The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Movie Review

Movies

by Janis Brett Elspas, Editor 

Mommy Blog Expert 

 

A New Family Comedy in Theaters

The movie The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2024, Rated PG) family friendly comedy film opens in theaters in nationwide on November 8. 

A Christmas Film for Kids and Parents

In a world that can feel like it’s moving at a lightning pace, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever offers a relevant, refreshing and beautiful pause at this time of year -- a warm reminder of old-fashioned virtues that transcend time across the generations. This movie adaptation of Barbara Robinson’s beloved book resonates with moms and dads who will see the potential for good in every child, no matter how "bad" they might seem at a glance. For those celebrating Christmas, both parents and kids alike, viewers will also take away values that they can bring with them into the upcoming holiday season. 

The story, which takes place during Christmastime, follows the six Herdman siblings—Ralph, Imogene, Leroy, Claude, Ollie, and Gladys -- an eccentric, scrappy, and notorious group of kids whose rowdy ways have earned them a reputation in their small town. But when they unexpectedly audition for the town’s annual Christmas pageant, which has been performed for the past 100 years, they turn tradition on its head in the most hilarious and heartwarming way.

Known for their rebellious ways, the Herdmans come across as anything but sweet, innocent, and angelic, yet the film invites viewers, both kids and grownups, to look deeper. As they learn about the Christmas story and get caught up in the magic of the season, these wild ones surprise everyone, including themselves, showing a glimpse of their own capacities for kindness, bravery, and, yes, goodness.

In the role of Grace Bradley, the courageous and warm-hearted mother who takes on the daunting task of directing the pageant, we see Allison Tolman (known for her award-winning performance in Fargo and Why Women Kill). Tolman brings a delightful mix of compassion and strength as she battles through her doubts to help the Herdmans and the entire community navigate toward seeing the good in everyone.

Scenes from this New Movie . . .

Each Herdman Kid Offers Something Unique

• Ralph Herdman (Mason Thames, known for The Black Phone) is the eldest and takes on a slightly reluctant leadership role. With a scowl that hides his vulnerability, Ralph’s character begins to thaw as he learns that kindness can be powerful, not necessarily a trait showing weakness.   
• Imogene Herdman (Brooklynn Prince, from The Florida Project) is sassy and fearless, with a reputation for stealing. Yet, she’s also incredibly smart and resourceful. Her portrayal as Mary in the pageant becomes one of the film’s most touching transformations, revealing Imogene’s ability to care deeply when given the chance.
• Leroy Herdman (Roman Griffin Davis of Jojo Rabbit fame) is mischievous and adventurous, quick to fight but also fiercely loyal to his siblings. Davis’s portrayal captures a playful, impish side that audiences will find both amusing and endearing.
• Claude Herdman (Jacob Tremblay, well-known for both Room and Wonder) is quieter than his siblings but has a knack for getting into trouble just the same. Tremblay brings depth to Claude, showcasing a kid who’s lost and simply looking for a place where he can feel he belongs.
• Ollie Herdman (Iain Armitage, Young Sheldon) brings an intellectual curiosity mixed with a wild streak that often leads to some pretty chaotic situations. Armitage’s comedic timing is spot-on, adding a layer of humor while also displaying Ollie’s softer side.
• Gladys Herdman (McKenna Grace, known for Ghostbusters: Afterlife) is the youngest and most energetic of the group, famous for her shrill cries and dramatic antics. As the “angel” in the pageant, her enthusiasm adds a hilarious twist to her role, showing that even the smallest Herdman has a heart of gold.

With this well-rounded cast of young talents and seasoned grownup actors, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever captures the humor, challenges, and revelations that come when people from different walks of life come together. Through the antics of the Herdman kids, we see that every child -- even those labeled as "troublemakers" -- has the potential for positive change.

What makes this movie a gem is its dedication to showcasing old-fashioned values without feeling preachy or outdated. These are morals rooted in compassion, understanding, and forgiveness -- qualities that the younger generation, so often glued to their smartphones and screens, might need a little reminder of now ad then. Through the antics of the Herdman youngsters, we see that every child, even those labeled as "troublemakers," has the potential for meaningful growth that leads to positive change.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever isn’t just a feel-good holiday flick; it's a call to parents and children alike to slow down, look beyond labels, and find the goodness that’s often hiding in plain sight. This heartwarming, family-friendly story serves as a sweet reminder that sometimes all it takes is a little patience and understanding to bring out the best in each other, especially during the holiday season.

