult as they try scaring her off like previous governesses as they hope to gain their father's attention. However, she finally gets through to them rejuvenating that sense of joy as they come to share an unbreakable bond that also befalls the Captain, who had suffered the worst from the incident. However, the Captain is now engaged to the Baroness, which causes some conflict inside Maria who, without meaning to, has grown a liking to him also. One of the most noteworthy aspects of this movie is its setting. Anyone who noticed the year would immediately make the troublesome connection. Underlying a constant background feeling of dread with the imminent takeover by the Nazis looming. There are hints of this change throughout with it being a topic brought up gradually until it consumes the picture leaving the family to make a difficult decision. Overall, The Sound of Music is a production I and many others consider to be flawless. It manages to convey countless emotions through varying elements like its songs, acting and story, which is tremendously visceral. It is a feature perfect for the whole family certain to captivate you, make you sing and warm your heart. An integral movie to the world of cinema, everyone should experience.

Runtime: 2h 52m
Director: Robert Wise
Genre: Biography / Drama / Family / Musical / Romance

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Friday, May 3, 2024

Star Wars: Rebels (TV Series 2014-2018)

It is a dark time in the galaxy as the evil Galactic Empire tightens its grip of power from world to world, ruling with an iron fist. Equally, they resort their efforts to hunting down the last of the Jedi Knights that survived the purge. However, a clever, disparate crew aboard the starship Ghost takes a stand against the Empire. These rebels are leader Kanan, ace pilot Hera, feisty heroine Sabine, tough guy Zeb, mischievous droid C1-10P "Chopper
and 14-year-old con artist Ezra. Set fourteen years after the tragic events of Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)we see the small beginning of the Rebellion during the Empire's height in power, five years before Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977). Like many others, I was kind of sceptical about Rebels. I am a huge Star Wars fan but despite my love for the franchise I didn't seem much interested in this program. I suppose, like many, I found the animation slightly off-putting, being too childish or nowhere near the quality of the then prematurely cancelled Star Wars: The Clone Wars (TV Series 2008-2020). However, as time passed and Rebels came to its end, I finally picked it up, gave it a go and ... I loved it. Whilst not to the degree of Clone Wars, I came to adore this show in every way. The characters who had such complex stories that grew and flourished over seasons were fantastic, the world-building was fascinating, the cinematography breathtaking, the music phenomenal, the villains exceptional and the stories enthralling. Now the show isn't without its problems. There were a few filler episodes, or some early episodes being more child-oriented as a kid's show, but like every show, Star Wars or not, they can be overlooked or deemed inconsequential. People deemed Clone Wars a kid's show after all, which we all know is incorrect and this show, as it progressed, took a similar stance. Instead of following multiple stories featuring a vast array of characters like CW, we focus on one group of characters, the Ghost crew, in a linear narrative. This rebel group is made up of unique members who come from different backgrounds but despite all of this they become a family. Each member is extremely interesting from the Jedi survivor Kanan Jarrus, skilled Twi'lek pilot Hera Syndulla, Mandalorian warrior and artist Sabine Wren, Lasat Zeb one of few survivors of his race, psychopath droid Chopper to young force-sensitive Ezra Bridger. Every one of these individuals touches one another's stories, guiding their peers in their journey simultaneously with their own. My favourite would have to be Kanan as I found the idea of a Jedi who survived Order 66 as a padawan using his lesser training to become a Knight and take on a padawan, Ezra, who is equally gifted but lacks training. Zeb offers some superb quips and banter, Chopper is psychotic as he kills thousands throughout the show in a shockingly humorous manner, Sabine embraces her art by painting her armour or hair and Hera acts as the mother of this family who happens to be one of the most skilled pilots in the galaxy. However, their mission is frequently put in jeopardy by a roster of villains ranging from Agent Kallus, the Inquisitors (dark force users tasked with hunting remaining Jedi), Darth Vader, Governor Pryce and Grand Admiral Thrawn. Some spectacular moments derive from these antagonists as they face one another throughout the series. Along the way, we encounter many systems, planets and characters both new and old with many recognisable faces from the movies and, most especially the Clone Wars, which is a big highlight of this show. I also love how the show gets much darker with each season as things take a more sinister turn, especially leading up to the events of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016). Overall, I adored Rebels and despite its minor issues, the show is practically on par with Clone Wars. It takes many leaps into some outstanding adventures that tie neatly with many other properties whilst becoming a unique and important product in its own right. I'd highly recommend this show to all fans, as you may be just as pleasantly surprised. For more of the Ghost crew check out Ahsoka (TV Series 2023-), set around 10 years after this show.

