Journey to Bethlehem

We've seen many incarnations of the birth of Jesus Christ--too numerous to list, but what makes Affirm Films's version of "Journey to Bethlehem" is that it was made as a musical. At first, even after seeing a trailer, it still didn't fully win me over. However, after viewing it, it truly became a film that was full of faith, humor, adventure all rolled up as a musical with original songs that were created to inspire.

A young woman, Mary (Fiona Paloma) carrying an unimaginable responsibility. A young man, Joseph (Milo Manheim) torn between love and honor. A jealous king, Herod (Antonio Banderas) who stop at nothing to keep his crown. This live-action Christmas musical celebration for the entire family, weaves classic Christmas melodies into newly created pop songs in a music-infused rendition of the timeless 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. 

Others to round out the cast are Lecrae as the angel Gabriel, Moriah as Deborah, Joel Smallbone as Antipater, Omid Djalili as Melchior, Stephanie Gil as Rebekah, Geno Segers as Balthazar, Rizwan Manji as Gaspar and Antonio Gil as Jacob. 

This was directed with pathos by virtual newcomer to the director's chair, Adam Anders ("Rosa" (TV movie) '17). Certainly, considering the lack of experience behind the camera, this filmmaker was still able to stage and pace this with expertise and clarity. The emotions the actors emitted were spot on and definitely gave the audience that feeling that these characters were genuine. It was equally written well by Adam Anders ("Kally's Mashup"'21) plus TV, and Peter Barsocchini ("Viva High School Musical" '08, "Rock and Roll Forever" '09, "High School Musical: O Desafio" '10, "Summer Camp" (TV movie) '10, "The Passion" (TV movie) '16, "High School Musical 2" (TV movie) '17, "Ping Pong Rabbit" '17, "Kally's Mashuo" '21) plus videos. Considering the experience of these two writers, it surely wasn't surprising that they were able to pull this storyline together since their respective resumes are evident of it. Anders is a music composer (co-cpmposer of this film's music) and Barsocchini has an impressive background that's grounded in musicals. Where the scenes that take place in the non-singing part of the film were a bit choppy, the musical numbers more than made up for it. Certainly, both Paloma and Manheim as Mary and Joseph respectively exuded great chemistry, and Banderas as King Herod looked as though he had a ball doing this role as it was so hammy--but this makes that type of role that much more fun to act. 

If you're a Christian or simply want to be inspired by the greatest story ever told, this film surely hits home. It's a film to be seen by the whole family replete with faith, humor, adventure, love and redemption all rolled up in a totally delightful and moving film. The musicals numbers were catchy as they were moving.

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                          Rated: PG                                        98mins.