More About The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

See a preview of this film by watching the official movie trailer. Also learn more about The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, visit the movie website and follow @bestchristmaspageantever, @lionsgate, and @kingdomstorycompany on Facebook and Instagram. Buy tickets now to see this film with your family at a local theater near you.

Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services for providing screening access to facilitate this movie review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Lost on a Mountain in Maine Movie Review

Movies

by Janis Brett Elspas, Editor 

Mommy Blog Expert 

WIT PR provided screening access to facilitate this movie review 

New Family Film in Theaters 

The new family friendly movie Lost on a Mountain in Maine (2004, Rated PG), produced by Sylvester Stallone, opens in theaters November 1. If you’ve ever been separated from your son or daughter, even for a moment, you know that intense feeling of worry, love, and hope that grips you until you're again reunited with your child. This new feature film docudrama taps into these universal fears and emotions, bringing to the big screen the true story of 12-year-old Donn Fendler, who was lost in the vast and treacherous wilderness of Maine's Katahdin Mountains for nine days in the 1930s.

How Family Bonds Give Strength When Needed Most 

This film is more than just a tale of survival; it’s a heartfelt reminder of how powerful family bonds are—especially when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, when things get really tough. In Lost on a Mountain in Maine, the focus and POV (point of view) splits between Donn’s frightening solo journey and the emotional rollercoaster his family experiences while searching for him. This back-and-forth storytelling creates a deeply relatable experience for viewers, particularly parents, who can’t help but feel for Donn’s mother and father as they grapple with the unknown. 

Every scene is an emotional tug-of-war, with Donn fighting to survive while his family struggles to hold onto hope. The film opens with a scene you likely relate to: a family hiking, enjoying the outdoors and quality time together. As the story moves further, Donn joins his father, brother and a family friend playing trail guide and together they set out on a challenging and dangerous hike. Headstrong Donn climbs quicker than the rest of the group and before he knows it, he's separate from the others. 

Now lost, what should have been just an innocent day hike adventure quickly takes a dangerous turn. Donn finds himself alone in the dense, rugged woods of Maine, struggling to navigate his way back while facing severe weather, unfamiliar rugged terrain, hunger and thirst, multiple injuries, and exhaustion. What’s truly special about this movie is how it shows Donn's resilience of never giving up hope, born from his memories of home and family. 

The movie’s portrayal of the main character's mental journey as he calls on his inner strength is both touching and inspiring. In moments of despair, Donn thinks of his family: his mother’s comforting words, his dad’s strength, and his siblings’ laughter. Even though he’s physically alone, these memories serve as an emotional lifeline, keeping him moving forward against unbelievable odds. 

Back home, his family is enduring their own ordeal. As moms and dads, we know that feeling of helplessness when our kids face trouble. Donn’s mom, like so many of us would, turns to her faith, her emotions swinging between desperate hope and fear. His dad is portrayed as a strong, focused figure, out in front of the search and rescue team's efforts throughout the ordeal. 

There’s an incredible strength that parents show for their children, and the movie captures this beautifully. You feel their pain, love, and unbreakable determination as they try to bring their boy home.

Spoiler Alert

When Donn is finally found, the reunion with his family will warm your heart. You can see how much he’s grown and matured, not only from his experiences of being alone in the wild, but from realizing just how loved he is. And his family? They hold him tighter than ever before, filled with gratitude and love for their boy who has returned to them. It’s the ultimate expression of the strength of family bonds, showing how, no matter what life throws our way, love and resilience will see us through.

Lost on a Mountain in Maine isn’t just a movie about survival; it’s a powerful family story. It reminds us of the strength family brings, how memories of loved ones can inspire us to keep going, bonding and keeping us connected even in the darkest times. 

This is a film that every family member old enough to see a PG rated picture should see together. It’s a reminder to hold loved ones close, in good times and bad, and to trust in the unbreakable bonds that connect us. So grab some tissues, and get ready for an adventure that will leave you feeling grateful for the love and strength of family. Lost on a Mountain in Maine is a film that doesn’t just retell a true story that actually happened almost 100 years ago; it reminds us of what’s really most important in life. 

More About Lost on a Mountain in Maine

See a preview of this film by watching the official movie trailer. Also learn more about Lost on a Mountain in Maine, filmed on location in the Hudson Valley, New York, by visiting the movie website and by following the film on Facebook and Instagram. Buy tickets now at a local theater near you.

Many thanks to WIT PR for providing screening access to facilitate this movie review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Reducing Anxiety for Modern Parents

Parenting 

Guest Post

by Ania Wysocka, Founder

Simply Rootd Media, Inc

Anxiety Impacts Modern Moms, Dads

Anxiety is the world’s most common mental health disorder, affecting approximately 301 million people in 2019 around the globe. The National Institute of Health estimates that a third of the population, including many parents, will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives and that 19.1% of the U.S. has struggled with one in the last year. 

