A Christmas… sequel?! Yep, joining the likes of Home Alone and The Santa Clause with their ongoing list of follow-up films comes Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger. British as hell and this time starring David Tennant. Why the fuck not?
Nativity 2 is the second in a package of four movies that comes with a little more action than the previous film. Tennant’s character takes over as the new teacher in the same school that Martin Freeman was the hero of in Nativity. The school decide to enter a singing competition in this sequel, titled ‘A Song For Christmas’, and Mr. Poppy (Marc Wootton) is back with his usual shenanigans. Though the class are prohibited from attending, Mr. Poppy basically kidnaps the entire group of kids and they embark on a road trip to the competition with a reluctant Tennant in tow. As you’d expect, some dramatic stuff happens along the way.
Firstly, let it be known that I can’t stand kids, but at least these ones are well behaved and charming. Plus, the original movie was actually quite cute. Sadly this one isn’t quite on the same level (and that level wasn’t exactly high to begin with.)
Honestly Nativity is the most British collection of films ever made and I don’t expect any non-Brit to get any enjoyment out of them. But we all have a soft spot for cheaply made shit with overqualified actors in them over here, so it hits the nail on the head. Again though, the charm is a little sub-standard in this one, and something tells me that the improvisation of the kids was reined in a little this time round. Disappointing.
In fact, the script in general is pretty disappointing here. However, “Don’t be a sheep, just be a king” made an appearance amongst the lyrics to the competition entry, so bonus points for Lady Gaga references at least.
All in all, it’s just a bit long and not as sweet as the first one, but it’s heart is in the right place. The inclusion of David Tennant and the way he plays two entirely different (yet both extremely Scottish) characters is super fun, and Jessica Hynes steals the show as the sarcastic, hilarious former star host. Sadly, no one actually comes to these movies for the adults, and the children themselves take a backseat in the sophomore film. When the kids do get a look in however, they’re as adorable and funny as you want them to be. It’s just a shame that the focus is taken off them this time.
Look, the plot is really weak and completely unrealistic, but it’s all in good fun. Predictable, yes, but at least it’s not boring. Will I watch the third and fourth instalments? Probably not. You’ll have to look elsewhere if you want to read those scathing reviews.
Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger is available to stream on Netflix in the UK.
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