Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger! (2012) User Reviews

It's on safe ground. This manger isn't wobbling.

[hitchcockthelegend · 6/10 · 31 December 2016]

After the pleasing (justified) reaction to 2009s Nativity!, it's not unsurprising to find that two further films would follow it, starting with this, the first of the sequels. Formula remains the same as the first film, here we have David Tennant (great coup by writer and director Debbie Isitt to get him in a dual role) as an harangued teacher out on the road in charge of kiddies as they head towards the National 'Song for Christmas' Competition. Along side him, pulling the the emotional and cunning mental strings, is man-child Mr. Poppy (Marc Wooton once again on film stealing form), enter mirth, poignancy and a raft of engaging kiddies guaranteed to warm the cockles during Yuletide.

This is undeniably Isitt and her team treading on safe ground, which is both a blessing and a curse. For although the finale here - as regards the competition - has a different twist to the first film, it still feels like a redux of that picture - this is because it is. There's also a problem in that the last third is crammed packed with the competition song entries, not to say the songs and routines aren't great (Isitt and editor Nicky Ager co-writing), they are, and it's a nice cross reference of different styles of music. It's just that there comes a point when it veers close to being filler to pad the pic out to over 100 minutes of film, where much of the comedic human drama gets lost in the mix.

However, it's still a warm film, and a real foot tapper that's nice to get involved with at Christmas time. 6/10

A not so dangerous road trip

[TheLittleSongbird · 6/10 · 20 December 2017]

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'.

'Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger' is easier to criticise and is far from a great film, or at least to me that was the case. Am not going to resort to spouting the ridiculous and untrue "it's a kids film" excuse, especially considering that it's a family film not a kids one so adults are more than entitled to judge. Plus coming from somebody who loves Christmas and a lot of festive films it is pretty condescending and immature to accuse those who didn't like it as much of being a scrooge. With that being said it will appeal to children, who are very likely to love it, while being more divisive by adult standards.

It is easy to see why 'Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger' has been criticised. The story is very silly and formulaic, even by younger viewer standards. It also suffers at times from pacing issues, some parts are too hectic and then other parts lose momentum and drag, including the once again over-extended finale.

The improvisatory nature of the script is not always as natural this time round, some awkward moments, and there is a tendency for the schmaltz to go too over-the-top and sickeningly twee. Marc Wooton was a scene stealer in the first 'Nativity!' film, here he wildly overplays and it is largely to do with how the character is written.

However, David Tennant is a very game replacement for Martin Freeman and Pam Ferris as ever is splendid. Up-staging them, and the best thing about the film, are the children, once again so easy in presence and with such great comic timing and individuality.

'Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger' looks nice enough in its own simple, un-flashy way. The music is very catchy and gives a real sense of Christmas and there is a nice spirit in the scenes where the pacing doesn't hinder it. The film does have a warm heart and sweet well-intentioned charm, along with some amusing, if not as sparkling as before, comic elements.

Overall, not great but not that bad. It's slightly above "on the fence" for me. 6/10 Bethany Cox

Utterly silly but fun

[Goosey1972 · 6/10 · 18 November 2013]

Not normally one for writing film reviews but having just watched this with the kids felt compelled to defend it (to a certain extent).

The key word is KIDS film.Mine are 3 and 6 and they both sat laughing the whole way through and immediately wanted it on again when it finished.That,in my book,is a good enough measure of a children's film rather than expecting it to have lots of subtle gags that adults would appreciate.Having said that,being that I'm a bit silly natured myself,I found it amusing enough in places to keep me watching alongside them without wishing for the end too much.

The story line is beyond ridiculous but if you're after a good hearted film to get you in the Christmas mood with your kids you could do worse.