Seasons & Episodes: 4 Seasons - 77 Episodes
Creators: Simon Kinberg, Carrie Beck, Dave Filoni
Genre: Action / Adventure / Animation / Family / Fantasy / Sci-fi

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Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Mac and Me (1988)

A young extraterrestrial, separated from its family and stranded on Earth escapes from NASA into an unknown environment. He meets a boy in a wheelchair who helps him in this trying time in a story where two boys worlds apart become the best of friends. Mac and Me is quite an infamous title that I'm sure most people know of, even if they haven't watched it. Taking a simple look at it gives you everything you would possibly need to know about it. This film is at its foremost, an E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) knock-off, and frankly, a terrible one at that. The amount of parallels and straight-up scene-for-scene copies between the two products is painfully obvious. However, they take it one further by throwing heaps of product placements at you in what could be a devised method to distract us, viewers, from the close similarities. Now there are plenty of reviews out there with most being as harsh as you would expect but, in all honesty, this is a film I would probably deem as so bad it's good, although that's not to say all of it is 'good'. The best way I'd describe this movie would be as some kind of fever dream. You spend so much of your time questioning what is going on, or simply reality itself, as so many bizarre moments befall us in this adventure. The story opens on a distant planet being observed by a robot from NASA that accidentally sucks up an alien family where it departs back for Earth. Escaping the contraption the family is separated from one child, who manages to escape into a passing vehicle during the search. This car belongs to the Cruise family made up of mother Janet, and her sons the older Michael and youngest Eric, who are on their way to their new home. Unbeknownst to them, a stowaway is aboard. Once at their home, Eric begins to notice some peculiar things and despite his efforts, no one will believe him, that is except for the neighbour's youngest member, Debbie. As you can imagine, hijinks ensue as they attempt to capture the creature to prove its existence with traps, but to no avail. However, once finally caught, Michael believes them and helps to keep him secret from the mother and those hunting him as they band together with Debbie's older sister, Courtney, to find Mac's family. Does some of this sound a little familiar yet? To top it off, they recreate some of E.T.'s iconic moments, like the sequence where they are chased down the road on bikes. They do the same thing but with Eric in his wheelchair. Now, the actor for Eric, Jade Calegory, has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair in real life. In a way, I was happy he got a chance to appear in a leading role in a movie with his condition, although it is a shame it had to be this one. When this movie isn't attempting to tell its own 'original' story, we spend the majority of that time being hammered with product placement that is so in your face, that I'm surprised it didn't break through the screen and into my hand. We see plenty throughout, like Coca-Cola, Skittles and most especially, McDonald's. There is a dedicated segment spent in one where (and I am deadly serious when I say this) everyone gets up and dances, joined by Mac disguised as a teddy bear who everyone thinks is a special toy. I honestly cringed when it came on. I cannot help but physically crawl into a ball, it is unbelievable, and it only gets worse when Ronald McDonald shows his face. The remainder of the story centres on finding Mac's family to reunite them all, whilst fending off the humans who want to shoot first. My favourite part has to be the ending, which is mind-boggling madness with the aliens becoming citizens before driving off in their pink car. I sat in complete disbelief that only furthered with an ending note, 'We'll Be Back!', which in fact, they didn't, as it never happened. Overall, Mac and Me spends too much time copying its story, ripping scenes from E.T. and shoving products down your throat. I was able to have fun with it and plenty of laughs (mostly in scenes not intending to be funny), but, at the end of the day, it is still a bad movie, which I know many would agree upon. It's an important movie in the world of cinema for all the wrong reasons. I'd recommend checking out E.T. for the grander experience.

Runtime: 1h 39m
Director: Stewart Raffill
Genre: Adventure / Comedy / Family / Sci-fi

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Friday, April 5, 2024

The Court Jester (1955)

