Robinson, Barbara (1927-2013)

The film, based on a 1972 children’s book by Barbara Robinson, tells the story of an unlikely group of kids stunning a small town for the holidays.From its title onward, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is not shy about stating its ecclesiastical ambitions. The movie — which is not, it may be prudent to point out, a documentary — is practically hellbent on being heartwarming and inspirational in equal measure. It posits the holiday season as one in which we’ll be called to acceptance, called to change, and, yes, explicitly called to faith.Directed by Dallas Jenkins, the movie was adapted from a 1972 children’s book by Barbara Robinson. Jenkins, and the production company for this picture, Kingdom Story, are prime movers in contemporary Christian entertainment.The movie tells the story of Grace (Judy Greer), a busy mother who finds herself tricked into directing the Christmas pageant for the local church. Adding to her troubles are the six misbehaving miscreants of a local wrong-side-of-the-tracks clan, the Herdman kids. These wild youngsters, for reasons involving but not limited to the church’s ample snack supply, volunteer to perform in the Christmas pageant.Beth, Grace’s daughter and the narrator of the story, watches as the oldest Herdman, Imogene (Beatrice Schneider), starts finding purpose in the pageant role of Mary. The movie manages to provide moments of witty dialogue while moving forward with its spiritual duties.“We were paralyzed with shock,” one church parent observes of encountering the Herdmans. “But you spoke,” Grace counters. “It came in waves,” the parent replies.The acting is fine all around, with Schneider making a particularly strong — and yes, moving — showing as Imogene.The Best Christmas Pageant EverRated PG. Running time: 1 hour 39 minutes. In theaters. More