Nativity 2 : Danger in the Manger Film Review

If the original Nativity film passed you by, it is a lovely British family comedy about a school putting on a Nativity play with their sights set on making it into a Hollywood blockbuster. R and I watched the film last Christmas and I think that we were both surprised by how much we enjoyed it.  So, when Mumsnet offered us the chance to attend a special preview of the sequel; Nativity 2 : Danger in the Manger, we were really excited.  Especially me, as I have just about the biggest crush ever on David Tennant.

In Nativity 2, we return to the same primary school St Bernadette's, where the school is still being run by the same headmistress (Pam Ferris) and in the absence of a teacher, her nephew Mr Poppy (Marc Wootton) is in charge of the class and is busy preparing the class to take part in the annual 'Song for Christmas' competition.  The competition is to be televised and with a big cash prize and a shot at the Christmas number One song, the children are desperate to take part.  Poppy is determined to get them there at all costs in spite of being told 'no' by the headmistress and is undeterred by the fact that he has to get the children to a castle in Wales for the competition.

In the midst of secret rehearsals, Mr Peterson (David Tennant) arrives as the new class teacher; making a fresh start in the new town with his heavily pregnant wife (Joanna Page).  Mr Peterson gets dragged into Poppy's plot for Christmas song domination in spite of his own opposition to the whole idea.  To make matters worse, Peterson's estranged and very successful  twin brother; Roderick is also competing in the competition.

What follows is a hilarious journey to Wales which includes duck boats, donkeys, babies and mountain rescues.  The children are adorable.  David Tennant plays the part of Peterson and his twin brother brilliantly, but the star of the film for me was Marc Wootton as Mr Poppy who is hilarious throughout.

I took my two sons R who is eight and L who is seven to the film along with my mum.  We all really enjoyed the film and it appealed to everyone.  My seven year old in particular was completely enthralled by the film and hasn't stopped talking about his favourite bits since we have came out of the cinema.

Definitely a film to watch during this coming Christmas season and I would recommend it for some family festive fun.


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