Journey to Bethlehem
By Sandie Angulo Chen,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Nativity musical has humor, faith, hope; some peril.
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Journey to Bethlehem
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God Will Not Be Mocked!
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What's the Story?
JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM is a musical that tells the story of teen Nazarene Mary (Fiona Palomo), whose family informs her that she's been betrothed. Before she meets her intended, she crosses paths and flirts with a young man in the market. He turns out to be Joseph (Milo Manheim), the man to whom she's been engaged. But before their wedding, Mary is visited by the angel Gabriel (Lacrea), who informs her that she's been blessed with a miraculous pregnancy and that her unborn child will be the son of God. Naturally, this causes a stir, as Joseph must decide whether to continue with the marriage plans or shun her. Meanwhile, King Herod (Antonio Banderas), spurred by visions and news from the three wise men -- Melchior (Omid Djalili), Gaspar (Rizwan Manji), and Balthazar (Geno Segers) -- in search of a baby who will become king of the Jews, decides to take a census to find any pregnant woman or newborn boy who might threaten his reign. Herod commands his son, Antipater (Joel Smallbone), to track down the mystery mother and newborn. As a pregnant Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem for the census, they face obstacles but are secure in the miracle that's about to unfold.
Is It Any Good?
This is a heartfelt, charming musical twist on the classic nativity story. Director/co-writer Adam Anders (Glee, Rock of Ages) blends traditional Christmas music (like "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel") with new songs to retell the familiar story of the Nativity. The result is part coming-of-age tale (Mary and Joseph), part comedic buddy road trip (the three wise men), and part dynastic family drama (King Herod and Antipater). Palomo and Manheim are dynamic young performers, and Banderas' scenery-chewing portrayal is outsized but manages not to tip too far into camp. Contemporary Christian singer Smallbone is also notable as Antipater, and the three wise men are useful comic relief amid the otherwise more serious proceedings. The ensemble also includes other Christian singers, including Moriah (who's also Smallbone's wife) and Grammy-winning rapper Lacrea, who stands out as the angel Gabriel. There's even a trusty donkey named Fig that doesn't speak but is sure to delight younger viewers.
The musical works well as a pop counterpoint to the rock-opera musical Jesus Christ Superstar, which focuses on Jesus' ministry and death. The songs are earnest and catchy, ranging from upbeat to pensive to funny. And renowned Christian singer Steven Curtis Chapman teamed up with We the Kingdom for the end-credits song, "Brand New Life." But this isn't just for families of faith: Journey to Bethlehem is a surprisingly effective musical that should appeal to all families who appreciate holiday movies.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Journey to Bethlehem and how the movie's musical elements are used to present the Nativity story. Can you think of other musicals that deal with Bible stories?
How does viewing the story of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus' birth through music impact your connection to the story?
How realistic do you think the movie's portrayal of biblical times is? Which performance(s) stood out most?
Mary, Joseph, Herod, and Antipater each have moments of self-reflection. What do they each learn about themselves, and how do they respond to the extraordinary circumstances they're in?
Do you think this movie is aimed only at Christians, or can other audiences still enjoy the film? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters: November 10, 2023
- On DVD or streaming: December 26, 2023
- Cast: Fiona Palomo , Milo Manheim , Joel Smallbone , Antonio Banderas
- Director: Adam Anders
- Inclusion Information: Female actors, Latino actors
- Studio: Sony Pictures
- Genre: Musical
- Topics: Music and Sing-Along
- Character Strengths: Compassion , Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time: 98 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: thematic elements
- Last updated: March 21, 2024
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