The reasons behind this surge in anxiety and panic attacks are multifaceted, ranging from financial and housing concerns to the competitive job market, the overwhelming flow of information, constant connectivity, and the pressures of social media. In today’s fast-paced life, it can feel impossible to take time for self-care, but not doing so also only compounds these stressors. 

In today’s uncertain and rapidly evolving world  there is nothing more anxiety-provoking than being a parent. Multitasking parents are confronted with a wide array of challenges, including the need to ensure their family's financial well-being, finding the right equilibrium between work commitments and moments with their family, and the daunting task of understanding and managing the impact of modern technology and social media on their children. 

According to Pew Research Center, 38% of parents state that working makes it harder for them to be a good parent, and 27% feel that being a parent makes it harder for them to advance in their careers. The digital challenges are compounded by the fact that parents themselves did not grow up in the era of omnipresent digital technology and social media, leaving them without a clear frame of reference for navigating its potential long-term effects on development and well-being. 

Tips for Parents to Address Anxiety

The desire to be exemplary parents while also finding time for self-care also creates a challenging paradox. In order to be the best possible parents, individuals must carve out time to prioritize themselves. However, self-care often gets neglected in the face of other more urgent-seeming tasks, heightening anxiety. Additionally, research shows that children with anxious parents are between two and seven times more likely to develop an anxiety disorder later in life, which may raise fear in parents, thereby perpetuating a cycle of stress and worry.

Ania Wysocka, the founder of the mental health app Rootd, insightfully addresses the unique pressures faced by parents today. She remarks, "In an age where parents are bombarded with information and societal expectations, finding peace in one's parenting choices is crucial. It's vital to understand that taking care of one's mental health is not selfish but essential for the well-being of the entire family."

To combat these pervasive feelings of anxiety, adopting practical strategies for managing stress becomes paramount. Parents are encouraged to educate themselves on child development to make informed decisions that align with their values and the needs of their children. It can also be useful to periodically implement a digital detox for the entire family, limiting screen time to emphasize the importance of meaningful interactions and reduce the negative impacts of constant connectivity. 

Integrating mindfulness and self-care into daily routines is essential. Simple practices, such as exercise, meditation, or enjoying a hobby, can significantly alleviate stress. Furthermore, building a supportive community of fellow parents can offer both emotional support and practical advice, reminding parents that they are not alone in their struggles. Incorporating family activities into anxiety management strategies can further strengthen bonds and reduce collective stress. Going on nature walks or hikes, playing board games, or finding new hobbies together can provide opportunities for connection and relaxation. Additionally, developing an environment where mental health is openly discussed with children promotes a supportive atmosphere, ensuring that mental health is not stigmatized within the family. 

Mental health apps like Rootd offer a convenient and accessible tool for managing anxiety, particularly for busy parents. Taking the time to seek out mental health resources can feel daunting to overwhelmed parents, but downloading an app is much more manageable. These apps provide immediate resources for calming techniques during moments of panic and promote the development of healthy habits for managing stress. Wysocka emphasizes, "Having mental health resources readily available on your phone is invaluable for parents. It ensures that support is always just a few taps away, allowing for a few moments of peace amid the chaos of daily life." 

 While the challenges of parenting in today's world are manifold, there are strategies for managing anxiety that are both practical and accessible. By prioritizing their own well-being and taking advantage of tools like mental health apps, parents can navigate the complexities of modern parenthood with greater ease and confidence. As society continues to evolve, so too must our approaches to managing anxiety, ensuring that parents and children alike are equipped to face the future with resilience and hope.

 

Ania Wysocka, Founder of Rootd

About Ania Wysocka 

Ania experienced her first panic attack in her fourth year of University, and has not stopped fighting to help others avoid or overcome similar situations since. Based on her personal experience with anxiety, she founded Rootd, designing and creating all of the app’s content, as well as leading the business. Her unique combination of graphic design skills and subject matter expertise provide Rootd with its unmistakable personality, and unreplicable differentiation from competitors. Among Ania's most notable recognitions are being included in Apple Developer Spotlight's "30 Under 30" and being selected as one of the best apps for anxiety by a wide variety of national consumer publications including Healthline, Cosmopolitan, and Women's Health, in addition to being featured in the Time Magazine special edition: "The Age of Anxiety".  

To learn more about Rootd visit the company's official site Rootd.io as well as follow the brand @rootd_app on Instagram.