“Nativity!” is a good-natured Christmas film but it has some big flaws. The biggest issue I have with it is that it’s a comedy and not a very funny one. At times, the film branches off into a more serious tone and that’s when I enjoyed it the most.

Primary school teacher Paul Maddens (Martin Freeman “Love Actually”, “Hot Fuzz”) is tasked with creating this year’s school nativity. After a misunderstanding made by the dopey teaching assistant, Mr. Poppy (Marc Wootton “Arthur Christmas”), a rumour is spread that Hollywood will be viewing the play. Now, it’s up to Maddens to get Hollywood’s interest for real and to create the best possible play he can so that he can upstage his snooty rival at the private school nearby.

Martin Freeman does an excellent job as Maddens. I really liked the performance he gave during the scenes where he encourages the children. It’s a real shame that at times, we see him put in goofy sequences that don’t really work very well. The character Mr. Poppy causes an uncontrollable amount of chaos that makes the film even goofier than it already is. Some of the children seem to have some talent but the filmmakers made them do ridiculous things that make them look like they can’t act.

“Nativity!” has good points and I’m sure kids will get a few laughs out of it. However, they should have done one of two things: 1. Create some witty humour that is more sophisticated that bathroom jokes 2. Make it a film about how a frustrated but fantastic teacher has to put on a great show with very limited resources. “Nativity!” will suit those who like burp jokes but I don’t find that very funny so I’m afraid I can’t recommend the film. Although it is cheerful film, it just didn’t do it for me.