TrueJoshNight Truly Dreadful Film

WillSushyMedia This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

Humaira Grant It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

Philippa All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

TheLittleSongbird As said in my reviews for the previous two 'Nativity!' films, found the first 'Nativity!' film enjoyable for what it was. It was nothing mind-blowing, but achieved what it set out to do well and didn't try to be any more than it was. The same goes with its inferior but not that bad sequel 'Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger'.This is sadly not true for this sorry second follow up 'Nativity 3: Where's My Donkey?' It is an embarrassment for not just the talented cast involved but also for the viewer. Whatever one's stance on the second film is (which was met with a lot of criticism and defence), it is a masterpiece compared to 'Nativity 3: Where's My Donkey?' The wonderfully natural children and the cheerful soundtrack are the only things that save 'Nativity 3: Where's My Donkey?' from being a bottom of the stocking lump of coal. Unfortunately the adult cast struggle...badly. Martin Clunes has a character that should have perfect for him and played to his strengths, but he doesn't look that interested and sleepwalks through his roles. Marc Wooton overplays wildly even more than he did in the second film and the film brings the worst out of Catherine Tate, made to be irritating in an on paper tailor made role. Not even a wasted Celia Imrie can save this, and the film was crying out for Pam Ferris. 'Nativity 3: Where's My Donkey's' story has all the ridiculousness and predictability of the second film but is multiplied by a thousand. Sadly, it also suffers from being erratically paced (often dull thanks to a lot of padding and scenes that easily could have been trimmed or left out) and being far too long by at least half an hour. A weak script is another big problem. The improvisatory nature of it is stilted and clunky, the jokes are juvenile even by younger viewer standards and it does descend into schmaltz. It doesn't have the warmth, charm and heart of the previous two films which means the script and story flaws are far more noticeable.It looks drab. Didn't mind the un-flashy look of the previous two films, seeing as it didn't call for big-budget quality, but simplicity is taken too far here that it's instead borderline-amateurish. Overall, weak, very weak. 2/10 Bethany Cox

teamkinguk After loving the first movie in this series, then enjoying (to a lesser extent) the second movie, I expected this one to be in the same vein. Unfortunately, it is bad. Really bad. Instead of England and school children, we are subjected to Clunes and Tate. In America. Hollywoodised. And not funny enough to carry this movie. Yawn. Mr Poppy tries to pull this movie up, but just doesn't get there with the combination of US and UK humor.This series has so much potential. Bring back the original school, Pam Ferris, and keep it in England with a fun semi-realistic storyline. Hopefully this dud hasn't ruined a future.

anwenhayward This film is the haunting tale of a man who receives a traumatic brain injury and develops severe amnesia, losing his entire identity and becoming a hollow man, with nothing but a name to himself. Watch as a formerly intelligent, articulate man is reduced to babbling and bumbling around, becoming a grotesque parody of the jester figure; coerced into parading around in funny outfits, much to the amusement of his tormentors, unable to recognise what, exactly, is so funny as he struggles to remember the name of his own daughter or how to connect with his family and the woman he loves. With his mental faculties reduced, his ability to relate to his fellow man diminished, and his sense of self completely erased, the man is kidnapped by a learning disabled teaching assistant and must rely on the assistance of a group of neglected, displaced children to teach him about his own past and, perhaps, the true meaning of Christmas. But hey, there are some pretty nifty fart jokes.

studioAT The first two Nativity films (especially the first one) have become family favourites,so it is no big surprise to see Debbie Issit trying to wrap up the trilogy with this third enjoyable outing.Either by choice or misfortune the series seems to struggle to keep hold of its leading man with Martin Freeman leaving after the first and David Tennant the second. However, Martin Clunes of Doc Martin fame has made a whole career out of playing frustrated and idiotic men, so seems the perfect choice to take over at the teacher at St Bernadettes this time.As with the first two films it is Marc Wooton who steals the show as Mr Poppy and his performance more than makes up for the plot holes within the piece. It's also nice to see the always funny Catherine Tate appear too.I think sadly though it's a case of third time unlucky for the franchise. The plot is at times verging on ridiculous and there's a shortage of good ideas.If you enjoyed the first two and are in the festive spirit then Nativity 3 is the perfect film for you this Christmas.