Disappointing

[ihopetherespudding · 3/10 · 2 December 2012]

I saw this on Wednesday on a slightly sceptical note,having seen the Daily Mail's review for it but as I really liked the first one,I was willing to give it a go. Fortunately for me,the tickets were free so the only thing I wasted was time. Just as a summary, it was bad. How bad? Well,my sister had to revert to texting on her mobile,something she'd never do at a film. First of all,let me say the good things about this film. The first 20 minutes are fairly entertaining, the performances are decent enough and the songs aren't half bad albeit the fact that most of them are forgettable. Where this lacks is the charm and how much it drags. I hate films that drag and you end up questioning how long is the said film exactly. The last film to do that to me was Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2:Rodrick Rules. As for the charm aspect,there is little to no charm. Remember the little ginger kid and the one with the hat? Yeah,they're still in it but they've grown up slightly and have been replaced by a three year old and a chubby kid wearing a donkey outfit. And the ending drags and is also really predictable. So that's my review. Would I recommend it? Probably not but if you have little kids with you and have seen everything else, go see it. If not,there's plenty of newly released dvds to choose from. Just rent them and buy some popcorn.

Er, It's a KIDS film?

[bethany-lewis · 7/10 · 5 January 2014]

So for all you miserable adults out there going "uh, I've wasted my money on this" well, perhaps you did, seeing as though you're 30 years old. This film is for children. For anyone aged between 4 and 12 really, though others will enjoy it too, unless your surname is Scrooge.

Good music in it, great acting from Tennant, some funny moments.

Yes, some of it was unrealistic and very silly, but most films are unrealistic. If you didn't enjoy this film in the SLIGHTEST, you obviously don't like Christmas much!

Well worth a watch.

Oh no, not again

[Prismark10 · 3/10 · 24 December 2017]

Marc Wootton returns as the childlike incompetent teacher's assistant Mr Poppy and irritates the hell out of everyone including this viewer.

David Tennant in a dual role is the new teacher Mr Donald Peterson who is tormented by Mr Poppy and ends up taking the schoolkids over the mountains of Wales to enter the National 'Song for Christmas' Competition, mainly because Mr Shakespeare from the posh rival school switched the road signs.

However Mr Shakespeare meets his match in Mr Roderick Peterson, a celebrated musical director, also a cheat and Donald's twin brother who conspires to do whatever it takes to succeed.

The film gives the impression that it had a semi finished script with some ad libbing from the kids. You get a bit of riffing of The X Factor audition stage.

The infantile plot runs out of steam long before the finish line but then you end up with a lot of singing and dancing from the kids. All very forgettable and I doubt even the kids would enjoy it much.

Fabulous ridiculous childish fun

[blaneyontheboogie · 7/10 · 21 December 2020]

This film isnt as good as the first mostly improvised one, but I still found it fun. The plot is ridiculous, the acting not great, and what those poor kids were put through, although seemingly dangerous, is hilarious. Its daft humour is exactly what I like. The kids expressions are enough to make me laugh out loud. Its daft, its implausible, it's a kids Christmas film... anyone leaving bad reviews needs to give their heads a wobble... especially the guy that took his other half to the cinema to see it. How romantic!?? Ha! Stick it on, find your inner child and enjoy it for what it is. Silly fun.

Not high art, and that's just fine with me

[bikebookbread-640-992218 · 20 November 2017]

Life is full of awful, scary, and full of serious things. You know what is refreshing? A bit of mindless watching that is not important or meaningful or relevant. Sometimes we just need silly fun. Stupid, silly, completely unbelievable fun. This ridiculous movie makes my children laugh. And it makes me laugh. It even makes my husband laugh (no mean feat).

There are a lot of talented, serious, and celebrated actors in this movie who are not taking themselves seriously. And isn't that refreshing!

The show itself is the highlight. So many clichés. Jessica Hynes arriving on the stage sitting in a flying wreath as the child singing sensation who's never moved on... The bleak, Dickensian number... The important classical piece... the totally awful rap number... and my favorite, "All I Want is Christmas Stuff". HAHAHAHAHA.

And of course, TWO David Tennants.

Don't be a Scrooge. Have some fun.

Awful

[groucho1970 · 1/10 · 19 December 2012]

I enjoyed the original film, so after a glut of stereotypical Hallmark TV Christmas films thought I'd treat my better half to an afternoon at the cinema.

