This weekend, the girlfriend and I had to choose between the most recent Bond flick (my disposition) and The Nativity Story (which she seemed to favor more). We chose the later -- on my part, partially because I thought it would be a nice change of pace, and partially because I think those who get tired of the endless drivel (putting it nicely) coming out of Hollywood ought to give something different a chance.

So we did. I wasn't disappointed.

Well, you all know how the story ends, but in a way that's what makes the project a challenge. Mike Rich, who also wrote Radio (good movie) renders his characters with love, care, and just a hint of self-knowing irony. They're kind, not dumb. And there's something downright touching about the whole thing; more than I think I've seen in any film in quite a while. There was quite a bit of sniffling in the theater at the climax of the film.

The Nativity Story excels in the small things, the small kindnesses of life which are often missed and even less often praised. I think it's one of the few times I've actually seen what I consider actual love in a film. Sure: Bond will do what he can to save the girl; but we know it's partially because she's hot, and he'll probably get lucky with her if she survives.

This is something altogether different and refreshing.

Unusually, I have no idea how my own beliefs colored my experience. Most likely, they changed something inside of me, which made me enjoy it a bit more. Perhaps this would be interesting for non-Christians, perhaps not: I don't know. It's certainly not fast-paced, and there are no explosions.

But boy, was Herod's beard a trip. :-)

I give it a thumbs-up.