Former carnival performer Hubert Hawkins and maid Jean are assigned to protect the infant royal heir from tyrannical King Roderick I. While Jean takes the baby to an abbey, Hawkins gains access to the court by impersonating the king's jester, unaware that the jester is an assassin hired by scheming Sir Ravenhurst. When Princess Gwendolyn, falls for Hawkins, a witch secretly aids him in becoming a knight. The Court Jester is arguably one of the grandest pieces of entertainment to come out of the 1950s. It takes so many elements from comedy, action, musical numbers, romance, sense of adventure and so much more, pushing them to their fullest. This film gives that true grand big-screen production aura too, which I simply adore. From towering set pieces, extravagant action segments in the wide open halls of the castle to a clearing in the woods for acrobatic displays, there are plenty of beautiful shots and imagery to draw you in with its immense scope. Equally drawing us in is the use of such bright vibrant colours. With colour beginning to be more present during the 50's, movies like this one made good use of it, showing it in all its glory. There are lush green landscapes, striking rich outfits, bright blue skies and a vast array of more explosive colours to delight our senses. Alongside the overwhelming beauty of this film, another exceptional aspect of this picture is the cast. Naturally, Danny Kaye steals the show displaying a tremendous range of talent with his singing, tongue-twisting dialogue, witty humour, switching between roles in an instant and showing a constant tremendous amount of energy. Kaye's character, Hubert Hawkins, is easily the star both in the sense of story but also as a joyful highlight to follow in this wacky caper. Being a former carnival performer, Hawkins' acrobatic agility is shown in full swing alongside his ability to sing and play. Whilst a musical film, it doesn't quite follow in the footsteps of others where a character would randomly burst into a song out of nowhere, they lead into it in a way that fits with the story or moment. My favourite however doesn't feature in the movie but is played during the opening credits where Hawkins moves and interacts with the text whilst singing about what we are in store for in this adventure. Hawkins is the minstrel to the Black Fox who is thrown into the dangerous task of escorting and caring for a baby who is the rightful heir but is currently hunted by an unjust king. He is accompanied by Jean (played by Glynis Johns) whom he falls for and with her help, they concoct a plan to infiltrate into the castle upon knocking out the king's jester who stumbled upon them. From then on out, the film truly goes wild as Hawkins enters the midst of the lion's den pretending to be Giacomo who turns out was a hired assassin with orders to kill the king by Sir Ravenhurst. There are so many crazy moments that ensue from a bewitchment by the witch Griselda that can be triggered at the snap of a finger, the king's daughter, Princess Gwendolyn (played by Angela Lansbury) thinking he is her one true love, a rival interest in the princess challenging him for her hand and so much more. There are plenty of bewildering moments that are only brought to their full entertainment by the comical Hawkins like the snapping bringing him in and out of a trance on multiple occasions much to his confusion. One of the more iconic segments involves the tongue twister scene involving a poisonous drink with the line, "The pellet with the poison's in the vessel with the pestle; the chalice from the palace has the brew that is true!" It is such a fun line that is frequently quoted by viewers and is equally made enjoyable by the constant confusion of the words that puts Hawkins in a dilemma. The film excels with its later fights that are so extravagant, with the entire brawl of the Black Fox's men to Hawkins and Ravenhurst's duel that is unbelievably quick and truly a sight to behold. Overall, The Court Jester is a tremendous experience full of wonderfully weird twists and turns, songs, action, romance and comedic attributes. It makes for some brilliant family viewing or a perfect delight to sit back relax and have a few laughs. A true cinematic classic to behold.

Runtime: 1h 29m
Director: Brian Henson
Genre: Adventure / Comedy / Family / Musical

