Antonio Banderas delivers a wonderfully over-the-top performance as King Herod in this entertaining, though ultimately unremarkable, Christmas story set before the Nativity. He dominates the kingdom of Judah, which is where three magi are traveling when they notice a bright star signaling an event of great significance. Simultaneously, Mary, who’s quite intelligent, finds herself resisting a marriage arranged without her input! Despite the circumstances, she eventually agrees and meets Joseph, who seems likeable enough. It isn't exactly love at first sight, but then one night she has a visit from someone else – something more heavenly – which results in an unexpected pregnancy. After sharing this news with her parents and her future husband, she understandably finds herself alone. I do wonder why Gabriel couldn’t have simply informed everyone directly? Regardless, Herod becomes increasingly suspicious of this prophesied miracle and employs the three kings and his son, Antipater, to locate and eliminate any potential rival. The fact that Christmas is still celebrated removes any real tension, so essentially it functions as a cheerful musical production utilizing two somewhat slow-paced performers to recount the story of Mary and Joseph’s first encounter. The songs are typical of the genre, featuring polished dance routines and sincere lyrics about affection and faithfulness (along with a lively number from Banderas concerning ultimate authority), before Melchior, played by Omid Djalili, attempts to clarify the purpose of myrrh. It's lengthy, cheesy, but delightful seasonal entertainment that I was rather taken aback to discover received a theatrical release in the UK. You probably won’t dislike it.

Source on TMDB