The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2024 & 1983)

Join Paula, Grace, Drew, and Lucius as they react, review, and reflect on Dallas Jenkins' 2024 adaptation of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, comparing it to the classic 1983 TV movie and discussing why this Christmas story has endured across generations.

(00:00) Intro

Welcome to Soul on Screen

(00:46) React

Vastly different reactions to the film—from delighted surprise to frustrated boredom—set up a lively and genuine discussion shaped by generational perspectives and varying familiarity with the source material

(08:27) Review

Outstanding child performances that carry the film, debate over the soft lighting and heavy voiceover narration, intentional 1980s period piece aesthetics that create a timeless storybook feel, authentic depiction of poverty, and comparing Dallas Jenkins' adaptation choices to the original book and TV movie

(27:37) Reflect

Hearing the gospel story afresh through outsider eyes, critiquing nominal Christianity and church exclusion, the power of simple storytelling that still manages to surprise, questioning whether this adaptation plays it safe for modern audiences, and wondering what a truly provocative retelling might look like today

(01:03:03) Recommend

Related movies and books:

• The Nativity Story
• Tokyo Godfathers
• Lars and the Real Girl
• The Family Man
• Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth Bailey
• BibleProject: Birth of the Messiah
• The Chosen
• The Shepherd
• The First Advent in Palestine by Kelley Nikondeha
• Winter Fire: Christmas with G.K. Chesterton by Ryan Whitaker Smith
• Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

(01:18:46) Christmas Benedictions

The hosts share personal messages, wishes, and reflections on the meaning of Christmas

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