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Friday, December 29, 2023

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

Tis the season for love, laughter and one of the most cherished stories of all time. Join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and all the hilarious Muppets in this merry, magical version of Charles Dickens's classic tale. One fateful Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Together with kind, humble Bob Cratchit and his family, these Spirits open Scrooge's eyes and heart to the true meaning of Christmas. It's funny to think that one of the best depictions of the classic tale of a Christmas Carol would come in the form of the Muppets. There have been plenty of versions to come out over the decades that are quite phenomenal and play it extremely seriously. This one can combine the best of the more faithful takes with their Muppet ways from jokes, songs and hilarious twists. Yet, surprisingly, it works and has become one of the most beloved variations of them all that is certainly quality family viewing. Naturally, the Muppets steal the show with their bizarre and wacky ways that come as no surprise. It was incredible watching this Victorian setting full of humans and puppets alike with, of course, the muppets being their comedic selves like a salesman selling talking fruit. Even if you haven't seen any other products from the Muppets, I can easily see people having a blast with this movie. Although it would certainly make the viewing more entertaining with more background knowledge, it is still a blast for any moviegoer, especially children. One of the great highlights of this movie is Scrooge played outstandingly by Michael Caine, who plays the character with the utmost seriousness. It only goes to show what an exceptional actor he is doing it as though it was an utterly dramatic role whilst acting off of puppets. Every scene he is in is just oozing with solemnity, whether it be with another human character or a Muppet. His growth throughout the film is very earnest and quite believable. Throughout his story, we are joined by the fourth-wall-breaking comedy duo Charles Dickens (The Great Gonzo) and Rizzo the Rat. Seeing Gonzo get so into his role as Dickens was hilarious. He is so absorbed by it all, believing himself to be the historical figure, proving it so by announcing coming scenes moments before they happen to Rizzo's amazement. Gonzo and Rizzo work tremendously off one another, having tremendous banter with Gonzo getting so engaged in every sequence, whereas Rizzo is always looking for his next meal. They watch on with us and work as a segway into each new part of the story, cracking the odd joke either in the environment or with one another. The rest of the Muppet crew take equally memorable places with Bob Cratchet being Kermit, and Mrs Cratchet, Miss Piggy who are both iconic in their own right but in these roles too. Kermit is always a delight and Miss Piggy continues to be her temperamental self. I adore the scene where she threatens to raise Scrooge right off the pavement, which always has me in hysterics. However, the most impressive aspect of this production as a whole has to be the songs. There are so many catchy, emotional and joyous songs to be entertained by. This includes 'Scrooge', 'One More Sleep 'til Christmas', 'Marley and Marley', 'It Feels Like Christmas', 'Bless Us All', 'Thankful Heart' and 'When Love Is Found'. Now, there is one song that did make it into the film upon its release and home media but has since been removed in a shocking development. 'The Love Is Gone' was the song sung by Belle during the story when she releases Scrooge, which is naturally an emotional piece that, whilst sad, is an integral part of the story. It is also important as the later song at the end, 'When Love Is Found' plays it doesn't bear any impactfulness as the resolute to the other. The reasoning was Disney thought it was too mature and sad for younger audiences. Yes, it's meant to be sad and to remove it removes a huge element to the development of the film. Overall, I have always loved the Muppet Christmas Carol and will always hold a special place in my heart. It has been a family tradition to watch every Christmas Eve and is one I know will continue for years.  

Runtime: 1h 29m
Director: Brian Henson
Genre: Comedy / Drama / Family / Fantasy / Musical

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Movie Trailer:


Cut 'When Love Is Gone' Song:


My DVD Copy:

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Santa Claus: The Movie (1985)

A master toymaker discovers a magical kingdom of elves whilst out delivering his toys during a stormy blizzard at the North Pole where he becomes Santa Claus. But when his eager-to-please elf, Patch, leaves for the big streets of New York City, he becomes mixed up with a dastardly toy tycoon's plan to take over Christmas. And so begins his adventure to rescue Patch and to save Christmas for all the children of the world. Santa Claus: The Movie follows a unique look into the origins of Santa, showing how he came to be the magical being who flies his eight reindeer and sleigh all across the globe. It was a fascinating depiction and I love seeing how it all began hundreds of years ago, in the Middle Ages with him being a woodcutter who carves toys. He delivers from town to town every Christmas with their trusty reindeer, Donner and Blitzen plus his wife, Anya bringing joy to all the people. However being caught in a terrific blizzard, they are hammered by the cold weather until they are saved when a bright light appears, followed by many elves who guide them to their new home. It is here thanks to its magical presence that the pair of them are blessed with eternal life like the elves, including the reindeer who are now joined by the remaining six Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet and Cupid. Whilst also there, Mr Claus first receives his name Santa from the ancient elf who further tells him how he will deliver all the presents made to the children of the world in one night with the magic that allows the reindeer to fly. It was certainly a magical moment to see the build-up to this eventful first flight as we see the many goings on of the kingdom and how the pair take it all in. We are in just as much awe as them as we see the grand-scale display of the workshop with the countless elves who occupy every stretch of it. There is an incredible amount of detail in every scene to be appreciated from the clock to the toy-like operated machines used to make toys. Throughout this marvellous kingdom is a constant feeling of warmth. It looks so welcoming and comforting, which is clearly the theme they were trying to portray and it works tremendously in my opinion across the board. Another notable event that occurs here is the making of Santa's iconic suit that goes from its traditional green to the more recognised red with its in-universe reasoning for its change. I also love the scenes of the letters arriving with children's requests and how its done, the introduction of the naughty and nice rules as well as Santa's reaction to the Night Before Christmas where he is taken aback by the comment, "A round little belly. That shook when he laughed, Like a bowl full of jelly". With Santa living forever, we see a progression of time up to the then modern day of the 80s where he comes to befriend two children particularly streetwise kid Joe and the kind upper-class Cornelia who takes pity on the boy. They are both okay, not too annoying but nothing massively special by any standards. We spend quite a bit of time with them over the varying Christmases but also with the second half of the story that takes a dramatic change with the popular elf, Patch, leaving to pursue his creative ideas in New York. It is there where he mistakingly sees toys being removed from a window due to being deemed unsafe as being very popular, therefore seeking out owner B.Z. to manufacture his goods. The remainder of the film is almost completely derived from the story laid out, not to say it is worse or bad but puzzling, to say the least. Naturally, B.Z. is deemed a bad guy who wants to further this publicity stunt of Patch's creation to benefit him and dethron Santa as the holiday's figurehead. B.Z. was certainly a villain you love to hate with his hilarious outbursts and Patch is a loveable elf with some crazy ideas that are meant well. This segment of the movie is full of twists, thrills and excitement that make for an entertaining final act that despite not fitting with the earlier section, is still engaging all the same. Overall, I still to this day adore Santa Claus: The Movie and is a firm favourite for me and my sister this holiday season. It has some amazing visuals, characters and effects with that added heart for the whole family to enjoy.

