Most faith-based movies, even good ones, are dramas designed to impart serious ideas about religion. The trip to Bethlehem is quite different. It tells the story of Mary in the form of a musical. And not just a musical, but a musical with romantic comedy elements. That could have been a disaster, except that director Adam Anders is very careful to keep the meaning of the biblical story intact. The film is fun, vibrant and uplifting.
Mary (Fiona Paloma) has a traditional “meet-cute” with Joseph (Milo Manheim) before discovering that he is the man her parents decided she would marry. You certainly know how the story goes from there, so a plot synopsis is not necessary. Singer Lecrae plays the angel Gabriel and Antonio Banderas is King Herod. You also get three wise men with directional challenges that provide comic relief. Actually, Gabriel also laughs a lot when he bangs his head on Mary's door while he's floating in her room.
Director: Adam Anders
Writers: Adam Anders, Peter Barsocchini
Stars: Antonio Banderas, Milo Manheim, Geno Segers
Interspersed with the tale are a series of musical numbers that advance the narrative, including one in which Mary's friends commiserate with her about the arranged marriage. The pop songs are incredibly catchy and wouldn't sound at all out of place on a Top 40 radio station. Each sequence is packed with energy as the cast perform intricately choreographed dance moves to match the tunes. A lot of care has clearly been put into these sections, allowing them to entertain while also fitting lyrically into Mary's arc.
None of this would work without a capable cast. Journey to Bethlehem has one. Paloma is terrific as María, capturing the mix of uncertainty and faith that drives the character. She has sweet chemistry with Manheim, making Joseph a good-hearted man motivated to do what she believes is right, even when it puts him in an awkward position. As Herod, Antonio Banderas is wonderful, giving the boy a personality that playfully mixes narcissism and buffoonery. He steals every scene he appears in.
The movie is obviously based on the birth of Jesus. Despite all the joy found here, the ending conveys the meaning of that birth in a respectful and sincere way. Mary and Joseph realize that their difficult journey was worth it, as the Three Wise Men celebrate what they know is a momentous occasion. Other films have tackled the topic, including 2006's The Nativity Story, with a view to conveying great meaning. Journey to Bethlehem forges its own path, focusing on the inherent joy of Christ's birth. Could there be a better reason to sing and dance in celebration?
Some people may complain that portraying Mary and Joseph as biblical Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks is a little silly. And they wouldn't necessarily be wrong. On the other hand, the movie is so infectiously funny that only a Grinch or Scrooge could complain too loudly.
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