I went to an early showing of The Nativity Story. It wasn't super early and I wasn't tired when I went in; but, on my way back, I felt compelled to stop by Starbucks. I definitely needed a little caffeine boost after that one.

A recap of this story is almost ridiculous. It starts with Zechariah (Stanley Townsend) receiving word that his wife Elizabeth (Shohreh Aghdashloo) will bear a child despite her age. Then we see Mary (Keisha Castle-Hughes) in her happy adolescence right before she weds Joseph (Oscar Isaacs) and receives the Annunciation. The story goes on from there from Joseph's initial reluctance to the travels of the Wise Men to Herrod's attempts to find the Messiah.

Catherine Hardwicke is a director known for her edgy teen drama Thirteen and the energetic skateboard flick Lords of Dogtown. Of course, there is no edginess in this Vatican-sanctioned version of the first part of The Greatest Story Ever Told. It also lacks energy and momentum.

The Nativity Story stays close to the Biblical text but it doesn't add any insights. It is a good looking movie though. After all, Hardwicke started as a production designer and there are some scenes that are beuatifully done, it just isn't enough. At one point, Mary asks Joseph if he's afraid. He says yes and she admits that she is too. But we don't see it. We don't see her fears or concerns. This is a teenager who has just entered a marriage that she didn't want and who has just been told that she, as a virgin, will give birth to the Messiah - the Son of God - that's been propeshied for centuries. There had to be more to her than "Sure, no problem."

I thought the growing trust and affection between Mary and Joseph was the most interesting aspect of the film. The Wise Men (Nadim Sawalha, Eriq Ebouaney, and Stefan Kalipha ) provided a few light moments. But seriously, I've seen more interesting retellings of the Nativity on A&E and The History Channel. Heck, I'd rather watch the claymation version of The Little Drummer Boy.

I think the best use of The Nativity Story will be in Catholic and Christian schools when the teachers need a movie to show around the holidays. It's a decent way to kill a few class periods but that's about it.