Journey to Bethlehem

If you feel the need to watch a faith film, you could do far, far worse than this one, a decently staged musical treatment of the nativity that feels like a Christian version of a live action Disney movie.

A snappy, satisfying seasonal-appropriate gem, complete with wisecracking Three Wise Men.

A competent, if undistinguished directorial debut with the least edgy retelling of the nativity story around (which is essentially what the faith-based audience has been asking for).

The magic of movies does depend on a certain suspension of disbelief, but “Journey” tests the viewer beyond rational credulity, even as it persists in asserting the reality of its existence.

Maybe I should apologize for my sacrilegious tone here, but it’s kinda in step with the tone of the movie, which takes a story that’s rather serious to many and renders it rather silly.

As an earnest faith-based musical, Journey to Bethlehem does what it's supposed to do for its intended audience. Other people might be surprised by the charm and appeal of this pop music version of the Bible's nativity story about Jesus Christ.

It's kind of hair-raising how just tacky this all is.

Stealing the show, of course, is Antonio Banderas – no, really – dialling in a King Herod who could have stepped straight out of Jesus Christ Superstar, blowing the roof off whenever the script lets him.

... It struck me as rather cheesy and ludicrous. In its own way, though, the film is competently put together and rattles along.

While it lacks the gravitas of classic movie adaptations of the Biblical story, it’s a melodic and well-sung variation that steers clear of controversy.