Journey to Bethlehem

2023 Religious Movie

First off I want to thank my good friend Ben Glanzer for even putting this movie on my radar. He is a great local guy who is always there for our events when he can make it, and he always includes us in his chosen events as well. He also is really involved in his community and church. His dad use to drive us to Awana meetings when we were wee little lads. This last summer he invited us out for another special movie premiere by Celebrate church, and a firework show while he volunteered at the firework stand to help raise money for Connection Church’s kid program. He also hit Lifelight with us this year! Now on to the actual movie…

Hold on to your frankincense, folks, because "Journey to Bethlehem" isn't just another Sunday school story—it's a Christian cinema extravaganza that Disney could take a few notes from. "Journey to Bethlehem" is the biblical blockbuster we didn't know we needed. Directed by Adam Anders and penned by the trinity of Anders, Peter Barsocchini, and Chris Renaud, this flick is a divine blend of humor, harmony, and high production values, courtesy of Sony's Affirm Films.

Let's talk Wise Men. These guys are more than wise; they're the Three Stooges of Scripture. Especially our myrrh-obsessed friend, played by Omid Djalili. He's like a walking, talking Myrrh infomercial. If myrrh were a sports team, he'd be its number one fan, painting his face and tailgating in the desert.

And then there's the tall, dark, and mysterious Wise Man with a voice so captivating, voiced by Geno Segers, it's like he swallowed a bass guitar. He speaks, and suddenly, it feels like we should all be taking notes. His voice is so rich and unique, it's like chocolate fudge for the ears. I half-expected him to break into a movie trailer narration. "In a world where a star leads the way..." Seriously, this guy could read the phone book and make it sound like the gospel.

Our third Wise Man is there too, probably wondering if they should've just brought gift cards instead.

Fiona Palomo and Milo Manheim as Mary and Joseph bring an endearing, if slightly bewildered, charm to the holy couple, balancing the zany Wise Men with a touch of sweet sincerity. And let's not forget Antonio Banderas' King Herod, who chews scenery like it's going out of style.

The soundtrack? A holy hit parade! With tunes like "Come, O Come, Emmanuel" featuring Daniela Riveri, and the catchy "Mary’s Getting Married," this movie's got more bops than a Sunday school sing-along. And who could resist the toe-tapping, "Three Wise Guys," a number that'll have you dancing in your pew.

Real-life couple Moriah (Deborah) and Joel Smallbone (Antipater) bring a heartwarming authenticity to their roles, blending their off-screen chemistry into this biblical bash.

But let's talk ambition. Sony Pictures, after passing up "The Way" in 2010, wasn't about to let another spiritual sleeper slip away. "Journey to Bethlehem" might not be gunning for the box office crown, but it's a gem that sparkles with a mix of faith, fun, and festive flair.

In conclusion, "Journey to Bethlehem" is a Christmas miracle in its own right. It's a high-spirited, high-singing romp through the gospels that'll leave you feeling like you've just been to the best church service ever. So gather your flocks, folks, because this is one biblical journey worth taking!