Many thanks to AFFIRM Films, Inc. for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...
Here in my home, holiday festivities are in full swing. We love the Christmas season and want to enjoy it for as long as possible. But as a Christian, I also am always looking for ways to keep Christ at the center of our holidays too... the entertainment we take in can be a great way to do just that.
When I saw the first preview for Journey to Bethlehem, I knew that this was definitely going to be a must watch! First of all, I love a good musical! So, a musical about the birth of Jesus!? Yes, please! My daughter and I are also big fans of the Disney Zombies movies, so we were excited to see Joseph was played by the star of those movies- Milo Manheim. Take a look:
About the Movie:
A young woman carrying an unimaginable responsibility. A young man torn between love and honor. A jealous king who will stop at nothing to keep his crown. This live-action Christmas musical adventure for the entire family weaves classic Christmas melodies with humor, faith, and new pop songs in a retelling of the greatest story ever told—the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus. A unique new entry into the collection of holiday classic movies, this epic Christmas musical is unlike any before it. See JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM in theaters beginning November 10.
I was given the chance to check out a screener of the movie for myself and share my thoughts. Right away I was drawn into the beauty of this movie... it was so visually captivating and well done. The casting was absolutely amazing too--- not only do we have Milo, but Antonio Banderas as Herod and some great Christian music artists like Joel Smallbone (For King And Country), Lecrae, and Möriah. Of course, the most important part of any musical is the music! I really enjoyed the original songs that helped to bring the story to life blended with some of my favorite traditional Christmas hymns. I can definitely see this soundtrack finding itself on repeat in my holiday playlist, that's for sure.
But let's talk about the story, shall we?
There's a good chance that many of you have seen a viral not so positive review of this movie going around which basically suggests that the movie was not accurate to the Bible. I saw the same one too before watching it. (The original post has actually been updated after the reviewer spoke to the producer to address her concerns--- though many copy & pasted versions do not include this update.) I have to say that when I watched it, that was not my take on the movie at all. Don't get me wrong, it's a musical and meant to entertain and as such, not a word for word interpretation of scripture. But while some details may not be exact (looking at you Wise Men at the manger), the overall message behind the story comes through and to me, I feel like that is the most important thing. It did open up a great talking point with my daughter about creative liberties and how when we watch ANY Christian entertainment, we have to remember that it is just that--- entertainment. It does not take place of actually spending time in our Bibles and reading the gospels for ourselves.
Check out this video for a little more on that:
When I watch a musical, I expect things will be a little over the top and fun... and that was certainly the case with this movie too. But while it had those moments of humor and fun, when it came down to that moment of Christ's birth? It was given the utmost respect and was depicted beautifully. I found myself with goosebumps and a little teary between the music and the beauty of that moment. Others may disagree, and that's fine... but my daughter and I really enjoyed it and will watch it again!
I encourage you to check it and decide for yourself as well!
Moms, buy tickets TODAY to see this family-friendly, uplifting, joyful film in theaters opening weekend, November 10!
Get your tickets here: https://tickets.journeytobethlehemmovie.com/
Check out these additional resources for the movie:
Family discussion guides & coloring sheets: https://www.journeytobethlehemmovie.com/resources
Spanish resources: https://www.journeytobethlehemmovie.com/resources-spanish
To celebrate the theatrical release, one very lucky reader is going to win 2 free tickets to see JTB in theaters! (US only)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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