This is one of those Christmas flicks true to faith. It is also one where tradition and meaning come with class and attitude. Dallas Jenkins’s version of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever presents meaning in the context of joy. To an extent, though, I found the film to drag in instances. There are emotional and joyful characterizations. Its form seems to feel like a Hallmark Channel movie.

The film centers on a mother and a father, Bob (played by Pete Holmes) and Grace (played by Judy Greer). They are just two parents trying to navigate the Christmas holidays for the sake of their children. The monumental event in their town is a Christmas Pageant. There is a family known to bring problems to the table. They are the Herdman family. They consist of a group of six kids. They are known to cause conflicts among others. They like to feel they own the town set in the film. Grace is the one taking on the direction role of the pageant. The film is narrated by an older version of Beth (one of the child characters). The narration is done by Lauren Graham. It is a dynamic with a Christmas tradition that brings in importance while also having frustrating plateaus.

I do feel that it fuels its positive side. That is because there are moments where the performances of Holmes and Greer try to remind young ones of acceptance and good spirits. “Good spirits” go in limbo repeatedly in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. The connective side of the film is its pattern of trying to adapt to the acceptance of others. This is around the difficulty of the Herdman family. The film’s direction focuses on their negative energy, and it keeps looping back to the pattern of tolerating them. “Tolerating them” as in others trying to help them find the goodness in them.

When it comes to being present with community and holiday joy, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever does an excellent job at keeping the emotions of that alive. It continuously keeps that positive faith thriving high. The characterizations and the setup are a little much for the theatrical scene experience, but it is one for families to get wrapped up in. The narrations of moving parts and the plateaus of communities (among a pageant) remind its audience how Christmas tends to have unexpected obstacles. “Unexpected obstacles” on the fact that individuals cannot change others.

As mentioned, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever feels like a Hallmark Channel movie. To clarify, it has more cinematic qualities for that type of experience. This means that it is one of those that may be worth the time spent at the cinema. Some may not feel like that with its aspects. However, with its context, family patterns, and holiday spirit, it is a holiday flick to get cozy (together) and families to enjoy together. The sensation of the love that keeps spiraling through the film is what makes me appreciate The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Not an exhilarating, but a loving level. Three out of four stars for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

It is a thriller with a cat-and-mouse dynamic. There is a sense that the film will be funny which is fueled by unexpected combativeness. The Killer’s Game is like a mediocre version of a Bourne movie. The combination of sad elements with the finale of a mission do not mix cohesively. It is a film that focuses on the personalities of its characters. The direction sets vast expectations with spy operations, but don’t expect to grasp the plot if you decide to see The Killer’s Game.

The main character is Joe Flood (played by Dave Bautista). Joebelieves he is fighting a life-threatening illness. Due to this serious health concern, he requests someone to detonate him. However, Joe is then informed that his disease is the wrong diagnosis. This means he must stop the operation that he has planted for himself. With the help of a friend named Maize (played by Sofia Boutella), time is of the essence as Joe needs torun or fight his enemies.  Joe’s boss Zvi (played by Ben Kingsley) also comes into the mix. Joe needs all the help he can get given that he authorized his own assassination request.

It is a thriller with a steady build-up. It brings lots of fun, gadgets, and international intrigue to the table. The Killer’sGame unfortunately does not know how to find enoughinvigorating aspects. Instead, it is a blur of action and mayhem which sadly does not sell.

There are a vast number of interesting characters though. The questionable ones range from Lovedahl (played by Terry Crews)to Radovan (played by Daniel Bernhardt) to Goyang (played by Lee Hoon). While they are interesting, they don’t add much quality or purpose because of their obviousness. For example, Crews’ absurd character name is too much. The movie is a retro-spy adventure where even the humorous lines fail to find their points of connection.

The international vibe of the film tends to be all over the place as well. The criminal operations and Joe’s missions jumpy as are most of the conflicts in the film which frequently seem to spiral out-of-control. I wish the rushed mayhem had more layers of value. Bautista is too light hearted to effectively play such a sad role. Luckily, his big heart does help play into the charming factor of The Killer’s Game.

Of course, this film is much too predictable. The writing seems overly anxious for to induce moments of pleasure. Sadly, the pleasure does not fit the spy format very well at all. The story ultimately comes down to the error and attempt at redemption. I wish the mission could have proven to be more enthralling.

What will Joe do? Will he find a different outcome? Why are there so many people in the mix? What international triumph is possible in The Killer’s Game? Barely any! Nevertheless, the film still has a few captivating moments featuring Joe and his desire for one last chance. Two out of four stars for The Killer’s Game.