How Humor and the Gospel Converge in Dallas Jenkins’ New Christmas Movie
By Movieguide® Contributor
Director and executive producer Dallas Jenkins is opening up about humor and the Gospel in his new movie THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER.
“Comedy has always been a huge part of my life. My dad was always the funniest guy in the room,” Jenkins told Movieguide® of all the funny elements in the film. “He raised me on comedies and raised me on standup comics. That’s why I’ve got Pete Holmes as the dad because I love standup comics, especially as actors, so this was actually a real opportunity on a larger scale to bring more humor to it.”
“But I think, ultimately, I see humor as a tool towards either, A, just entertainment or, B, emotion because it brings your emotions to the surface, and when you can make people laugh, they trust you more, and I think that’s what ultimately helps the climax of this movie work better,” he explained.
READ MORE: WHY THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER IS ‘A MOVIE FOR EVERYBODY!’
Movieguide® host Evy Carroll revealed that one of the child actors said that Jenkins helped him in his faith by working on the movie together.
Jenkins had no idea and felt completely honored.
“One of the things I always try to do no matter what is I set an example,” he explained. “I want to be the hands and feet of Jesus more than ever in this industry.”
“So, when actors and crew come onto my set, the majority of them aren’t going to be believers, but I want them to know that when they meet one, they’re going to be treated like Jesus would treat them. So, that’s one thing, but then two, when you do a story like this where it has the Gospel in it, it has the story of Jesus in it, and I can explain that to people in an organic way without feeling like I’m standing on a street corner holding up a sign. So, through THE CHOSEN and through this project, I’ve had an opportunity to talk about Jesus maybe more than I ever have because it makes sense to the story,” he continued.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER releases in theaters on Nov. 8, just in time to get you ready for the holiday season.
“Nobody is ready for the mayhem and surprises that ensue when six of the worst youngsters disrupt the town’s yearly Christmas performance,” a synopsis reads.
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is warm and funny and one of my favorite stories I’ve ever come across,” Jenkins said previously of the book his movie is based on. “This book right here is very special to a lot of people, and I believe it’s perfect and beautiful, and that means I have a big responsibility to get this movie right.”
Movieguide® praised the movie’s “redemptive worldview about the meaning of Christmas”:
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER is slightly slow in the beginning. However, it has entertaining and funny moments. Even better, the ending is heart-rending, powerful and uplifting. So, bring your tissues or handkerchief. THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER has a strong Christian, moral worldview. It extols Jesus, who transforms your life, love thy neighbor, and the true meaning of Christmas. There are some light profanities, but they’re rebuked. Also, the main message in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER is anyone can experience God’s love and be transformed into a better person when they follow Jesus.
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