Big Big mistake, this has to be the worst film I've ever wasted money on, If anybody employs Marc Wooton in the future they are either certifiable or are trying a producer style filming a flop scam.

I would love to say its so bad its good but its just awful.

It made me long for Sky's Christmas 24 channel, " a grandpa for Christmas" is a masterpiece compared to this tripe

As a touch of trivia Martin Freeman got the role of Watson in "Sherlock" beating Matt Smith who went on to play "Dr Who" who replaced "David Tennant, who replaced Martin Freeman in this. Tennant got the worst of the deal.

No Oscar in sight, but silly and fun

[confred-52577 · 7/10 · 12 August 2019]

I only stumbled on this by accident, and that's why I never saw the first film. I bet it was better, since most "first parts" of a series of films is better than the follow-ups, but nontheless this was quite fun. I don't have kids, so I watched it alone - not even during Christmas-Season - and I still had fun for the most parts. With no expectations to it whatsoever, I was pleasantly surprised. What was a bit annoying are the endless singing-numbers at the end, though that's not at all due to the talent of the singers and dancers but for the needless dragging on. Saying I don't have kids doesn't mean I don't KNOW kids - I work with them, every agegroup, and therefor I can with confidence say that no teenager would be caught dead watching this. But kids up until nine or ten would probably laugh a lot. *I* did laugh a lot, which is due to the cast (especially David Tennant and Joana Page) and the sheer ridiculousness of the whole plot. Seven stars, because it does drag a bit and since what I personally would have liked to see more of was cut short due to having children perform on stage. Would have preferred more wilderness-adventures for myself in exchange. So. Seven. Not too shabby

Wtf

[shaneheath-09386 · 1/10 · 24 November 2018]

A mentally insane person just abducted 24 children, a baby, their teacher and a donkey. Sent them white water rafting, caving then abseiling, and none of the teachers are in jail at the end.

Ignore the bah humbugs!

[Skellons2-211-170992 · 9/10 · 7 November 2013]

There are many out there who have no sense of fun anymore and have hammered this film.

The truth is it's not an Oscar winner but it's fun. We sat in a packed cinema screen of all ages who laughed their way through with a few tears in places and afterwards left feeling good.

That's what this film does and all those who have seen it I know say the same - yes it's silly and childish - but it's meant to be!

Ignore the so called film experts - we can all call ourselves that and justify it in some way - and just enjoy it for what it is, a simple film which doesn't take itself seriously with a great message running through it.

Underrated

[Gubby-Allen · 7/10 · 15 December 2019]

It is better than suggested on here. There is a lot of crap on the Hallmark and Christmas channels that average 5 or 6/10 and this a lot better than those.

It is not great by any stretch but the production and acting is much better and although it took too long to get to the ending, there are more than enough laughs to make it worthwhile.

Mr Poppy should be jailed!

[stevelomas-69401 · 4/10 · 24 November 2018]

Very poor dial in acting and what makes it worse is the offensive Mr Poppy character.

This is awful

[sydjenks · 1/10 · 30 November 2012]

Oh Dear.

I've watched loads of films with my daughter (who is now 10), I am a bit of a film buff, so hope I can give a bit of guidance on this to other parents.

This film is xmassy, but only because it is crucifying in the biblical sense.

If you have kids under 6, i'm sure they will enjoy it, only because they will enjoy seeing wootton providing some kids entertainer type laughs, other kids dancing and singing and some xmas backgrounds, but whereas kids films normally have an adult undercurrent to keep the parents happy, this is a film for kids apparently written by kids.

There really is a sense of everything being made up on the spot, with no logic or reason to the film.

As parents you know how painful it can be watching your kids Christmas shows at schools only for the sheer joy of 5 minutes to see your child doing something, well imagine watching the last hour of this film seeing just that without having your kid in it.

I saw the first one, which wasn't too bad, but you have to give this a wide berth, to tell directors they have to do better than this mediocrity.

(never given a film a 1 before - although the happening came pretty close)

A step down

[r96sk · 6/10 · 11 December 2020]

A step down, even if it isn't anything all that bad to be honest.

'Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger!' is actually, only a tad, more serious than the first film, though it still features all the shenanigans that you'd expect from it. David Tennant is an upgrade on Martin Freeman, as is Joanna Page on Ashley Jensen. Marc Wootton is basically the same, as are Jason Watkins and Pam Ferris.

This one doesn't have as much charm as the original, not helped by the majority of it feeling like a copy. Sure, some things are changed but it's practically the same story - except for that fact that there is no actual Nativity play involved, so there's that. I still didn't dislike it though, it serves its purpose I guess.

Teaching kids that abduction and endangerment is good if you're having fun!

[aptcatex · 1/10 · 15 December 2019]

Watch a 2 hour child abduction documentary that teaches kids the valuable lesson that following a madchild psychopath and enabler through the CPS's worst nightmare!

Enjoyable family festive movie

[lisafordeay · 6/10 · 6 December 2020]

Nativity 2 is the sequel to the 2009 film starring Martin Freeman. This time former Doctor Who star David Tennant plays a new teacher who travels with his class and their childlike assistant to complete in the Christmas competition. But when the new teacher's twin brother Rodrick(also Tennant)completes also,will the Children at Convery School win the contest?.

If you love silly festive films them check it out

Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger!

[jboothmillard · 3/10 · 5 January 2017]

The first Nativity film was a worthwhile enough Christmas movie for all the family, I had a feeling that any sequel that may follow would not work as well, and I was correct, with critics giving it pretty low marks, directed by Debbie Isitt (Confetti). Basically anxious teacher (David Tennant) has moved house with his pregnant wife Sarah (Gavin & Stacey's Joanna Page), he accepts a teaching job at St. Bernadette's primary school. He is taking over the class of former teacher Mr. Maddens, who now lives in America, enthusiastic and child-like teaching assistant Mr. Desmond Poppy (Marc Wootton) has been teaching the class unaided. The class want to enter a competition called "A Song for Christmas", in which schools take part to produce a Christmas song, with a prize of £10,000 and a chance to be Christmas Number One. However headmistress Mrs. Bevan (Pam Ferris) refuses the class permission to enter without a qualified teacher, she thinks no teacher will stay in the job due to the inappropriate behaviour of Mr. Poppy. Donald lives in the shadow of his domineering father (Ian McNeice), and his "golden boy" identical twin brother Roderick (David Tennant), a world-famous composer and conductor. Mr. Poppy decides to go against the headmistress and for St. Bernadette's to enter the competition anyway, he persuades Donald to sign the entry forms, and kidnaps him for an impromptu road trip to Gastell Llawen in Wales, where the competition is being held. Roderick is also taking part in the competition, mentoring the choir of posh St. Cuthbert's College, and previous rival Mr. Gordon Shakespeare (Jason Watkins) has also entered his class of Oakmoor School. Donald, Mr. Poppy and the children, accompanied by a stray donkey and a baby, end up lost in the wilds of Wales, and must survive the challenges on the journey to the castle, but in the end they make it and compete, gaining a standing ovation, and Donald, Roderick and their father make amends. Also starring Jessica Stevenson as Angel Matthews and Prey's Rosie Cavaliero as Miss Rye. Tennant is amusing as the hapless teacher pushed to breaking point, and as the professional twin brother he is smooth, supporting cast members Ferris and Watkins do their thing fine, and Wootton does again steal more of the show, but this time he is so child-like and over-the-top it becomes irritating. The story is predictably sentimental, like the predecessor it overdoes the mushiness, the children are almost as entertaining as seen previously, but there is not enough charm, it is old-fashioned laughs and very annoying, a disappointing family comedy film for the festivities. Adequate!

Mr Poppy and co return

[studioAT · 7/10 · 12 December 2013]

Having enjoyed the original 'Nativity' I was slightly dubious about this sequel but I'm pleased to say that all involved have done a great job and that it more than stands up against the previous instalment.

David Tennant does well replacing Martin Freeman in the lead and his story is both funny and moving throughout. As with the original it is Marc Wootton's Mr Poppy who steals the show and their chemistry is one of the film's strong points.