Runtime: 1h 47m
Director: Jeannot Szwarc
Genre: Adventure / Family / Fantasy

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Monday, December 25, 2023

The Nativity Story (2006)

In Nazareth, teenager Mary is betrothed to the local carpenter, Joseph. Mary is visited by an angel and told that she will fulfill a prophecy and as a virgin give birth to God's son, the savior of the world. Mary's pregnancy brings her the scorn of the community and Joseph struggles to believe her seemingly outlandish story. Meanwhile, a census forces every man and his family to return to his place of birth. Joseph and Mary set out on a long and arduous journey to Bethlehem that will coincide with the birth of Jesus. Over the years there have been plenty of iterations of this time-old tale but out of them all, this has to be one of the best in my opinion. This telling follows a realistic and lived-in approach that can be felt throughout in varying aspects from its acting, scenes, tone and picture. What I mean by this is I'm sure many are familiar with the bright and colourful depictions whereas this one has a slightly muted look and a more authentic appeal to the clothing/style. I think the overall look of this film has to be what makes it my favourite. I feel as though I have been transported into the time period and every shot feels glorious as it shows the vast landscapes travelled to Bethlehem or the grand cities. One of the most notable aspects of this version was a concentration on Mary and Joseph's relationship. They are both an important part of the Nativity story of course with Mary having the unorthodox pregnancy and Joseph claiming it to be his, protecting them. However, we don't get a great look into their relationship, which was an arranged marriage as Joseph loved her whereas she did not. With the further troubling appearance of a baby not belonging to Joseph, it made the situation more dire but with the guidance of an angel, he becomes more understanding. With the journey to Bethlehem, Mary comes to care for and love Joseph, which can be seen during a moment when Mary cleans Joseph's injured feet. I found their travel the most entertaining as we see countless snippets of their long journey from the troubles they encounter, the wonderous landscapes and the people. I found every scene fascinating, most especially to look at. The cinematography is nothing short of exceptional and gives such a scope and atmosphere packed into every section. Their story is an intriguing one to follow that most certainly shines thanks to actor, Oscar Isaac and actress, Keisha Castle-Hughes. Alongside their performance, everyone else does an equally fabulous job with the other most notable having to be the Three Wise Kings, Magi. They bring a delightful element to the film with their witty banter with one another, alternating from serious conversations to some light comical moments. I love how one of them, Gaspar, constantly disagrees about going, complaining all the way counting the days. That is until he arrives and sees for himself how tremendous the destination of the star was and what lay waiting there. The birth of Jesus was an exceptional sequence with the accompanied music of Mychael Danna who gives such a grandiose sensation to every scene and a calming effect for its tranquil segments. The visual of the stable was also just picture-perfect. It is a well-known piece of iconography and I felt that it was well represented here with the shepherds and Magi standing close by with the light of the star shining through a gap in the roof on Mary and her child. It was certainly a heartwarming depiction of the historical event that is sure to bring a smile to its viewers. I further like how much more weight the scene carries after a previous event that saw a shepherd give Mary and Joseph a moment to rest by a fire whilst exchanging some words, who would later visit them upon the angel's word, allowing them to interact once more. Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed The Nativity Story for many years now as part of our family tradition at Christmas. It is one I have come to appreciate over time and will likely continue to do so over the following years to come. A brilliant telling of Jesus' birth that is definitely worth checking out this Christmas time. I would also recommend Jesus of Nazareth (TV Mini Series 1977) for not only its phenomenal depiction of his later life but for its version of his birth.

Runtime: 1h 41m
Director: Catherine Hardwicke
Genre: Adventure / Drama / Family / History / Romance

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Movie Trailer:


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