Nativity 2 – Danger in the Manger Review

• 15th Nov 2012

Warning bells are quite often raised when a film has the number 2 after the title.  Whilst there are a few key film series’ that truly work (thank you Mr Nolan, Spielberg and Lucas we love you), it can also be a flashing light for stay away.  This was on my mind when arriving to see Nativity 2 and was confounded by the fact that I had not actually even heard on Nativity 1.

With ‘Danger in the Manger’ in the title however I was managing my expectations.  Knowing there was a Christmas theme, a donkey, a cast predominantly under the age of 8 and the an ever so fabulously quirky David Tennant I thought I’d be in for a warm, silly, festive family frolic….and I was right.

Debbie Isitt has perfectly constructed what is no more, though most definitely no less than a charming bundle of silliness.  And in a world filled with all sorts of pressures and madness I know I’m more than willing to grab onto said bundle with both hands.

Head Mistress Mrs Peterson struggles to maintain order as her Nephew ‘Mr Poppy’ (A purely ridiculous Marc Wootton) kidnaps his willing class along with an extremely unwilling Mr Peterson (the straight laced but somewhat bumbling David Tennant) to embark on a journey across country to Wales with the intention of competing in the National choir contest ‘A Song for Christmas’.

The journey of course is not without hazard however as the jolly singers come up against raging rivers, treacherous cliffs and sinister trickery from Mr Peterson’s very own identical twin brother Roderick.   Luckily fate is on their side sending along help from a flying donkey and Mr Peterson’s expectant wife, the bright and glowing Joanna Page.

This film will seem beyond ridiculous to most adults.  It definitely doesn’t carry the same dual dialogue as the Toy Stories and Shreks of this world in the sense that there is definitely no hidden adult humour here, however I believe this film makes for fabulous family viewing.

If you have children and can relate well to children you will definitely enjoy this film on some level.  If you are basically a big child trapped in an adults’ body you will love it and to bring home my main point…. if you are actually a child (though chances are slim that a 5 year old would be reading this review) you will be in stitches!  Do this for your kids.

Kath Haling