While there is perhaps not as much depth to this film as the original it remains an enjoyable film that can entertain all the family and I for one look forward to the planned sequel coming to cinemas next Christmas.

I love the cast and love the first movie but this just hurts my soul

[smudgecatpotatowedges · 5/10 · 18 October 2020]

I truly respect Martin Freeman for leaving the franchise, and quite honestly I'm very surprised David tenant agreed to do it- although David is just an anomaly, he loves playing creeps. The sanctity of the first movie is lessened because of this film. The emotion in the first movie is heart wrenching and beautiful, the jokes are are funny and smart. The second one is shockingly awful in comparison, NOT EVEN MENTIONING THE THIRD FILM! The kids would've come last in the talent show in real life if we're being honest and mr poppy and David tenant would be in prison. (Martin and mr poppy would also be in prison from the first one but they get a free pass) My favourite part of the film is at the beginning where me poppy has a Martin freeman shrine, it made me think of my own Martin freeman shrine which brings so much joy to all. In conclusion the first movie is Oscar deserving, perfect, a masterpiece, the second is mediocre bad.



And the third is an abomination.

A great movie for KID's

[davemdavies · 9/10 · 22 November 2020]

Yes Folks, it's a movie KIDS.

my 8 year old loved this movie and watched the final song 7 times.

Before you give it one star maybe see what your child's reaction is rather than getting emotional because it's unrealistic. FFS, I seriously hate humans sometimes.

Donkeys can fly......

[FlashCallahan · 6/10 · 25 November 2012]

Having never seen the first movie, I had no idea what to expect. I had no I tension of seeing this, because the the trailer looked awful, but my daughter is in charge so I had no choice.

And while it's not the best film going, and it's about fifteen minutes too long, it was diverting and mildly amusing at times.

Tennent plays the new teacher, who carries around a half heart picture of his twin, and whose wife is heavily pregnant. When he arrives at the school, his class are already preparing for the song for Christmas competition, which Mr Poppy is eager to do....

So the film is basically a mix of road trip, and the X factor, with a lot of cute kids singing pretty awful songs, but hey,it's a Christmas movie, so it's heart is in the right place.

If you can get past the fact that a lot of the characters would get into trouble by the police for kidnapping, baby snatching, leaving kids behind and not giving it a second thought and several other crimes, it's quite endearing stuff.

Tennent is good in his role, but he's playing second fiddle to the guy who plays Mr Poppy. And believe me, he's the marmite of acting, you either love him or hate him, and thankfully, I tolerated the idiot, because he had a heart of gold really.

So all in all, it's predictable stuff, almost verging on pantomime in some instants, the ending is what you would expect, child birth in a stable in full view of children did surprise me though.

But the fact that I enjoyed it more than I thought I would surprised me the most.

A pleasant, totally inoffensive family movie, and those are rare....

Watchable, but totally unbelievable storyline

[williamsabbie · 5/10 · 14 December 2020]

As an adult there are too many plot holes in this movie, but it has it's moments.

Dire!

[adamjohns-42575 · 1/10 · 28 December 2020]

I don't know if it's just because it's David Tennant instead of Martin Freeman, but it started off better than the first. Unfortunately it didn't maintain a decent level of entertainment after the initial kids auditions.

Mr Poppy is NOT funny, he needs to be euthanised! His ridiculous behaviour will just breed more stupid behaviour in others until there are no intelligent people left. It is not acceptable. Educate children properly, so that our future can be secured against more idiotic decisions and may perhaps be saved for our grandchildren.

The film itself loses its appeal at the moment when the kids are pushed in to the background and not allowed to shine in the way that they did at the end of the last film. I only made it to the end, because I had got so far, I thought I might as well see it through, otherwise it would have been bye bye after about half an hour. I can't imagine that I will get further than ten minutes into the next instalment with Martin Clunes.

A relatively famous cast, but alas, none of them do anything for me, with perhaps David Tennant being the exception.

A daft story and a very poorly budgeted production.

Why did they make a second one and yet a further one that I've yet to see and apparently another after that???

I will never watch this again!